askvity

Which chemical kills bacteria?

Published in Antimicrobial Agents 2 mins read

Several chemicals are effective at killing bacteria. The provided references highlight specific examples, such as sodium dichloroisocyanurate and "superoxidized water."

Effective Chemicals Against Bacteria

Here's a breakdown of the chemicals mentioned and their effectiveness:

Chemical Concentration/Conditions Effectiveness Reference
Sodium dichloroisocyanurate 2,500 ppm available chlorine, up to 20% plasma Effective against bacteria 548
Sodium hypochlorite 2,500 ppm, up to 10% plasma Effective against bacteria 548
Superoxidized water Tested Effective against bacteria, mycobacteria, viruses, fungi, and spores 537, 539, 549

Key Insights:

  • Sodium dichloroisocyanurate: At a concentration of 2,500 ppm available chlorine, this chemical is effective against bacteria even in the presence of up to 20% plasma. This is an important consideration in environments where organic matter may be present.
  • Sodium Hypochlorite: This is similar to Sodium dichloroisocyanurate, but it loses effectiveness at higher plasma percentages and is effective at 2,500 ppm available chlorine, up to 10% plasma
  • Superoxidized water: This substance has broad antimicrobial properties, proving effective against a range of microorganisms, including bacteria, mycobacteria, viruses, fungi, and spores. It serves as a potent disinfectant.

Practical Implications

  • These chemicals are commonly used in healthcare and sanitation to prevent the spread of bacterial infections.
  • Understanding the effectiveness of each chemical, including the specific conditions under which they work best, is crucial for proper use.
  • For example, when choosing a disinfectant, the amount of organic matter (like plasma) present will greatly affect its effectiveness.

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