Biocides are products with a large range of components and chemical structures, and can be

characterized as oxidants (ozone, hydrogen peroxide, chlorinated compounds) and non-oxidants

(sulfur compounds, tin compounds, isothiazolones, copper salts, etc), while the oxidants aim at
oxidizing the microbial cells’ components, the non-oxidants interfere with metabolism and cellular
disintegration [9]

sludge formation means the biodiesel has become unstable and is breaking apart. It forms
heavy polymers that drop out of suspension and settles everywhere the biodiesel fuel sits for
periods of time.  This typically means in storage tanks.  When the engine tries to burn that
sludge, it doesn’t combust as well as fresh, healthy fuel.  You get injector deposits – the
number one cause of drops in performance and mileage.

If the percent of aromatics in the diesel rises above 30%, it reduces actual sludge formation from the
biodiesel itself.

Nowadays it is well documented that crude oil middle distillates (aviation and diesel fuel) are more
prone to microbial growth since the hydrocarbon chains in the range of C10-C18 are readily utilized
as carbon source by microorganisms

The bottom, the walls and headspace surfaces of tanks and pipelines are also typical places where
microbial colonies may be found. The distribution of microbes in a fuel tank is maximum at the
bottom (bottomwater and fuel-water interface) whereas in the fuel phase it decreases substantially
by height

Its chemical composition along with its hygroscopic nature makes it more “biologically active” and as
a result the final blends could be more prone to microbiological contamination

Regarding the

water content tolerance, it has been reported that at a temperature range between 4°C and 35°C
biodiesel's moisture absorption is 15 to 25 times higher compared to what conventional diesel
absorbs

Uncontrollable microbial activity may gradually degrade the fuel quality. The effects of the metabolic
byproducts, however, are considerably more noticeable. The most commonly recognized symptom
of microbial contamination is filter plugging. Other symptoms attributed to microbial activity have to
do with pinhole leaks in tanks and pipelines due to accelerated corrosion. This is known as
Microbiologically Induced Corrosion (MIC) in which electrochemical bio-corrosion process is
enhanced by the metabolites (e.g. hydrogenase) of the SRBs. Finally extended use of contaminated
fuel is associated with malfunction and shortened life of several engine parts

Widespread microbial activity was detected and its metabolic products (biomass/biopolymers) were
isolated from fuel filter and fuel reservoirs
It was found that the advantage of biodiesel is its high cetane number and high lubricating and anti-
corrosion properties

It has been demonstrated that the middle distillates - aviation and diesel fuel - are more prone to
microbial growth (Gaylarde et al., 1999; Dzięgielewski et al., 2009) since the hydrocarbon chains in
the range of C10-C18 are readily utilized as carbon source from microorganisms

Microorganisms can also colonize the bottom, the walls and headspace surfaces of tanks and
pipelines

Effects: Filter clogging, microbiologically induced corrosion (an electrochemical bio-corrosion process
enhanced by the ,metabolites (eg hydrogenase) of the Sulphate reducing bacteria)

During hydrodesulfurization process sulfur - as well as aromatic/phenolic - compounds are severely

reduced or removed from the fuel. Since these compounds are considered to be good growth
inhibitors, their elimination may enhance microbial activity.

Increased acidity is the result of the formation of shorter chain fatty acids and acidic secondary
oxidation products

This is ascribed to the fact that biodiesel blends have less thermal stability as well as higher density
and viscosity values compared with typical diesel fuel, thus increasing the possibility of deposit
formation in engines

It reduces friction and wear for sliding parts and prolongs the life of the engine. Compared to 0#
diesel, biodiesel has a lower abrasive spot diameter, which is attributed to the fact that the
composition of biodiesel is mainly composed of FAMEs

Biodiesels may form sediments or cause corrosion when they come into contact with construction
materials such as carbon steel, stainless steel, or aluminium which are used for making storage
tanks, pipes, and pumping equipment

Biodiesel undergoes degradation through moisture absorption, oxidation, and attack by

microorganisms during storage or use and becomes more corrosive

The water condenses and collects at the bottom of the fuel tanks or pipes and causes microbial
growth leading to the formation of sediments, sludge, and slime resulting in fuel deterioration and
corrosion which normally occurs under the resulting biomass