What do Biological Activity Reaction Tests (BART) indicate?

Biological Activity Reaction Tests (BART) are specifically designed to assess the presence of biological fouling, which refers to the growth of microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, and algae on surfaces in water systems. This test is crucial in understanding the biological health of water systems, especially in contexts like drinking water treatment, wastewater treatment, and cooling water systems.

When BART is performed, it provides insights into the levels of microbial activity in the water and helps identify potential issues related to biofilm formation or microbial contamination. These issues can lead to operational challenges, including reduced efficiency in treatment processes, higher maintenance costs, and potential health risks associated with unsafe water.

While other tests may provide insights into water treatment efficiency, the quality of tap water, or the presence of chemical contaminants, BART's primary focus is on biological activity, making it a key tool for detecting biological fouling specifically. This focus sets it apart from other testing methods that examine different water quality parameters or treatment efficiencies.