Advancing field-based molecular microbiology via adenosine monophosphate testing

Over the past decade, a microbiological monitoring revolution has taken place in the upstream oil & gas sector. Borne from a desire to progress beyond the narrow view and delayed results afforded by classical culture tests, the sector has adopted a multitude of advanced molecular microbiological tools offering numerous advantages including rapid results, portability, and comprehensive detection and speciation. Amongst the first tests to be adopted was the 2nd Generation Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP) test, which provided the opportunity to expedite decision-making in the field. More recently, an improved version of the test specifically tailored to provide full accuracy in complex oilfield environments has emerged. This method also incorporates the measurement of Adenosine Monophosphate (AMP), thus enabling a greater range of detection of cellular metabolism, including situations of severe microbial stress or even dormancy. This paper will describe the fundamental basis of this technology and present examples where this combined ATP and AMP measurement system has enabled new levels of insight into the success of microbiological control strategies in oilfield operations.