Conidia Bioscience takes the lead in fuel testing
Our Microbiological Scientists have been testing an array of different fuel types to bring information to our customers on the effects of different fuel types on microbial contamination growth. This supports the choices they make whilst seeking a greener future, and points to any changes that may be required to keep fuel systems safe and operational.
A summary of the results of these extensive tests are included in this white paper, which discusses:
- Why are markets switching to Biofuels
- What are the different forms of Biofuels
- Biofuels, water and microbial contamination
- Laboratory testing of biofuels
- Reducing the risk of problems associated with Microbial Contamination
Whilst Conidia Bioscience celebrates 25 years supporting critical customer fuel testing, this laboratory study is part of our environmental pathway project
The Promise and Pitfalls of a Cleaner Energy Transition
The global race toward net zero is reshaping the fuel landscape, and biofuels are emerging as a critical bridge between fossil fuels and a low-carbon future. Derived from biomass such as crops, waste oils, and animal fats, biofuels can operate within a closed carbon cycle, offsetting emissions through feedstock growth. Unlike electrification or hydrogen, many biofuels are compatible with existing engines and infrastructure, making them an immediate decarbonization tool.
By 2030, biofuels’ share of transport energy demand is expected to rise to 9%, with sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) covering 10% of aviation demand. Among the most prominent options are biodiesel (FAME) and hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO).
Two Faces of Biofuels
FAME biodiesel is widely used and renewable, but it is chemically unstable and hygroscopic, holding 15–25 times more water than conventional diesel. That water creates ideal conditions for microbial growth, leading to filter blockages, tank corrosion, and costly downtime. Biofuels like FAME also degrade faster in storage, often becoming unsuitable within six months.
HVO, by contrast, is a drop-in fuel almost indistinguishable from petroleum diesel. Hydrogenation strips oxygen from the feedstock, producing a paraffinic hydrocarbon that resists oxidation and absorbs less water. It burns cleaner, is stable in storage for up to 10 years, and can be used neat or blended without engine modifications. HVO’s blend of sustainability and reliability explains why its adoption is expected to accelerate sharply in the coming decade.
The Microbial Menace
For all their promise, biofuels invite a hidden risk: microbial contamination. Microbes are ubiquitous but need three things to thrive—fuel, water, and time. Water enters tanks through condensation, leaks, or absorption, especially in biodiesel. Once present, microbes colonize fuel-water interfaces, forming biofilms that clog filters, corrode equipment, and degrade fuel.
Biofilms are particularly hard to eliminate: microbial communities within them can be up to 1,000 times more resistant to biocides than free-floating cells. For operators in aviation, shipping, or backup power—where reliability is non-negotiable—such failures are more than a nuisance; they are critical risks.
Managing Contamination
Microbial growth cannot be eradicated, but it can be controlled. The first defence is water management: draining tanks, maintaining seals, and using water-removal technologies like absorbent filters to prevent free and emulsified water from feeding microbes.
Routine testing is the second safeguard. Rapid diagnostics, such as lateral-flow kits, can detect microbial contamination in 20–30 minutes, enabling operators to act before biofilms entrench. Embedding such checks into maintenance regimes minimises downtime, extends equipment life, and protects revenues.
A Fuel for the Future—If Managed Well
Biofuels are no longer niche. They are climbing rapidly into mainstream energy systems, especially transport and aviation. HVO, in particular, offers a scalable, practical path to lower emissions without disrupting today’s infrastructure. But its promise will only be realized if the industry manages the microbial risks that threaten performance.
The future of biofuels won’t be decided in policy documents alone. It will be secured in the tanks, pipelines, and engines where chemistry meets biology. Done right, biofuels can keep the world moving—cleaner, greener, and more reliably.
Aquafighter® Water Removal Filters
FUELSTAT® Microbial Contamination Fuel Test Kits
