Formate brines are unique as they have biocidal properties at working concentrations, yet are readily biodegradable when diluted to low concentrations and can be discharged safely to the environment. Their natural biocidal properties at working concentrations mean that neither the brines nor the organic additives used in the brines biodegrade during field application or storage. This section of the manual summarises testing conducted on formate brines and drilling fluids to determine the exact conditions formates are biodegradable and when they inhibit bacterial growth.   

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