Disinfection action takes place when the positively charged mineral ions form electrostatic bonds with negatively charged areas on the cell walls of microorganisms. These electrostatic bonds create stresses that lead to distorted cell wall permeability, minimizing the normal intake of life-sustaining nutrients.
Once inside the cell of a harmful micro-organism, these energized ions react with sulphur containing amino-acids in the proteins used for photosynthesis (the process of converting light and nutrients into usable food and energy). As a result photosynthesis is blocked leading to cell disintegration and death.
Most undesirable bacteria are killed at dilution ratios that have ion concentrations less than 1ppm (part per million) of active ingredient whereas important beneficial bacteria, being more tolerant, will survive. The same low concentration of active ions is known to repel or kill insects such as slugs, snails, red spider, various flies, mosquitoes and other insects that can harm humans, plants or animals.
For centuries minerals such as copper and silver have been used as algae and bacteria control agents particularly in stored water applications such as recreational ponds, agriculture reservoirs, potable water holding tanks and canals. |
