What method can be utilized to combat microbial growth in aircraft fuel tanks?

Using anti-icing and antibacterial additives is the most effective method for combatting microbial growth in aircraft fuel tanks. These additives are specifically designed to inhibit the growth of bacteria and fungi that can thrive in the water-fuel interface, potentially leading to significant issues such as fuel degradation, filter clogging, and corrosion in the fuel system.

Microbial growth is a common problem in fuel tanks, especially in aviation where fuel is often stored for long periods. The use of these specialized additives helps to create an environment that is less hospitable to microbial life, thus maintaining the integrity of the fuel and the safety of the aircraft.

While other methods such as maintaining a low water content in the fuel by regular draining or keeping the tank empty can help minimize the risk, they do not address established microbial growth already present in the fuel. Therefore, relying solely on those methods may not be sufficient to prevent microbial contamination.