ASTM G29-21 PDF
Name in English:
St ASTM G29-21
Name in Russian:
Ст ASTM G29-21
Original standard ASTM G29-21 in PDF full version. Additional info + preview on request
Full title and description
ASTM G29-21 — Standard Practice for Determining Cyanobacterial Resistance of Polymeric Films. This practice describes laboratory procedures for assessing the susceptibility of polymeric film materials (used as liners, pond covers, pool films, irrigation film, etc.) to colonization, attachment and surface proliferation of cyanobacteria (blue‑green algae) under controlled test conditions, enabling comparative evaluation of formulations and biocide/additive effectiveness.
Abstract
G29‑21 provides a short, standardized test practice (3 pages) intended to detect and compare the tendency of polymeric films to support surface‑growing cyanobacterial growth. The test is useful for R&D, quality control and formulation screening where algae/cyanobacteria fouling or aesthetic biofilm formation on films is a concern. The practice replaces earlier editions that addressed algal resistance and refocuses terminology on cyanobacterial organisms.
General information
- Status: Active standard (current).
- Publication date: Designation year 2021; published/issued in late 2021 (commonly shown as Dec 1, 2021) with ASTM store metadata updated Jan 19, 2022.
- Publisher: ASTM International (American Society for Testing and Materials).
- ICS / categories: 83.140.10 — Films and sheets (plastics industry / durability & biological deterioration).
- Edition / version: G29‑21 (2021 edition).
- Number of pages: 3 pages; DOI: 10.1520/G0029-21.
Scope
This practice covers procedures for determining the susceptibility of polymeric films to the attachment and proliferation of surface‑growing cyanobacteria. It specifies units (SI preferred), safety notes and limits the work to laboratory comparative assessments rather than long‑term field performance predictions. The method is intended for films and sheets used in contact with water bodies or exposed surfaces where cyanobacterial fouling is a potential issue.
Key topics and requirements
- Preparation and conditioning of polymeric film test specimens.
- Inoculation/selection of cyanobacterial strains or algal inocula appropriate to the intended exposure environment.
- Controlled incubation/exposure conditions (light, temperature, nutrient) for comparative evaluation.
- Assessment criteria for attachment, visual growth, and relative proliferation (qualitative or semi‑quantitative scoring).
- Guidance on units, safety considerations, and limitations (laboratory screening not a full substitute for natural exposure testing).
Typical use and users
Common users include materials scientists, polymer formulators, quality control laboratories, coatings and additive manufacturers, test laboratories, and product developers who need to screen films and film additives (biocides, antifouling agents, pigments, surface treatments) for resistance to cyanobacterial/algal fouling. The practice is used for R&D comparison, batch QC, and regulatory or marketing claims verification when limited to laboratory evidence.
Related standards
Related ASTM and industry documents include earlier editions G29 (2016, 1996 series) addressing algal resistance, ASTM G21 (fungal resistance of synthetic polymeric materials), and other biological‑deterioration practices under ASTM G03 subcommittees. G29‑21 supersedes G29‑16 (or previous G29 historic versions) as the contemporary practice for cyanobacterial testing of films.
Keywords
cyanobacteria, algae, algal resistance, polymeric film, plastic film, biofouling, test practice, biological deterioration, ASTM G29, film durability.
FAQ
Q: What is this standard?
A: ASTM G29‑21 is a short test practice that describes laboratory procedures to evaluate how readily cyanobacteria attach to and proliferate on polymeric films (used as liners, pool films, pond covers, etc.).
Q: What does it cover?
A: It covers specimen preparation, exposure/incubation conditions, inoculation considerations, and criteria for comparative assessment of cyanobacterial growth on film surfaces. It is intended for laboratory screening rather than direct prediction of long‑term outdoor performance.
Q: Who typically uses it?
A: Polymer formulators, coatings/additive manufacturers, QC and independent testing labs, and product developers concerned with algal/cyanobacterial fouling of plastic films.
Q: Is it current or superseded?
A: Current — the 2021 edition (G29‑21) is the active version and replaces earlier G29 editions (for example the 2016 edition). Publication metadata shows issue dates in late 2021 with ASTM metadata updated in January 2022.
Q: Is it part of a series?
A: Yes. G29 is part of ASTM Committee G03 (Weathering and Durability) biological‑deterioration practices and sits alongside related practices such as ASTM G21 (fungal resistance) and G22 (bacterial resistance), forming a group of short screening practices for biological attack on nonmetallic materials.
Q: What are the key keywords?
A: Cyanobacteria, algae, polymeric film, algal resistance, biofouling, laboratory screening, ASTM G29.