ASTM D7463-08

This test method measures the concentration of ATP present in the sample. ATP is a constituent of all living cells including bacteria and fungi. Consequently, the presence of ATP is a reliable indicator of microbial contamination in fuel systems. ATP is not associated with matter of non-biological origin.

This test method differs from Test Method D 4012 as follows:

By providing for the rapid determination of ATP present in a fuel (petroleum) sample, a fuel and water mixture sample, fuel-associated bottom water sample and extracellular ATP freely available in the fuel or aqueous sample matrix;

By providing for a method to capture, extract and quantify ATP using self-contained test device and luminometer;

By providing a method of quantifying ATP present in fuel or water matrices in generally less than 10 min; and

By providing for the rapid separation of the ATP from chemical interferences that have previously prevented the use of ATP determinations in complex fluids containing hydrocarbons and other organic molecules.

This test method does not require the use of hazardous materials and does not generate biohazard waste.

This test method can be used to estimate viable microbial biomass, to evaluate the efficacy of antimicrobial pesticides, and to monitor microbial contamination in fuel storage and distribution systems.

1.1 This test method provides a protocol for capturing, extracting and quantifying the adenosine triphosphate (ATP) content associated with:

1.1.1 Microorganisms found in conventional liquid fuels with kinematic viscosities (at 40°C) of ≤ 8 mm² · s^–1 as described in Table X6.1,

1.1.2 Microorganisms found in fuel-associated bottom water, and

1.1.3 Extracellular (non-cellular) ATP present in the sample matrix.

1.2 The ATP is measured using a patented bioluminescence enzyme assay, whereby light is generated in amounts proportional to the concentration of ATP in the sample. The light is produced and measured quantitatively using dedicated ATP test pens and a dedicated luminometer and reported in (instrument specific) Relative Light Units.

1.3 This test method is equally suitable for use in the laboratory or field.

1.4 Although bioluminescence is a reliable and proven method for qualifying and quantifying ATP, this method does not differentiate between ATP from different sources, for example, from different types of microorganism such as bacteria or fungi.

1.5 For water or capture solution samples, the concentration range of ATP detectable by this test method is 1 × 10^–11 M to 3 × 10^–8 M which is equivalent to 1 × 10^–14 moles/mL to 3 × 10^–11 moles/mL for water samples or capture solution. Assuming testing on fuel phase is performed on a 500 mL volume of fuel the equivalent concentrations is fuel would be: 6 × 10^–11 M to 2 × 10^–14 M.

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.