ASTM D932-85(2002)

Standard Test Method for Iron Bacteria in Water and Water-Formed Deposits

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
Iron bacteria is a general classification for microorganisms that utilize ferrous iron as a source of energy and are characterized by the deposition of ferric hydroxide in their mucilaginous sheaths. The process is continuous with these growths, and over a period of time large accumulations of slimey brown deposits can occur. Iron bacteria may clog water lines, reduce heat transfer, and cause staining; objectionable odors may arise following death of the bacteria. The organic matter in the water is consequently increased, and this in turn favors the multiplication of other bacteria.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers the determination of iron bacteria by examination under the microscope. The method provides for the identification of the following genera of bacteria found in water and water-formed deposits: Siderocapsa, Gallionella (Dioymohelix), Sphaerotilus, Crenothrix, Leptothrix, and  Clonothrix.
1.2 This standard does not purport to address 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.

General Information

• Status: Historical
• Publication Date: 29-Aug-1985
• ICS: 13.060.50 - Examination of water for chemical substances
• Technical Committee: D19 - Water
• Drafting Committee: D19.24 - Water Microbiology

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM D932-85(1997) - Standard Test Method for Iron Bacteria in Water and Water-Formed Deposits
• Effective Date: 30-Aug-1985
• Replaced By: ASTM D932-85(2009) - Standard Test Method for Iron Bacteria in Water and Water-Formed Deposits
• Effective Date: 01-May-2009
• Referred By: ASTM D4025-18 - Standard Practice for Reporting Results of Examination and Analysis of Deposits Formed from Water for Subsurface Injection
• Effective Date: 30-Aug-1985
• Referred By: ASTM C1840/C1840M-22 - Standard Practice for Inspection and Acceptance of Installed Reinforced Concrete Culvert, Storm Drain, and Storm Sewer Pipe
• Effective Date: 30-Aug-1985
• Referred By: ASTM D2331-08(2022) - Standard Practices for Preparation and Preliminary Testing of Water-Formed Deposits
• Effective Date: 30-Aug-1985

Standards Content (Sample)

NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information
Designation: D 932 – 85 (Reapproved 2002)
Standard Test Method for
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Iron Bacteria in Water and Water-Formed Deposits
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D 932; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope 5. Significance and Use
1.1 This test method covers the determination of iron 5.1 Iron bacteria is a general classification for microorgan-
bacteria by examination under the microscope. The method isms that utilize ferrous iron as a source of energy and are
provides for the identification of the following genera of characterized by the deposition of ferric hydroxide in their
bacteria found in water and water-formed deposits: Sidero- mucilaginous sheaths. The process is continuous with these
capsa, Gallionella (Dioymohelix), Sphaerotilus, Crenothrix, growths, and over a period of time large accumulations of
Leptothrix, and Clonothrix. slimey brown deposits can occur. Iron bacteria may clog water
1.2 This standard does not purport to address the safety lines, reduce heat transfer, and cause staining; objectionable
concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility odors may arise following death of the bacteria. The organic
of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and matter in the water is consequently increased, and this in turn
health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory favors the multiplication of other bacteria.
limitations prior to use.
6. Apparatus
2. Referenced Documents
6.1 Centrifuge, complete with conical tubes.
2.1 ASTM Standards: 6.2 Microscope that provides a magnification of 400 to
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D 887 Practices for Sampling Water-Formed Deposits 10003 and is complete with a suitable light source. A
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D 1129 Terminology Relating to Water dark-field condenser is desirable.
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D 1193 Specification for Reagent Water 6.3 Pipets, Mohr-type, 10-mL, with an opening 3 to 4 mm
D 3370 Practices for Sampling Water from Closed Con- in diameter, for thick samples, and 1-mL Mohr-type pipets for
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duits thin samples.
6.4 Spatula, small and narrow, for handling thick samples.
3. Terminology
6.5 Membrane Filter, with appropriate filter-holding assem-
3.1 Definitions—For definitions of terms used in this test
bly (see 9.2).
method, refer to Terminology D 1129.
7. Reagents
4. Summary of Test Method
7.1 Purity of Reagents—Reagent grade chemicals shall be
4.1 The iron bacteria are generally filamentous, typically used in all tests. Unless otherwise indicated, it is intended that
found in fresh water, and frequently surrounded by a sheath
all reagents shall conform to the specifications of the Commit-
which is usually encrusted with iron or manganese, or both (1, tee onAnalytical Reagents of theAmerican Chemical Society,
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2). However, Starkey (3) reports another type which is classi-
where such specifications are available. Other grades may be
fied among the true bacteria. Detection and identification is used, provided it is first ascertained that the reagent is of
accomplished by microscopical examination of sediment from
sufficiently high purity to permit its use without lessening the
the sample. Table 1 and Figs. 1-10 (3) may be used to accuracy of the determination.
differentiate the various types. This test method provides an
7.2 Purity of Water— Unless otherwise indicated, refer-
indication of the density of the iron bacteria and the severity of ences to water shall be understood to mean reagent water
the clogging problem in pipes caused by these bacteria.
conforming to Specification D 1193, Type II.
7.3 Ammonium Oxalate-Crystal Violet Solution—Prepare
1 Hucker’s modification of the Gram stain (4) by mixing a
This test method is under the jurisdiction ofASTM Committee D-19 on Water
and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D19.24 on Water Microbiology.
Current edition approved Aug. 30, 1985. Published October 1985. Originally
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published as D 932 – 47 T. Last previous edition D 932 – 72 (1984)e . “Reagent Chemicals,American Chemical Society Specifications,”Am. Chemi-
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Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 11.02. cal Soc., Washington, DC. For suggestions on the testing of reagents not listed by
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Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 11.01. theAmerican Chemical Society, see “Reagent Chemicals and Standards,” by Joseph
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The boldface numbers in parentheses refer to the list of references at the end of Rosin, D. Van Nostrand Co., Inc., New York, NY, and the “United States
this test method. Pharmacopeia.”
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