Trends of Co and Mn leaching from slag mortars

Abstract

Various corrosive agents affect and deteriorate the concrete whereas a release of major components as well as trace elements including heavy metals occurs. Microorganisms tend to colonize solid surfaces in natural environment by forming biofilm as a protective layer, and reducing that the exposure of the solid surface to the external environment. However, biofilm formation could also result in localized corrosion and deterioration of the substratum materials, such as mortars and concrete. Bio corrosion contributes significantly to a deterioration of the concrete structure. The paper aims at investigation of leaching the selected trace metals (cobalt and manganese), from cement mortars of different compositions, during a 180-day bacterial exposure.