PERACETIC-ACID - A NEW BIOCIDE FOR INDUSTRIAL WATER APPLICATIONS

Peracetic acid is rapidly cidal at low concentrations against a broad spectrum of microorganism, including gram-positive and gram-negative b acteria, yeasts, molds, and algae under a wide variety of conditions. It is also effective against anaerobic and spore-forming bacteria. Per acetic acid is effective at killing biofilm microorganisms at low conc entrations and short contact times. Unlike a number of other biocides, the biocidal activity of peracetic acid is not affected by pH or wate r hardness and is retained even in the presence of organic matter. For these reasons, peracetic acid is well-suited as a biocide in industri al cooling water and paper-making systems. It is also compatible with additives commonly used in these systems. Although peracetic acid is a potent biocide, it is unique in that it does not produce toxic byprod ucts and its decompositions products (acetic acid, water, and oxygen) are innocuous and environmentally acceptable.