Methods for controlling or limiting the development of microorganisms in petroleum products

In the article, review of the literature on the subject currently used methods of controlling or limiting the development of microorganisms in petroleum products was made. The problem of microbial contamination in petroleum products was presented, which is still valid and is becoming more common. In the article, microbiological contaminants present in petroleum products were described. In the following part of the article the various methods of combating microbial contamination in petroleum products, which include physical methods, thermal disinfection and chemical methods were presented. In due to the limited use of physical methods, the article focused on methods widely disseminated. Combating harmful microorganisms using a biocide were described, which due to their harmful effects on beneficial microorganisms and the environment are becoming more and more limited use. Because of their harmful effects on beneficial microorganisms and the environment, their use is becoming more limited. Furthermore, another method of controlling microorganisms during storage of the fuel by means of cleaners that help to eliminate the water, reducing sludge was presented. Apart from the measures to combat microorganisms and additives of cleaning properties, the simplified methods for determining the amount of microorganisms in the fuel using the kits containing the finished substrate suitable for growth of microorganisms are described. These kits allow the monitor the status of microbial petroleum products and thus help prevent many crashes. In the final part of the article authors proposed other ways to control or limit microbial growth are presented. The work conclusions were completed. The most important is that there is a need to develop effective methods of combating microbial contamination of fuels and oils by means of measures environmentally friendly