Limitations of ATP as a measure of microbial biomass

Abstract

Estimates of the total living biomass of micro-organisms on decomposing kelp detritus, calculated indirectly from the concentration of ATP, were compared with those obtained directly from cell numbers and volumes. Large overestimates in biomass were obtained from ATP x 250, and C:ATP ratios varied considerably with time. This variation in the C:ATP ratio limits the use of ATP as a measure of microbial biomass.