Acid Producing Bacteria Field BART™ Biodetector

Acid producing bacteria (APB) are formed by a variety of heterotrophic bacteria that share the common ability to produce organic acidic products when growing under reductive conditions. These APB cause the pH to drop significantly from neutral to acidic conditions ranging from terminal pH levels from 3.5 to 5.5. These mildly acidic conditions are sufficiently corrosive to be significant to the integrity of any metallic structure. Because of these acid-producing activities occur in the absence of oxygen, it has been found that the APB are very likely to be significant partners in corrosion associated with the sulfate reducing bacteria (SRB) particularly in the oil and gas industry. As a result the management and control of corrosion frequently involves assessing the aggressivity of both the APB as well as the well-recognized SRB.The BART biodetector is a simple method for testing for the presence/absence of bacteria in water and soil sample without the use of expensive equipment. 

The BART tester requires no microscope, no laboratory, no incubator! The test is done at room temperature in your office or treatment room, on a desk, shelf, or in a cupboard and is viewed daily. Different microorganisms like to grow at various heights in a column of water to which nutrients have been added. BART testers contain nutrients in the base of the column and a ball. The ball restricts the amount of oxygen entering the water column so that aerobic organisms grow around the ball and anerobic organisms grow deep down in the water column. By changing the nutrients in the base of the column different organisms can be encouraged to grow. BART determines presence and activity levels.

Full instructions for the use of BART biodetectors are included with your purchase. Click here for the general User Manual

Each individual test consists of: Inner & Outer Test vial with color chart sticker, media and BART ball.

Case of 9 Testers.


There are two versions of BART Testers; Field and Lab. We carry Both. The Field BARTs are designed for field/hotel use since they include an outer tube that provides more stability and reduces any smells that can be produced during the reaction within the inner tube.  Field BARTs are individually packaged in aluminum foil pouches and have a 4 year shelf.