Influence of materials on water for human consumption - Enhancement of microbial growth (EMG)

This European Standard specifies three methods for determining the ability of non-metallic materials to enhance the growth of micro-organisms.
This European Standard is applicable to those materials destined to be used under various conditions for the transport and storage of water intended for human consumption.
The standard allows for the testing of a single type of material, or a product in which only one material is in contact with water. It is unsuitable for use with assembled products where more than one material is exposed to water.
NOTE    The results given by each method are not directly comparable.

Einfluss von Materialien auf Wasser für den menschlichen Gebrauch - Förderung des mikrobiellen Wachstums

Influence des matériaux sur l'eau destinée à la consommation humaine - Stimulation de la croissance microbienne (SCM)

La présente Norme européenne spécifie des modes opératoires pour déterminer la capacité de matériaux non métalliques à favoriser la croissance de micro-organismes.
La présente norme s’applique aux matériaux destinés à être utilisés dans diverses conditions pour le transport et le stockage de l’eau destinée à la consommation humaine.
La norme prévoit de soumettre à essai des échantillons ne comportant qu’un seul type de matériau ou un produit dans lequel un seul type de matériau est en contact avec l’eau. Son utilisation ne convient pas aux produits assemblés dans lesquels plusieurs matériaux sont exposés à l’eau.

Vpliv materialov na pitno vodo - Spodbujanje mikrobiološke rasti

Ta evropski standard določa postopke za ugotavljanje zmožnosti nekovinskih materialov za spodbujanje rasti mikroorganizmov.
Ta standard se uporablja za materiale, ki so namenjeni uporabi v različnih pogojih za transport in skladiščenje pitne vode.
Standard omogoča preskušanje materiala enotnega tipa ali proizvoda, pri katerem je le en material v stiku z vodo. Ni primeren za uporabo s sestavljenimi proizvodi, pri katerih je vodi izpostavljen več kot en material.

General Information

Status
Published
Public Enquiry End Date
25-Jul-2012
Publication Date
18-Jan-2015
Current Stage
6060 - National Implementation/Publication (Adopted Project)
Start Date
06-Jan-2015
Due Date
13-Mar-2015
Completion Date
19-Jan-2015

Overview

SIST EN 16421:2015 - "Influence of materials on water for human consumption - Enhancement of microbial growth (EMG)" - is the European standard that defines laboratory methods to assess how non‑metallic materials influence microbial growth in drinking water. It specifies three independent test methods to determine whether a single material or a product containing only one material in contact with water can stimulate microbial proliferation or biofilm formation during transport and storage of water intended for human consumption. The standard is not suitable for assembled products where more than one material contacts water, and the results from the three methods are not directly comparable.

Key topics and technical requirements

  • Scope and applicability
    • Applies to non‑metallic materials destined for use in drinking‑water transport and storage.
    • Tests single materials or single‑material products only.
  • Three EMG test methods
    • Method 1 - Biomass Production Potential (BPP) measured by ATP: quantifies microbial biomass generation potential using ATP measurements.
    • Method 2 - Biofilm volume: measures the amount of biofilm formed on material surfaces after exposure to test water/flow conditions.
    • Method 3 - Mean dissolved oxygen depletion: evaluates microbial activity by measuring oxygen consumption as an indicator of enhancement of microbial growth.
  • Test design and controls
    • Requires defined test water, inoculum controls and negative/positive controls to validate performance.
    • Specifies sample preparation, pre‑treatment (e.g., flushing, stagnation, prewashing), incubation and measurement procedures.
    • Includes requirements for test containers, modules (for pipes/hoses), and basic laboratory apparatus.
  • Reporting
    • Test reports must include material/product identification, test conditions, control performance and quantitative test results.
  • Limitations
    • Results from different methods are method‑specific and cannot be interchanged.

Applications - who uses this standard

  • Manufacturers of pipes, hoses, storage tanks, fittings and polymeric components for drinking‑water systems use SIST EN 16421:2015 to evaluate material suitability and optimize formulations to limit microbial enhancement.
  • Independent testing laboratories and accredited conformity assessment bodies apply the defined methods to produce comparable test reports for product claims and certification.
  • Water utilities, installers and specifiers use results to select materials that minimise biofilm risk and operational problems (taste, odour, hygiene).
  • Regulators and public health authorities reference EMG testing as part of material safety assessment in drinking‑water regulations and guidance.

Related standards

  • EN 16421 is a CEN European Standard (also published as national identical versions, e.g., SIST EN 16421:2015). Laboratories often apply it alongside other drinking‑water and material contact standards when assessing overall compliance and safety.

Keywords: SIST EN 16421:2015, EMG, Enhancement of microbial growth, materials in contact with drinking water, biofilm testing, ATP biomass, dissolved oxygen depletion.

Standard
SIST EN 16421:2015
English language
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Standards Content (Sample)


2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.Vpliv materialov na pitno vodo - Spodbujanje mikrobiološke rastiEinfluss von Materialien auf Wasser für den menschlichen Gebrauch - Förderung des mikrobiellen WachstumsInfluence des matériaux sur l'eau destinée à la consommation humaine - Stimulation de la croissance microbienne (SCM)Influence of materials on water for human consumption - Enhancement of microbial growth (EMG)67.250Materiali in predmeti v stiku z živiliMaterials and articles in contact with foodstuffs13.060.20Pitna vodaDrinking water07.100.20Mikrobiologija vodeMicrobiology of waterICS:Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z:EN 16421:2014SIST EN 16421:2015en,fr01-februar-2015SIST EN 16421:2015SLOVENSKI
STANDARD
EUROPEAN STANDARD NORME EUROPÉENNE EUROPÄISCHE NORM
EN 16421
December 2014 ICS 07.100.20 English Version
Influence of materials on water for human consumption - Enhancement of microbial growth (EMG)
Influence des matériaux sur l'eau destinée à la consommation humaine - Stimulation de la croissance microbienne (SCM)
Einfluss von Materialien auf Wasser für den menschlichen Gebrauch - Förderung des mikrobiellen Wachstums This European Standard was approved by CEN on 25 October 2014.
CEN members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations which stipulate the conditions for giving this European Standard the status of a national standard without any alteration. Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references concerning such national standards may be obtained on application to the CEN-CENELEC Management Centre or to any CEN member.
This European Standard exists in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other language made by translation under the responsibility of a CEN member into its own language and notified to the CEN-CENELEC Management Centre has the same status as the official versions.
CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey and United Kingdom.
EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION
COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATION EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNG
CEN-CENELEC Management Centre:
Avenue Marnix 17,
B-1000 Brussels © 2014 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved worldwide for CEN national Members. Ref. No. EN 16421:2014 ESIST EN 16421:2015

Method 1: Measured by Biomass Production Potential (BPP) measured by ATP – Assessment of the suitability of test water for its use in the BPP test (biological stability and the need for addition of trace elements) . 48 Annex B (normative)
Method 1: Measured by Biomass Production Potential (BPP) measured by ATP – Protocol of ATP analysis . 50 B.1 Introduction . 50 B.2 Apparatus and glassware . 50 B.3 Reagents and auxiliary substances . 50 B.3.1 General . 50 B.3.2 Sterile water . 50 B.3.3 ATP solutions for standard dilutions and calibration curves . 50 B.3.4 Luciferin/luciferase (enzyme) solution . 51 B.3.5 ATP extraction reagent . 52 B.4 Sampling . 52 B.5 Procedure . 52 B.5.1 General . 52 B.5.2 Blank water . 52 B.5.3 Control dilutions . 52 B.5.4 Samples . 52 B.6 Expression of results . 52 B.6.1 Water samples . 52 B.6.2 Material samples . 53 B.7 Test record . 53 SIST EN 16421:2015

Method 1: Measured by Biomass Production Potential (BPP) measured by ATP - ATP and its measurement . 55 Annex D (informative)
Method 1: Measured by Biomass Production Potential (BPP) measured by ATP – Evaluating procedures for removal of attached biomass . 56 D.1 Introduction . 56 D.2 Procedures for removal of Attached Biomass . 56 D.2.1 General . 56 D.2.2 Swabbing . 56 D.2.3 Low energy sonication (LES) . 56 D.2.4 High energy sonication (HES) . 56 D.3 Effectiveness of removal procedure . 57 Annex E (informative) Method 1: Measured by Biomass Production Potential (BPP) measured by ATP . 58 Annex F (informative)
Method 2: Measured by biofilm volume . 59 Annex G (informative)
Method 2: Measured by biofilm volume . 60 Annex H (informative)
Method 3: Measured by mean dissolved oxygen depletion . 63 Bibliography . 65
The results given by each method are not directly comparable. 2 Normative references The following documents, in whole or in part, are normatively referenced in this document and are indispensable for its application. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies. EN 901, Chemicals used for treatment of water intended for human consumption — Sodium hypochlorite prEN 1254-1:2007, Copper and copper alloys — Plumbing fittings — Part 1: Fittings with ends for capillary soldering or capillary brazing to copper tubes EN 1484, Water analysis — Guidelines for the determination of total organic carbon (TOC) and dissolved organic carbon (DOC) EN 10088-1, Stainless steels — Part 1: List of stainless steels EN 14944-1, Influence of cementitious products on water intended for human consumption — Test methods — Part 1: Influence of factory made cementitious products on organoleptic parameters EN ISO 3696:1995, Water for analytical laboratory use — Specification and test methods (ISO 3696:1987) EN ISO 5814, Water quality — Determination of dissolved oxygen — Electrochemical probe method (ISO 5814) EN ISO 7393-2, Water quality — Determination of free chlorine and total chlorine — Part 2: Colorimetric method using N, N-diethyl-1, 4-phenylenediamine, for routine control purposes (ISO 7393-2) EN ISO 9308-1, Water quality — Enumeration of Escherichia coli and coliform bacteria — Part 1: Membrane filtration method for waters with low bacterial background flora (ISO 9308-1) EN ISO 10012, Measurement management systems — Requirements for measurement processes and measuring equipment (ISO 10012) EN ISO 10523, Water quality — Determination of pH (ISO 10523) EN ISO 13385-1, Geometrical product specifications (GPS) — Dimensional measuring equipment — Part 1: Callipers; Design and metrological characteristics (ISO 13385-1) EN ISO 13385-2, Geometrical product specifications (GPS) — Dimensional measuring equipment — Part 2: Calliper depth gauges; Design and metrological characteristics (ISO 13385-2) EN ISO 16266, Water quality — Detection and enumeration of Pseudomonas aeruginosa — Method by membrane filtration (ISO 16266) SIST EN 16421:2015
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Frequently Asked Questions

SIST EN 16421:2015 is a standard published by the Slovenian Institute for Standardization (SIST). Its full title is "Influence of materials on water for human consumption - Enhancement of microbial growth (EMG)". This standard covers: This European Standard specifies three methods for determining the ability of non-metallic materials to enhance the growth of micro-organisms. This European Standard is applicable to those materials destined to be used under various conditions for the transport and storage of water intended for human consumption. The standard allows for the testing of a single type of material, or a product in which only one material is in contact with water. It is unsuitable for use with assembled products where more than one material is exposed to water. NOTE The results given by each method are not directly comparable.

This European Standard specifies three methods for determining the ability of non-metallic materials to enhance the growth of micro-organisms. This European Standard is applicable to those materials destined to be used under various conditions for the transport and storage of water intended for human consumption. The standard allows for the testing of a single type of material, or a product in which only one material is in contact with water. It is unsuitable for use with assembled products where more than one material is exposed to water. NOTE The results given by each method are not directly comparable.

SIST EN 16421:2015 is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 07.100.20 - Microbiology of water; 13.060.20 - Drinking water; 67.250 - Materials and articles in contact with foodstuffs. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.

SIST EN 16421:2015 is associated with the following European legislation: EU Directives/Regulations: 88/183/EEC; Standardization Mandates: M/136 REV2. When a standard is cited in the Official Journal of the European Union, products manufactured in conformity with it benefit from a presumption of conformity with the essential requirements of the corresponding EU directive or regulation.

You can purchase SIST EN 16421:2015 directly from iTeh Standards. The document is available in PDF format and is delivered instantly after payment. Add the standard to your cart and complete the secure checkout process. iTeh Standards is an authorized distributor of SIST standards.

Die Norm SIST EN 16421:2015 behandelt ein äußerst relevantes Thema im Bereich der Trinkwassersicherheit, insbesondere die Beeinflussung von Materialien auf das Wachstum mikrobieller Organismen. Diese europäische Norm legt drei spezifische Methoden fest, um die Fähigkeit von nichtmetallischen Materialien zu bestimmen, das Wachstum von Mikroben zu fördern. Ein wesentlicher Vorteil dieser Norm liegt in ihrer Anwendbarkeit auf Materialien, die unter verschiedenen Bedingungen für den Transport und die Lagerung von Wasser für den menschlichen Verzehr eingesetzt werden. Dies ist besonders wichtig in einer Zeit, in der die Qualität des Trinkwassers von größter Bedeutung ist. Durch die Festlegung klarer Testmethoden bietet die Norm Herstellern und Anwendern die Möglichkeit, die Eignung ihrer Materialien zu bewerten und sicherzustellen, dass sie keine gesundheitlichen Risiken darstellen. Die Norm ist so konzipiert, dass sie sowohl für die Prüfung eines einzelnen Materials als auch für Produkte geeignet ist, bei denen nur ein Material mit Wasser in Kontakt kommt. Dies ermöglicht eine gezielte Analyse der mikrobiellen Wachstumsförderung und trägt dazu bei, potenzielle Risiken frühzeitig zu identifizieren. Es ist jedoch wichtig zu beachten, dass die Norm nicht für zusammengebaute Produkte geeignet ist, wenn mehr als ein Material mit Wasser in Kontakt steht. Dies könnte die Anwendbarkeit in bestimmten Anwendungsbereichen einschränken. Die klare Struktur der Norm und die definierten Methoden fördern die Standardisierung der Tests und bieten ein hohes Maß an Vertraulichkeit und Nachvollziehbarkeit der Ergebnisse. Dennoch ist es entscheidend, dass die Resultate, die jede Methode liefert, nicht direkt vergleichbar sind, was eine sorgfältige Interpretation der Resultate erfordert. Insgesamt bietet die SIST EN 16421:2015 einen wertvollen Rahmen für die Untersuchung der Wechselwirkungen zwischen Materialien und mikrobiologischen Aspekten im Trinkwasserbereich. Ihre Relevanz in der heutigen Zeit, in der immer höhere Anforderungen an die Wasserqualität gestellt werden, kann nicht genug betont werden. Die Norm stellt sicher, dass Materialien, die für die Speicherung und den Transport von Trinkwasser verwendet werden, strengen Sicherheitsstandards genügen und so zur Gesundheit der Verbraucher beitragen.

SIST EN 16421:2015 표준은 인체 소비를 위한 물에 대한 비금속 재료의 미생물 성장 증진 능력을 규명하기 위한 세 가지 방법을 명시하고 있습니다. 이 표준의 범위는 인체 소비를 위한 물의 운반 및 저장에 사용할 수 있는 다양한 조건 하에서의 재료에 적용됩니다. 이 표준의 강점 중 하나는 비금속 재료의 미생물 증식 영향을 면밀히 분석할 수 있는 명확한 방법론을 제공한다는 점입니다. 이를 통해 수자원 관리 및 안전성을 확보하는 데 큰 기여를 할 수 있습니다. 또한, 단일 유형의 재료 또는 물에 접촉하는 하나의 재료로 구성된 제품의 시험을 허용하여 실험의 정확성을 높이고 특화된 연구를 가능하게 합니다. SIST EN 16421:2015의 관련성 또한 높은데, 현대 사회에서 유체 저장 시스템의 안전성이 매우 중요합니다. 이 표준은 미생물 오염의 위험을 최소화하기 위해 필수적인 기준을 제시하며, 물의 품질 보존에 기여합니다. 특히, 인체에 직접 소비되는 물의 안전성을 보장하는 데 필수적입니다. 마지막으로, 각 시험 방법으로 얻어진 결과는 서로 직접적으로 비교할 수 없다는 주의 사항은 이 표준의 사용 시 반드시 염두에 두어야 할 사항입니다. 이는 연구자와 산업계가 적절한 맥락에서 결과를 해석하고 적용할 수 있도록 해 줍니다.

The SIST EN 16421:2015 standard provides a comprehensive framework for understanding the influence of non-metallic materials on the enhancement of microbial growth (EMG) in water intended for human consumption. The standard delineates three specific testing methods designed to evaluate the propensity of these materials to foster microbial proliferation. This structured approach ensures that materials are assessed rigorously for their compatibility with water quality standards, thereby safeguarding public health. One of the strengths of SIST EN 16421:2015 is its applicability to a range of non-metallic materials used in the transport and storage of drinking water. By addressing various conditions, the standard enhances its relevance across different applications and environments. This versatility is particularly crucial in ensuring that safe and reliable materials are chosen for water systems, which are key to maintaining safe drinking water. Moreover, the standard's emphasis on only testing single material types allows for targeted assessments that eliminate the confounding effects of interaction between multiple materials. This precision improves the reliability of the testing results, although it is important to note that the results obtained from each of the three methods are not directly comparable. This aspect of the standard encourages manufacturers and users to approach testing findings with an understanding of their limitations. In summary, the SIST EN 16421:2015 standard is vital for those involved in the production and specification of materials aimed at water storage and transport. Its focus on microbial growth enhancement provides an essential safeguard for the quality of drinking water, underpinning crucial health standards in public consumption. The clarity in its scope and methodologies enhances its relevance in ensuring that materials used are safe and effective in supporting water quality.

SIST EN 16421:2015は、人間が消費する水に対する材料の影響、特に微生物の成長を促進する能力に焦点を当てた欧州標準です。この標準は、非金属材料が微生物の成長を強化する能力を測定するための3つの方法を具体的に定めています。 この標準の適用範囲は広く、さまざまな条件下で人間が消費する水の運搬や貯蔵に使用される材料に適しています。特に、単一タイプの材料、もしくは水と接触する材料が一つだけの製品に対してテストが可能であり、実用性の高い規格と言えます。一方で、複数の材料が水に露出するような組み立て製品には不適合であるため、その点は注意が必要です。 この標準の強みは、微生物の成長に関する定量的な評価を確立し、製品の安全性を科学的根拠に基づいて確保することにあります。そのため、水質に対する影響を評価する材料選定において、信頼性のある指針を提供します。さらには、各方法によって得られた結果が直接比較できないという注意書きもあるため、使用者が特定の文脈で結果を解釈する際の精度を高めることに寄与しています。 SIST EN 16421:2015は、食品安全や水質管理における重要な基準として、材料の選定や設計においても非常に関連性の高い標準であるといえます。

La norme SIST EN 16421:2015, intitulée "Influence des matériaux sur l'eau destinée à la consommation humaine - Amélioration de la croissance microbienne (EMG)", joue un rôle crucial dans l'évaluation de la sécurité de l'eau potable. En spécifiant trois méthodes pour déterminer la capacité des matériaux non métalliques à favoriser la croissance micro-organismes, cette norme fournit un cadre essentiel pour garantir la qualité des matériaux utilisés dans le transport et le stockage de l'eau destinée à la consommation humaine. L'un des principaux atouts de cette norme réside dans son application variée. En effet, elle s'applique à des matériaux qui seront utilisés dans différentes conditions, ce qui en fait un outil flexible pour les fabricants et les évaluateurs. La possibilité de tester un type de matériau spécifique ou un produit comportant un seul matériau en contact avec l'eau permet une approche ciblée de l'évaluation de la sécurité microbiologique, essentielle pour répondre aux exigences de qualité de l'eau. Cependant, il est important de noter que la norme n'est pas adaptée pour les produits assemblés où plusieurs matériaux sont en contact avec l'eau, ce qui limite son application dans certains contextes. Malgré cela, les résultats obtenus par chaque méthode de test, bien que non directement comparables entre eux, offrent des informations précieuses sur le potentiel de croissance microbienne, permettant ainsi une meilleure évaluation des risques. La pertinence de la norme SIST EN 16421:2015 ne peut être sous-estimée dans le contexte actuel de préoccupation croissante pour la sécurité de l'eau. En favorisant des pratiques de test rigoureuses pour les matériaux en contact avec l'eau potable, cette norme contribue activement à la préservation de la santé publique et à la confiance des consommateurs vis-à-vis de l'eau qu'ils consomment.