Astm D 3978 – 04 pdf free download

Standard Practice for
Algal Growth Potential Testing with Pseudokirchneriella
subcapitata1,2

This standard is issued under the fixed designation D 3978; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of the last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.

1. Scope

1.1 This practice measures Pseudokirchnereilla subcapitata growth response, the biological availability of nutrients, as
contrasted with chemical analysis of the components of the
sample. This practice is useful for assessing the impact of
nutrients, and changes in their loading, upon freshwater algal
productivity. Other laboratory or indigenous algae can be used
with this practice. However, Pseudokirchnereilla subcapitata
must be cultured as a reference alga along with the alternative
algal species.

1.2 This standard does not purport to address all of the
safety problems, 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. For a specific
precautionary statement, see Section 15.

2. Referenced Documents

2.1 ASTM Standards: 4
D 1129 Terminology Relating to Water
D 1193 Specification for Reagent Water
D 3370 Practices for Sampling Water

3. Summary of Practice

3.1 A water sample is filtered or autoclaved and filtered,
placed in a covered Erlenmeyer flask, inoculated with the test
algal species, and incubated under constant temperature and
light intensity until the increase in biomass is less than 5 % per
day (generally between days 7 and 14). Nutrients may also be
added to aliquots of the sample to determine growth controlling
nutrients.