Peracetic acid: A new biocide for industrial water applications

Journal Article · Fri Aug 01 04:00:00 EDT 1997 · Materials Performance

OSTI ID:566696

Kramer, J F ^[1]

---

1. FMC Corp., Princeton, NJ (United States)

Peracetic acid is rapidly cidal at low concentrations against a broad spectrum of microorganisms, including gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, yeasts, molds, and algae under a wide variety of conditions. It is also effective against anaerobic and spore-forming bacteria. Peracetic acid is effective at killing biofilm microorganisms at low concentrations and short contact times. Unlike a number of other biocides, the biocidal activity of peracetic acid is not affected by pH or water hardness and is retained even in the presence of organic matter. For these reasons, peracetic acid is well-suited as a biocide in industrial 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 byproducts and its decomposition products (acetic acid, water, and oxygen) are innocuous and environmentally acceptable.

• OSTI ID: 566696
• Journal Information: Materials Performance, Journal Name: Materials Performance Journal Issue: 8 Vol. 36; ISSN MTPFBI; ISSN 0094-1492
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATION
BIOLOGICAL FOULING
COOLING SYSTEMS
CORROSION INHIBITORS
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS
FUNGICIDES
ORGANIC ACIDS
WATER TREATMENT