Final answer:
Anaerobic bacterial corrosion is characterized by conditions that lead to the production of compounds such as hydrogen sulfide that cause rapid corrosion of metals. This type of corrosion can occur in environments devoid of oxygen and is associated with significant material damage such as large pits and cracks.
Step-by-step explanation:
Corrosion caused by anaerobic bacteria occurs when these organisms create conditions that expedite the breakdown of metals, often without the presence of oxygen. These bacteria, such as sulfate-reducing bacteria, produce hydrogen sulfide, which can lead to the rapid corrosion of metals. Unlike aerobic corrosion, which typically requires oxygen, anaerobic bacterial corrosion is characterized by the production of aggressive compounds like hydrogen sulfide, leading to corrosive damage under anaerobic conditions. An example is the corrosion found deep in soil and sediments, or within the digestive tracts of animals, where strict anaerobes such as methanogens can thrive by reducing substances like carbon dioxide or sulfates instead of oxygen. These processes often lead to the formation of large pits and cracks in the material, causing structural weakness and failure without significant external signs of deterioration.