Understanding the terminology used in LifeCheckTM ATP testing and microbiological diagnostics is essential for accurate data interpretation and decision-making. Below is a comprehensive list of key terms to help you navigate the testing process with confidence.
ATP Testing and Microbial Terminology
- 16S: A universal RNA gene used as a molecular fingerprint for microbial identification and MIC diagnostics. It can be used to identify the microbe(s) down to the genus level. (see NGS)
- Acid Producing Bacteria (APB): Microorganisms that produce organic acids during metabolism, leading to metal surface corrosion.
- Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP): The molecule that stores and transfers energy in all living cells.
- Archaea: A domain of microorganisms distinct from bacteria, often found in extreme environments (e.g., high salinity, acidity, or temperature).
- Bacteria: Single cell, microscopic organisms. Bacteria are found everywhere (capable of living under a wide range of habitats including extreme environments).
- Biocide: A chemical agent used to eliminate or inhibit microbial growth, often evaluated with ATP tests.
- Biofilm: A structured community of microbial cells attached to surfaces, typically surrounded by a protective matrix. Biofilms are often linked to corrosion and equipment damage.
- Biofouling: The accumulation of microbial organisms on equipment or surfaces, often leading to plugging, increased injection pressure, or damage.
- Gene: a functional DNA unit that encodes proteins, providing specific functions to microbes (e.g., dsrAB for sulfate reduction)
- Iron Reducing Bacteria (IRB): Microorganisms that reduce ferric ions (Fe³⁺) to ferrous ions (Fe²⁺), contributing to corrosion by degrading protective oxide layers on metal surfaces.
- Next Generation Sequencing (NGS): A sequencing approach to identify all microbes in a sample and their relative abundances.(see 16S)
- Methanogens: Anaerobic archaea that produce methane during metabolism. Can lead to MIC by removing electrons directly from steel surfaces or indirectly through interactions with other microbes.
- micH Methanogens: A biomarker found in some methanogens that is associated with severe cases of MIC. The micH gene encodes a nickel-iron hydrogenase that accelerates iron corrosion. Found primarily in biofilms (sessile deposits), but more recently in planktonic environments too.
- Microbe: A unifying term used to describe bacteria and archaea (microscopic, unicellular organisms).
- MIC (Microbiologically Influenced Corrosion): Corrosion caused or accelerated by microbial activity, often linked to biofilm formation.
- Nitrate Reducing Bacteria (NRB): Microorganisms that reduce nitrate to nitrite, inhibiting SRB growth but potentially contributing to nitrite-driven corrosion
- Planktonic Microbes: Free-floating microorganisms found in liquids.
- qPCR (Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction): A molecular method for identifying and quantifying specific microbial DNA in a sample.
- qPCR Controls: Internal DNA controls are used to ensure accurate and precise qPCR quantification.
- Sample Matrix: The physical and chemical makeup of a sample that may influence ATP testing (e.g., water, oil, or solids).
- Sessile Microbes: Microorganisms that adhere to surfaces and form biofilms.
- Sulfur Oxidizing Bacteria (SOB): Often considered a beneficial group of microbes as they function to remove sulfide (H2S) from a system and are stimulated (used) in nitrate injection strategies for souring control. Recent research has indicated select SOB species can cause MIC by oxidizing sulfide to sulfuric acid (H2SO4).
- Sulfur Reducing Archaea (SRA): Archaea that reduce sulfate (SO42-) to sulfide (H2S), contributing to system souring and MIC.
- Sulfate Reducing Bacteria (SRB): Microorganisms that reduce sulfate (SO42-) to sulfide (H2S), causing system souring and contributing to MIC. SRB can also cause MIC by directly removing electrons from steel surfaces, and indirectly by producing corrosive by-products such as sulfide which react with iron to produce iron sulfide (FeS) deposits.
- micC SRB: a biomarker found in some sulfate reducing bacteria (SRB) associated with severe cases of MIC. The micC gene encodes a subunit of a multi-heme c-type cytochrome proposed to play a role in MIC mechanisms involving direct external electron transfer between SRB and metal surfaces.
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