1.1 This guide provides personnel who have a limited microbiological background with an understanding of the symptoms, occurrence, and consequences of chronic microbial contamination. The guide also suggests means for detection and control of microbial contamination in fuels and fuel systems. This guide applies primarily to gasoline, aviation, boiler, industrial gas turbine, diesel, marine, furnace fuels and blend stocks (see Specifications D396, D910, D975, D1655, D2069, D2880, D3699, D4814, D6227, and D6751), and fuel systems. However, the principles discussed herein also apply generally to crude oil and all liquid petroleum fuels. ASTM Manual 472 provides a more detailed treatment of the concepts introduced in this guide; it also provides a compilation of all of the standards referenced herein that are not found in the Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Section Five on Petroleum Products and Lubricants.

1.2 This guide is not a compilation of all of the concepts and terminology used by microbiologists, but it does provide a general understanding of microbial fuel contamination.

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

1.4 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, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

1.5 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.