ASTM D6974-09

Biodeteriogenic microbes infecting fuel systems typically are most abundant within slime accumulations on system surfaces or at the fuel-water interface (Guide D 6469). However, it is often impractical to obtain samples from these locations within fuel systems. Although the numbers of viable bacteria and fungi recovered from fuel-phase samples are likely to be several orders of magnitude smaller than those found in water-phase samples, fuel-phase organisms are often the most readily available indicators of fuel and fuel system microbial contamination.

Growth Medium Selectivity—Guide E 1326 discusses the limitations of growth medium selection. Any medium selected will favor colony formation by some species and suppress colony formation by others. As noted in 6.3, physical, chemical and physiological variables can affect viable cell enumeration test results. Test Method D 7463 provides a non-culture means of quantifying microbial biomass in fuels and fuel associated water.

Since a wide range of sample sizes, or dilutions thereof, can be analyzed by the membrane filter technique (Test Methods D 5259 and F 1094), the test sensitivity can be adjusted for the population density expected in the sample.

Enumeration data should be used as part of diagnostic efforts or routine condition monitoring programs. Enumeration data should not be used as fuel quality criteria.

1.1 This practice covers a membrane filter (MF) procedure for the detection and enumeration of Heterotrophic bacteria (HPC) and fungi in liquid fuels with kinematic viscosities ≤24 mm² · s^-1 at ambient temperature.

1.2 This quantitative practice is drawn largely from IP Method 385 and Test Method D 5259.

1.3 This test may be performed either in the field or in the laboratory.

1.4 The ability of individual microbes to form colonies on specific growth media depends on the taxonomy and physiological state of the microbes to be enumerated, the chemistry of the growth medium, and incubation conditions. Consequently, test results should not be interpreted as absolute values. Rather they should be used as part of a diagnostic or condition monitoring effort that includes other test parameters, in accordance with Guide D 6469.

1.5 This practice offers alternative options for delivering fuel sample microbes to the filter membrane, volumes or dilutions filtered, growth media used to cultivate fuel-borne microbes, and incubation temperatures. This flexibility is offered to facilitate diagnostic efforts. When this practice is used as part of a condition monitoring program, a single procedure should be used consistently.

1.6 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.

1.7 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.