ASTM D4012-81(1997) - 10.12.1997
 
1. Scope

1.1 This test method covers the measurement of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) in microorganisms in concentrations normally found in laboratory cultures, water, wastewaters, and in plankton and periphyton samples from waters.

1.2 Knowledge of the concentration of ATP can be related to viable biomass or metabolic activity, or by utilizing an average concentration (or amount) of ATP per cell, an estimated count of microorganisms can be obtained in the case of unispecies cultures.

1.3 This test method offers a high degree of sensitivity, rapidity, accuracy, and reproducibility. However, extreme care must be taken at each step in the analysis to ensure meaningful and reliable results.

1.5 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 and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

 
2. Referenced Documents

E2694-26

Standard Test Method for Measurement of Adenosine Triphosphate in Water-Miscible Metalworking Fluids

D7687-23

Standard Test Method for Measurement of Cellular Adenosine Triphosphate in Fuel and Fuel-associated Water With Sample Concentration by Filtration

D6300-26

Standard Practice for Determination of Precision and Bias Data for Use in Test Methods for Petroleum Products, Liquid Fuels, and Lubricants

D6161-19

Standard Terminology Used for Microfiltration, Ultrafiltration, Nanofiltration, and Reverse Osmosis Membrane Processes

D5847-22

Standard Practice for Writing Quality Control Specifications for Standard Test Methods for Water Analysis

D4175-24e2

Standard Terminology Relating to Petroleum Products, Liquid Fuels, and Lubricants (Includes all amendments and changes 6/9/2026).

D1129-24

Standard Terminology Relating to Water

D1193-24

Standard Specification for Reagent Water

D1601-18(2026)

Standard Test Method for Dilute Solution Viscosity of Ethylene Polymers

F1671-07

Standard Test Method for Resistance of Materials Used in Protective Clothing to Penetration by Blood-Borne Pathogens Using Phi-X174 Bacteriophage Penetration as a Test System