Water is synonymous with ‘life’ as no life can exist on earth without air and water. Though water is the most abundant natural resource, the quantity of water that is apt for consumption is becoming scarce because of an upsurge in population level. Thus, the quality of drinking water clarifies, whether it is suitable for being consumed or not. Therefore, it needs to be tested before consumed. Sigmatest, the best water testing lab, carries drinking water tests in India at a very affordable price and effectively.

1. How DoMicro-Organisms Attack Paint and WhyDo We Need a
Paint Test?
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3. PART.1
What is exactly micro-organisms attack paint, Paints have two major motivations: domestic and commercial.
Paint is used to protect the surface from corrosion, degradation, and discoloration in the areas where it has
been added.
The painted layers are disrupted or discolored as a result of weathering and deterioration, promoting the
development and work of biological organisms.
Throughout the degradation process, a variety of microbes such as microscopic bacteria, fungal growth,
algal growth, and protozoans are actively involved.
Temperature is a significant environmental factor that contributes to painting deterioration.
Micro-organisms attack paint and their behaviors can destroy water-based paints, reducing the paint’s
shelf life and the house’s longevity
Because of the use of different polymer compounds used in paint production, it is vulnerable to
corrosion and poses a risk to the environment.

4. Different Paint-Tests
Determination of the Microbial Condition of Paint, Paint Raw Materials, and Plant Areas Test (ASTM D 5588)
This test method covers a procedure for (micro-organisms attack paint)the determination of the microbial
condition (contamination or sterility) of raw materials used in the manufacture of paint, and the microbial
condition of paint and paint manufacturing areas.
This test method details protocols for obtaining samples for sterility testing from wet or dry products and
plant locations, conducting sterility testing on such samples to see whether they are polluted, evaluating
the degree of contamination, if any, and including a checklist for any measure of the form of
contamination present (bacterial, fungal, yeast, etc.).
This test procedure does not take any of the steps necessary to ensure the degree of sterility needed for
the most reliable results. It is recommended that you have some experience with microbiological
techniques.

5. Why this Test?
The use of polluted raw materials, water (especially recycled wash water), vessels, pipes, and equipment in the
manufacturing plant is often linked to paint spoilage in the container.
A simple method to determine the presence or absence of microorganisms in paint and coatings
manufacturing plants is needed.
This information allows the producer to pinpoint the source of pollution (raw materials or problematic
housekeeping areas in the plant) and work toward resolving the spoilage issue.
This test method details protocols for obtaining samples for sterility testing from wet or dry products and
plant locations, conducting sterility testing on such samples to see whether they are polluted, evaluating the
degree of contamination, if any, and including a checklist for any measure of the form of contamination
present (bacterial, fungal, yeast, etc.)
However, this test procedure does not take any of the steps necessary to ensure the degree of sterility
needed for the most reliable results.

6. TestingGuidelines
When collecting samples, take all appropriate precautions to prevent microbial contamination.
Wearing a face mask and sterilized gloves is an option. (Warning: Do not touch the swab near the cotton tip or
any other areas of the swab that can come into contact with the test sample.)
Microorganisms from the skin, clothes, and even the environment will contaminate the sample if exposed for
too long.
Do not strike every portion of the swab except the cap if the swab has one. Additional tests should be used
to confirm suspect results.
For each sample, use a fresh clean swab, tongue depressor, or spatula. Any sampling instruments cannot be
reused.
If you’re using gloves, make sure to throw them away after each use.

7. To prevent misleading contamination effects, limit the time clean products are exposed to the environment
while taking samples
Alternatively, the liquid sample could be transported to the sterile storage area in a sterilized bottle.
During sampling, handling, and transportation to the testing area, make sure no non-sterile items come into
contact with the liquid sample (for example, use a sterile pipet, etc. for material transfer to container, et
cetera).
Dry materials can be sampled in the same way as mentioned earlier. Wipe a wide section of the exterior of
the container clean with a clean rag or paper towel to sample unopened, dried raw materials in bags.
Inside the cleaned field, cut open the bag with a clean knife.
Scoop 10 to 15 g into a sterile plastic bag, close, and seal bag for transport to sterile testing area, using a
sterile tongue depressor or sterile spatula.

8. NOTE – To reduce the risk of inadvertent exposure, thoroughly clean the region of the bag to be sliced, as
well as the knife used to cut it, with isopropyl alcohol.
There is no requirement to sterilize machine surfaces when checking open containers of raw materials, vats,
barrels, and so on.
However, any bacteria found could have been added after the package was opened.
The presence of contaminants in samples obtained from machinery surfaces does not inherently imply that
the substance stored or processed within is also polluted.

10. Result Evaluation
Bacterial contamination (aerobic) is generally characterized by milky spots of varying size (bacterial
colonies) on the agar surface. These are usually slimy or shiny in appearance.
Fungal contamination is generally characterized by spots that are usually filamentous and more fuzzy in
appearance, with the exception of yeasts which normally look similar to the bacterial colonies.
NOTE – If present, bacteria should grow on the TSA plates, but bacteria can also grow on the PDA or malt
extract plates, particularly if they are not acidified.
Fungi can also grow on the TSA plates, and yeast in particular can look like a bacterial contamination.
Differentiation between bacterial and fungal growth can require more sophisticated techniques than are
covered in this test method.
Assistance can be obtained from your biocide supplier.

11. StandardTest Method for Resistanceof EmulsionPaintsin the Containerto
Attack by Microorganisms– (ASTM D2574)
This test method covers the determination of the relative resistance of emulsion paints to attack in the
container by microorganisms.
Why Perform thistest?
Putrefaction, lowered pH, gas formation, and a drop in viscosity will all result from paint spotting in the
bottle.
This test method establishes a basic protocol for determining emulsion paints’ susceptibility to microbial
degradation.

12. The findings should allow:
(1) the paint manufacturer to choose an appropriate preservative; and
(2) the preservative provider to compare the efficiency of competitive and developmental preservatives in
emulsion paints.
This test procedure can be used for people who have a basic understanding of microbiology.
NOTE: The methods used have a significant impact on the reliability of the findings produced from this
research process.
Incorrect procedures may cause a sterile sample to appear polluted, or even worse, a contaminated
sample to appear sterile.
To check any doubtful findings, you can consult your biocide provider, raw material supplier, or an
independent testing laboratory.
The consistency of the formulation and raw materials will also influence the test results.

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“SBM” ATM,Subramanya Pura Main Road , Kadirenahalli,
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