ASTM E875-20

Standard Practice for Evaluation of Fungal Control Agents as Preservatives for Aqueous-Based Products Used in the Paper Industry

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 This practice should be used to determine if a fungal control agent is effective to preserve pigment suspensions, dye solutions, pulp slurries, starch solutions, polymers, sizing agents, latex emulsions, and other specific aqueous-based materials used in the paper industry. Separate evaluations should be made on a representative type for each specific class of product to be preserved.  
Note 1: Control of bacterial spoilage of similar products can be evaluated by Test Method E723.
Note 2: Slimicides for control of fungal or bacterial slime can be evaluated by Test Method E1839.
SCOPE
1.1 This laboratory practice is used to determine the efficacy of a fungal control agent to prevent spoilage of in-process aqueous-based products used in the paper industry.  
1.2 For information on bacterial control agents, see Test Method E723.  
1.3 It is the responsibility of the investigator to determine whether good laboratory practices (GLP) are required and to follow them when appropriate (see 40 CFR 160).  
1.4 A knowledge of microbiological techniques is required for these procedures.  
1.5 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.  
1.6 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.  
1.7 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.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 30-Sep-2020
• ICS: 85.020 - Paper production processes
• Technical Committee: E35 - Pesticides, Antimicrobials, and Alternative Control Agents
• Drafting Committee: E35.15 - Antimicrobial Agents

Relations

• Refers: ASTM E1839-20 - Standard Practice for Efficacy of Slimicides for the Paper Industry—Bacterial and Fungal Slime
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2020
• Refers: ASTM E2756-19 - Standard Terminology Relating to Antimicrobial and Antiviral Agents
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2019
• Refers: ASTM E723-13(2019) - Standard Practice for Evaluation of Antimicrobials as Preservatives for Aqueous-Based Products Used in the Paper Industry (Bacterial Spoilage)
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2019
• Refers: ASTM E2756-18 - Standard Terminology Relating to Antimicrobial and Antiviral Agents
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2018
• Refers: ASTM E723-13 - Standard Practice for Evaluation of Antimicrobials as Preservatives for Aqueous-Based Products Used in the Paper Industry (Bacterial Spoilage)
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2013
• Refers: ASTM E1839-13 - Standard Test Method for Efficacy of Slimicides for the Paper Industry—Bacterial and Fungal Slime
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2013
• Refers: ASTM E2756-10 - Standard Terminology Relating to Antimicrobial and Antiviral Agents
• Effective Date: 01-May-2010
• Refers: ASTM E1839-07 - Standard Test Method for Efficacy of Slimicides for the Paper Industry—Bacterial and Fungal Slime
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2007
• Refers: ASTM E723-07 - Standard Test Method for Efficacy of Antimicrobials as Preservatives for Aqueous-Based Products Used in the Paper Industry (Bacterial Spoilage)
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2007
• Refers: ASTM D1193-06 - Standard Specification for Reagent Water
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2006
• Refers: ASTM E1839-96(2002) - Standard Test Method for Efficacy of Slimicides for the Paper Industry--Bacterial and Fungal Slime
• Effective Date: 10-Oct-2002
• Refers: ASTM E1839-96(2001) - Standard Test Method for Efficacy of Slimicides for the Paper Industry--Bacterial and Fungal Slime
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2001
• Refers: ASTM E1839-96 - Standard Test Method for Efficacy of Slimicides for the Paper Industry--Bacterial and Fungal Slime
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2001
• Refers: ASTM D1193-99 - Standard Specification for Reagent Water
• Effective Date: 10-Feb-1999
• Refers: ASTM D1193-99e1 - Standard Specification for Reagent Water
• Effective Date: 10-Feb-1999

Overview

ASTM E875-20, "Standard Practice for Evaluation of Fungal Control Agents as Preservatives for Aqueous-Based Products Used in the Paper Industry," is a key ASTM standard developed for ensuring the efficacy of fungal control agents (preservatives) in preventing spoilage during the paper manufacturing process. This practice is designed to help determine whether chemical agents effectively preserve various aqueous-based products-such as pigment suspensions, dye solutions, pulp slurries, starch solutions, polymers, sizing agents, and latex emulsions-by inhibiting the growth of fungi and fungal spores.

Key Topics

• Scope and Purpose

  • Focuses on laboratory procedures to assess the effectiveness of chemical agents in controlling fungal contamination in process fluids and intermediate products vital to paper production.
  • Addresses only fungal, not bacterial, spoilage. For bacterial spoilage, ASTM E723 applies.

• Definitions

  • Fungal Control Agent: A biocidal or biostatic compound that either kills or inhibits fungal growth and spore germination.
  • Preservative: Any chemical added to reduce or prevent microbial spoilage.

• Testing Approach

  • Test specimens are inoculated with fungal cultures or isolates.
  • Preservatives are added at defined concentrations.
  • Efficacy is measured by visible signs of deterioration, microbial counts, and changes in key properties (pH, color, odor, viscosity) compared to untreated controls.

• Good Laboratory Practice (GLP)

  • Users are responsible for ensuring compliance with relevant laboratory standards and regulations, such as 40 CFR 160.

• Laboratory Techniques

  • Requires knowledge of microbiological procedures for sample handling, inoculation, incubation, and analysis.
  • Uses standard analytical equipment, sterile techniques, and specific culture media.

Applications

ASTM E875-20 is primarily used by manufacturers, suppliers, and laboratories involved in the paper industry to:

• Support Quality and Shelf Stability

  • Validate that fungal control agents are effective in specific classes of in-process aqueous products.
  • Minimize spoilage during production, transport, and storage, ensuring consistent product quality.

• Product Development and Regulatory Compliance

  • Evaluate and document the performance of new or existing preservatives.
  • Support claims for product effectiveness in meeting regulatory and customer requirements.

• Troubleshooting and Process Optimization

  • Identify appropriate preservative types and optimal concentrations for given substrates.
  • Address spoilage issues by targeted testing of problem products or production batches.

• Extending Product Lifespan

  • Reduce product waste and costly downtime associated with fungal contamination.

Related Standards

When working with fungal or bacterial preservation in the paper industry, the following ASTM standards and references are relevant:

• ASTM E723 – Practice for Evaluation of Antimicrobials as Preservatives for Aqueous-Based Products Used in the Paper Industry (specific to bacterial spoilage).
• ASTM E1839 – Practice for Efficacy of Slimicides for the Paper Industry (covers both fungal and bacterial slime).
• ASTM E2756 – Terminology Relating to Antimicrobial and Antiviral Agents.
• ASTM D1193 – Specification for Reagent Water (used for test solution preparation).
• 40 CFR 160 – Good Laboratory Practice Standards.

Practical Value

Implementing ASTM E875-20 ensures reliable and standardized evaluation of fungal preservatives, promoting safe and efficient paper production. Using this standard increases confidence in microbial control strategies, helps comply with regulatory expectations, and enhances product performance-critical factors in today’s competitive paper industry.

Keywords: ASTM E875-20, fungal control agent, paper industry, preservative, aqueous-based products, spoilage prevention, antimicrobial efficacy, quality assurance, laboratory testing.

Standards Content (Sample)

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.
Designation: E875 − 20
Standard Practice for
Evaluation of Fungal Control Agents as Preservatives for
Aqueous-Based Products Used in the Paper Industry
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E875; 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 (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope* Industry (Bacterial Spoilage)
E1839 Practice for Efficacy of Slimicides for the Paper
1.1 Thislaboratorypracticeisusedtodeterminetheefficacy
Industry—Bacterial and Fungal Slime
of a fungal control agent to prevent spoilage of in-process
E2756 Terminology Relating to Antimicrobial and Antiviral
aqueous-based products used in the paper industry.
Agents
1.2 For information on bacterial control agents, see Test
2.2 Federal Standard:
Method E723. 3
40 CFR 160 Good Laboratory Practice Standards
1.3 It is the responsibility of the investigator to determine
3. Terminology
whether good laboratory practices (GLP) are required and to
follow them when appropriate (see 40 CFR 160).
3.1 For definitions of terms used in this practice refer to
Terminology E2756.
1.4 A knowledge of microbiological techniques is required
for these procedures.
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.2.1 fungal control agent, n—an agent that either kills or
1.5 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as
prevents growth of fungi and either kills or prevents the
standard. No other units of measurement are included in this
germination of fungal spores.
standard.
3.2.1.1 Discussion—This term is applied to chemical bio-
1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the
cidal or biostatic agents.
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
3.2.2 preservative, n—chemical agent(s) added to a product
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
to reduce or prevent microbial growth.
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
4. Summary of Practice
1.7 This international standard was developed in accor-
4.1 Aqueous material to be preserved is inoculated with an
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
appropriate fungal innoculum followed by addition of a con-
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
centration of fungal control agent that will kill the fungi or
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
prevent their growth for a desired period of time, or both. In
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
addition, the agent will also prevent fungal spore germination.
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Fungalgrowthisdeterminedbyvisiblesignsofdeteriorationin
2. Referenced Documents the test sample, and by obtaining fungal numbers and compar-
2 ing them to a sample without any fungal control agent. The
2.1 ASTM Standards:
properleveloffungalcontrolagentisonethatpreventsproduct
D1193 Specification for Reagent Water
deterioration and reduces and keeps the organisms to an
E723 Practice for Evaluation of Antimicrobials as Preserva-
acceptable level in the test material, as determined by the tester
tives for Aqueous-Based Products Used in the Paper
or user.
5. Significance and Use
This practice is under the jurisdiction ofASTM Committee E35 on Pesticides,
Antimicrobials, and Alternative Control Agents and is the direct responsibility of
5.1 This practice should be used to determine if a fungal
Subcommittee E35.15 on Antimicrobial Agents.
control agent is effective to preserve pigment suspensions, dye
Current edition approved Oct. 1, 2020. Published October 2020. Originally
solutions, pulp slurries, starch solutions, polymers, sizing
approved in 1982. Last previous edition approved in 2015 as E875 – 15. DOI:
10.1520/E0875–20
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM AvailablefromU.S.GovernmentPrintingOfficeSuperintendentofDocuments,
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on 732 N. Capitol St., NW, Mail Stop: SDE, Washington, DC 20401, http://
the ASTM website. www.access.gpo.gov.
*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
E875 − 20
agents, latex emulsions, and other specific aqueous-based 7.3 Test Materials—Freshly prepared pigment slurries,
materials used in the paper industry. Separate evaluations adhesives, dye rosin, polymer, sizing solutions, and other
should be made on a representative type for each specific class classes of aqueous-based materials to be preserved should be
of product to be preserved. used as the substrate.
7.4 Culture Medium—Dehydrated Sabouraud’s Agar (malt-
NOTE 1—Control of bacterial spoilage of similar products can be
evaluated by Test Method E723.
ose or dextrose) is recommended for fungi. A more selective
NOTE 2—Slimicides for control of fungal or bacterial slime can be
medium may be used provided it is used in addition to
evaluated by Test Method E1839.
Sabouraud. Results should indicate the data obtained with each
medium.
6. Apparatus
7.4.1 Spore Suspending Medium and Container—Milk dilu-
6.1 Two Balances— One should be sensitive to 0.1 g at a
tion bottles containing 100 mL Butterfield Buffer with solid
load of 200 g with a platform to accommodate bottles being
glass beads, for preparing sterile spore suspensions.
used in the test. The second balance (analytical) should be
7.4.2 Culture Media, slants of the selected agar.
sensitive to 0.1 mg and used for weighing test chemicals.
8. Test Organisms
6.2 Clean Sample Containers, Containers (120 mL) with
8.1 The test organisms selected may vary with the purpose
screw- cap lids are ideal for test aliquots. Other suitable
of the test. If evaluating the basic effectiveness of a fungal
containers include milk dilution bottle, 4 oz glass bottles, or
control agent, the use of standard fungal cultures is recom-
sterile sampling bags.
mended (see 8.2). If attempting to qualify a fungal control
6.3 Flaming Equipment—An alcohol lamp, bunsen burner,
agent for a particularly difficult, or highly specific preservation
orelectricdevicemaybeusedtoflameinoculatingneedlesand
application,theuseoffungalspoiledproductorselectedfungal
other equipment.
organisms isolated from the problem system, or similar
6.4 Incubators—Incubators that control the temperature of
systems, may be appropriate (see 8.3 and 8.4).
the test 6 2°C. Temperatures for test should be temperature at
8.2 Standard fungal cultures suitable for this procedure
which the product will be stored.
include the following:
6.5 Petri Dishes, 100 by 15-mm, plastic or borosilicate 8.2.1 Aspergillus niger: ATCC 6275.
glass, sterile.
8.2.2 Penicillium pinophalum: ATCC 9644.
8.2.3 Trichoderma virens: ATCC 9645.
6.6 pH Measurement—Any pH meter is suitable to stan-
8.2.4 Candida albicans: ATCC 10231.
dardize the pH of the culture medium or to determine pH of
8.2.5 Saccharomyces cerevisiae: ATCC 4111.
samples. Nonbleeding test strips may be used for determining
pH of test aliquots.
8.3 To verify that a spoiled sample contains fungal
organisms,thespoiledsampleshouldbestreakedontoplatesof
6.7 Pipets—1.0-mLgraduatedin0.01mLand10-mLgradu-
Sabouraud Maltose Agar (or other media selected). When
atedin0.1mL.Serologicalpipetsshouldnotbeusedforhighly
fungal contamination is verified, if sample is large enough, it
viscous materials. Automatic pipettors may be used.
may be us
...

This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation: E875 − 15 E875 − 20
Standard Practice for
Evaluation of Fungal Control Agents as Preservatives for
Aqueous-Based Products Used in the Paper Industry
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E875; 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 (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope Scope*
1.1 This laboratory practice is used to determine the efficacy of a fungal control agent to prevent spoilage of in-process
aqueous-based products used in the paper industry.
1.2 For information on bacterial control agents, see Test Method E723.
1.3 It is the responsibility of the investigator to determine whether good laboratory practices (GLP) are required and to follow
them when appropriate (see 40 CFR 160).
1.4 A knowledge of microbiological techniques is required for these procedures.
1.5 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.
1.6 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 safety, health, and healthenvironmental practices and determine the
applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.7 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.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
D1193 Specification for Reagent Water
E723 Practice for Evaluation of Antimicrobials as Preservatives for Aqueous-Based Products Used in the Paper Industry
(Bacterial Spoilage)
E1839 Practice for Efficacy of Slimicides for the Paper Industry—Bacterial and Fungal Slime
E2756 Terminology Relating to Antimicrobial and Antiviral Agents
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E35 on Pesticides, Antimicrobials, and Alternative Control Agents and is the direct responsibility of
Subcommittee E35.15 on Antimicrobial Agents.
Current edition approved May 1, 2015Oct. 1, 2020. Published July 2015October 2020. Originally approved in 1982. Last previous edition approved in 20102015 as
E875 – 10.E875 – 15. DOI: 10.1520/E0875–15.10.1520/E0875–20
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
E875 − 20
2.2 Federal Standard:
40 CFR 160 Good Laboratory Practice Standards
3. Terminology
3.1 For definitions of terms used in this practice refer to Terminology E2756.
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.2.1 fungal control agent, n—an agent that either kills or prevents growth of fungi and either kills or prevents the germination
of fungal spores. This term is applied to chemical biocidal or biostatic agents.
3.2.1.1 Discussion—
This term is applied to chemical biocidal or biostatic agents.
3.2.2 preservative, n—chemical agent used to prevent microbial spoilage of products due to microbial agent(s) added to a product
to reduce or prevent microbial growth.
4. Summary of Practice
4.1 Aqueous material to be preserved is inoculated with an appropriate fungal innoculum followed by addition of a concentration
of fungal control agent that will kill the fungi or prevent their growth for a desired period of time, or both. In addition, the agent
will also prevent fungal spore germination. Fungal growth is determined by visible signs of deterioration in the test sample, and
by obtaining fungal numbers and comparing them to a sample without any fungal control agent. The proper level of fungal control
agent is one that prevents product deterioration and reduces and keeps the organisms to an acceptable level in the test material,
as determined by the tester or user.
5. Significance and Use
5.1 This practice should be used to determine if a fungal control agent is effective to preserve pigment suspensions, dye solutions,
pulp slurries, starch solutions, polymers, sizing agents, latex emulsions, and other specific aqueous-based materials used in the
paper industry. Separate evaluations should be made on a representative type for each specific class of product to be preserved.
NOTE 1—Control of bacterial spoilage of similar products can be evaluated by Test Method E723.
NOTE 2—Slimicides for control of fungal or bacterial slime can be evaluated by Test Method E1839.
6. Apparatus
6.1 Two Balances— One should be sensitive to 0.1 g at a load of 200 g with a platform to accommodate bottles being used in the
test. The second balance (analytical) should be sensitive to 0.1 mg and used for weighing test chemicals.
6.2 Clean Sample Containers, Containers (120 mL) with screw- cap lids are ideal for test aliquots. Other suitable containers
include milk dilution bottle, 4 oz glass bottles, or sterile sampling bags.
6.3 Flaming Equipment—An alcohol lamp, bunsen burner, or electric device may be used to flame inoculating needles and other
equipment.
6.4 Incubators—Incubators that control the temperature of the test 6 2°C. Temperatures for test should be temperature at which
the product will be stored.
6.5 Petri Dishes, 100 by 15-mm, plastic or borosilicate glass, sterile.
6.6 pH Measurement—Any pH meter is suitable to standardize the pH of the culture medium or to determine pH of samples.
Nonbleeding test strips may be used for determining pH of test aliquots.
Available from U.S. Government Printing Office Superintendent of Documents, 732 N. Capitol St., NW, Mail Stop: SDE, Washington, DC 20401, http://
www.access.gpo.gov.
E875 − 20
6.7 Pipets—1.0-mL graduated in 0.01 mL and 10-mL graduated in 0.1 mL. Serological pipets should not be used for highly viscous
materials. Automatic pipettors may be used.
6.8 Pipetting Aid—rubber bulb or other device to eliminate mouth pipetting.
6.9 Sterilizers—pressurized steam sterilizer (121°C at 15 psi) or hot air oven capable of reaching 180 6 2°C for 2 6 0.2h.
6.10 Swabs—Sterile swabs (cotton or other appropriate fabric type) for aiding in removal of fungal spores from slants.
6.11 Sterile Funnel—Funnel with sterile glass wool for filtration of spore suspension.
6.12 Sterile Glass Beads—Glass beads (3-5 mm).
6.13 Tubes—Tubes for preparation of slanted media.
6.14 Milk Dilution Bottles, (100 mL).
7. Reagent and Materials
7.1 Purity of Water—Unless otherwise indicated, water shall be understood to mean distilled water or water of equal purity, as
defined in Specification D1193, Type 3.
7.2 Freshly prepared test solutions of the fungal control agent shall be used in all tests. Some preservatives can be added with a
micropipet.
7.3 Test Materials—Freshly prepared pigment slurries, adhesives, dye rosin, polymer, sizing solutions, and other classes of
aqueous-based materials to be preserved should be used as the substrate.
7.4 Culture Medium—Dehydrated Sabouraud’s Agar (maltose or dextrose) is recommended for fungi. A more selective medium
may be used provided it is used in addition to Sabouraud. Results should indicate the data obtained with each medium.
7.4.1 Spore Suspending Medium and Container—Milk dilution bottles containing 100 mL Butterfield Buffer with solid glass
beads, for preparing steri
...