Hach, 2490409, BART Test for Heterotropic Aerobic Bacteria, 9/pk

For testing water for the presence of bacteria without trying to determine the particular groups of bacteria that may be present. When total aerobic bacteria are present and active, the blue dye in the BART bleaches either from the bottom up or the top down.
This test measures the ability of the total aerobic bacteria to respire while degrading the various nutrients in the dehydrated culture medium. The dye methylene blue acts as an alternative to oxygen for microbial respiration. When the microbes respire, the methylene blue changes to a colorless form. The faster the dye is bleached, the greater the level of respiration and the larger or more aggressive the total aerobic bacteria population.
Heterotrophic Aerobic Bacteria (HAB) are one of the most important agents in biofouling, causing corrosion, clogging, fouling of the water, and increased hygiene risks. Aerobic bacteria can cause several problems in water, including slime formations, turbidity, taste and odor, and health risks. If a problem is detected, additional testing can be done to determine which bacteria are present.