Discussion on microbial contamination of naval fuels

Article Deals with problem of naval fuels’ microbial contamination. This problem in Poland is not well known and described, but operational problems encountered very often prove that this is a very serious problem. Examples of laboratory tests performed on real samples are presented as well as possible effects of microbial contamination are discussed. Authors also suggest continuous monitoring of naval fuels as main preventive tool. Article covers following topics: • general information about microorganisms present in naval fuels • conditions necessary for microbial growth, with special attention to conditions encountered on vessels • operational problems resulting from microbial contamination • methods of microorganisms detection and examples of preventive actions.