Microbial Contamination

Biocides are recommended for fuels wherever biological growth in the fuel has been a problem. If biological contamination occurs, water contamination should be suspected and will need to be controlled because the aerobic fungus, bacteria, and yeast hydrocarbon-utilizing microorganisms usually grow at the fuel-water interface. Anaerobic colonies, which usually reduce sulfur, can be active in sediments on tank surfaces and cause corrosion. Because the biocides work in the water phase, products that are used with diesel fuels work equally well with biodiesel.