Biofuel by its nature is biodegradeable - and the same characteristics that make biofuel attractive to biodegrading organisms, also make biofuel attractive to Sulphate Reducing Bacteria (SRB's). Sulphate Reducing Bacteria are the cause of damage to many fuel tanks, engines components and filters. The only known efficient and effective way of dealing with this problem, is with the use of Biocides.

Biofuel Contamination from Bacterial or Fungal growth can have serious consequences for any system running on Biofuels. Primarily the contamination can cause damage to tanks & tank linings, filters, fuel delivery systems, and engine components. Damage can become exponentially worse given increases in water content and climatic conditions. The problem can even be catastrophic where systems are life-critical.

The introduction of the FAME standard has meant a steady rise in the ubiquity of biofuels. The occurance of microbial contamination however is a factor that can have a detrimental impact on biofuel standards across all applications. The nature of biofuel increases the likelihood of microbial contamination due to the nature of its contents. When put into bunkering terminals and marine environments, the prevalence of water and heat from engines components and fuel delivery systems creates almost perfect environmental conditions for bacterial and fungal colony production.