EP 1110-1-27
27 Jan 00
1996), and Alford and Cullimore (1999) provide guidance in BART method use. Smith (1996) is a
proposed standard method, incorporating BART-type methods to replace the current (Section 9240 and
ASTM D 932) standard methods that rely on microscopy alone. MAG tests (MAG Ltda., La Plata,
Argentina) are a commercial alternative to some versions of BART (Gariboglio and Smith 1993; Smith
1996). In addition, bench-formulated liquid media may be used if preferred and facilities are available.
Kissane and Leach (1993) (Appendix C) and Smith (1992) provide guidance in the context of well
biofouling analysis. The commercial products eliminate the need to determine specific nutritional
requirements and the facilities typically needed for environmental microbiology, and thus are more likely
to be practical in maintenance monitoring use.
(3) Sampling issues.
(a) Cullimore (1993) describes a time-series pumped-sampling program that attempts to
overcome the uncertainties of collecting particulates (biofilm components) by grab sampling. Cullimore's
procedures involve taking advantage of the phenomenon that biofilm detachment occurs preferentially on
start-up after a period of rest, in which the pump is allowed to shut down for a period of time from 2 hr to
several days. This approach, which includes taking replicates of samples at each sample event, helps to
overcome the statistical limitations of pumped grab sampling for cultural analysis.
(b) Grab samples remain unreliable for microscopic analysis (Smith 1992; Tuhela, Smith,
Tuovinen 1993). For this purpose, some method is needed to provide enough sample to view or otherwise
analyze mineralogically or chemically. Methods for collection of biofilm on immersed surfaces can
provide essentially intact biofilms for analysis. These methods are also adaptable for collection of
samples of inorganic encrustations and evaluating MIC effects (McLaughlan 1996; Little, Wagner, and
Mansfield 1997). The flow cell system in Smith (1992) has been successful in practical use for such
biofilm collecting. Sample collection using this method will be described in the Standard Methods 20th-
Edition Supplement, Section 9240. Coupon sampling apparatus developed for MIC evaluation may also
be used.
HTRW pumping and injection wells should include the use of tests kits (BART) and other self-
monitoring systems (biofilm collection and visual inspection of components) on site, and visual
inspection of equipment, at the least in a troubleshooting or baseline-monitoring role. Sample collection
should follow the procedures of Cullimore (1993) for BART grab sample collection. Biofilm collection
(either as a specific task or part of equipment inspection) can follow the protocol outlined in Smith
(1996). BART testing and biofilm collecting can be conducted in a baseline troubleshooting role and then
annually or at observed changes. Baseline-scheduled BART and other biofouling analyses are a useful
part of "triage" (Chapter 5) for establishing maintenance protocols for new systems and documenting
changes during operation when samples are collected regularly. Some sites may exhibit little or no change
in biofouling analysis results once well systems are established and other sites may provide chronically
aggressive results, so that BART analyses can be discontinued once the condition is documented. In these
sites, biofouling analysis can be minimized.
2-10. Field Data Reporting and File Documentation
a. Purpose. The primary purpose for collecting, analyzing, and tracking trends in collected data is
that there are many reasons why a well may experience diminished performance, and collected data are
crucial for identifying causes. Also, once a pattern of well performance decline is established, collected
data will enable the operators to plan maintenance and rehabilitation activities before a well is beyond
recall.
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