AFRAMOMUM MELEGUETA EXTRACT AS A GREEN BIOCIDE FOR THE INHIBITION OF MILD STEEL CORROSION BY DESULFOVIBRIO SPECIES

Seeds extract of Aframomum melegueta were assessed for anticorrosion and antimicrobial activities. The study as performed with mild steel coupons of dimension 2cm x 2cm x 0.14 cm. The phytochemical analysis of A. melegueta revealed that the extract is rich in bioactive compounds, including terpenes, ketones, and fatty acids. Anticorrosion effect of the extract was studied using gravimetric techniques, while the antibacterial activity against the corrosion associated Desulfovibrio sp was assessed by agar disc diffusion methods. Results revealed that the corrosion of the mild steel was inhibited by adsorption of the extract organic matter on the surface of the metal. The result further showed that the weight loss (∆W) and the corrosion rate (CR) of the metal increased with time. The CR decreased from 0.009 mpy in the absence of the extract to 0.001 mpy in the presence of the extract. The study shows a dual mechanism of action, where the antimicrobial compounds in the extract inhibit the growth and metabolic activities of Desulfovibrio sp, reducing the production of corrosive metabolites, while simultaneously forming a protective film or exhibiting antioxidant properties on the copper surface, directly inhibiting the corrosion process. These findings suggest that while A. melegueta extract offers promising corrosion inhibition properties, its effectiveness might be challenged by the presence of Desulfovibrio . Further research is needed to optimize the extract's concentration and application method to achieve more consistent protection, particularly in bio-corrosive environments.