API-RP38 (API)
Detection of Sulfate Reducing Bacteria (SRB)
What is API?
- API Media was the recommended formula by the American Petroleum Institute in the API-RP38 standard for monitoring SRB in oil and gas systems
- API is a strictly anaerobic media and is manufactured at BTS inside custom built anaerobic chambers
- The original API formulation calls for the use of a nail as a source of iron
![](https://biosuitegroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/API-RP38_main.jpg)
How It Works
- API contains nutrients such as proteins, organic acids, and sulfate specially formulated to facilitate the growth of oil and gas field SRB
- The redox potential of properly made API, typically less than -300mV, will allow for the reduction of the sulfate to sulfide by SRB
- The biogenic sulfide created by SRB then reacts with dissolved iron species, as well as the iron in the nail. This reaction precipitates a black iron sulfide solid. Black precipitation in the vial is a positive indication for SRB
False Positive
If a water source inoculated into API is high in dissolved sulfide, typically over (X?), this can cause iron sulfide to form and create a false positive.
![](https://biosuitegroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/API-RP38_false-positive.jpg)