Earlier this month, ICorr was proudly represented by Dr Tony Rizk at the P&SC session on “How microbes are a crucially overlooked part of environmental and biodiversity legislation.” The event brought together scientists, engineers, academics, and policymakers to explore the vital role microbial systems play across industry.
Microbial communities underpin critical processes in energy, agriculture, water treatment, marine and freshwater ecosystems, and the pulp and paper sector. In oil and gas, certain groups are linked to MIC and reservoir souring, while others offer promising routes for bioremediation, selective anti-souring, and potentially MEOR.
A key takeaway: future legislation must better recognise, monitor, and integrate microbial ecosystems, acknowledging both the risks and the opportunities they present.
The session also called for more environmentally responsible industrial practices that work with microbial diversity, rather than disrupt it, to support long-term operational resilience and modern, science-based regulation.
ICorr remains committed to supporting evidence-driven policy and advancing sustainable, technically robust practices across the corrosion and materials sectors.
Dr. Tony Rizk (ICorr) and Mr. Roger Casale (Parliamentary and Scientific Committee) photographed at the Palace of Westminster.