What Does
Abiotic Mean?
An abiotic is a physical and non-living factor. This can include chemicals or parts of the ecosystem. Abiotics serve as components of degradation and corrosion by physical and chemical processes such as in hydrolysis.
Abiotics are also known as abiotic factors.
Corrosionpedia Explains Abiotic
The term abiotic can be defined as any non-living factor that can affect the ecosystem. This includes:
- Light
- Soil
- Humidity
- Temperature
- Atmosphere
In sub-terrestrial settings or marine environments, sound waves and pressure may also be considered abiotics.
The abiotic factors mentioned above along with others such as nitrite, nitrate, sulfate, chloride, bicarbonate and calcium, with or without the presence of oxygen, can be found in water, which can lead to corrosion. Such factors are believed to accelerate corrosion in water.
Drinking water systems can become contaminated with corrosion products like lead or by microbial-induced corrosion. This can make the water unsafe for human consumption. Thus, abiotic factors should be taken into consideration when designing and monitoring water pipelines and tanks. The effects of water corrosion can be hastened by abiotic factors, making it crucial to perform accurate monitoring and treatment.
The effects of abiotics applies not only to drinking water systems, but to any structure or component, since corrosion can affect anything in the environment.