Isothiazolinones biocides are widely used in the field of water treatment to solve microbiological problems caused by bacteria, fungi and algae. These compounds are highly effective, broad-spectrum, and low-toxicity, making them one of the most effective means of controlling microbiological contamination in industrial circulating cooling water systems and other water treatment applications. The following are specific aspects of how isothiazolinones address bacterial problems in water treatment:
1. Efficient bactericidal properties
- Mechanism of action: Isothiazolinones kill or inhibit the growth of microorganisms by disrupting DNA molecules or protein bonds within the bacterial cell. They can rapidly penetrate the microbial cell membrane and interfere with its metabolic processes, thus leading to cell death.
- Broad-spectrum: Isothiazolinones show strong killing effects on a wide range of bacteria (both Gram-positive and negative), fungi, yeasts and algae.
2. Low dosage
- Economical: Due to its high efficiency, only a relatively small dose is needed to achieve the desired bactericidal effect, which helps to reduce costs.
- Environmentally friendly: low concentration use reduces the release of chemicals into the environment, which is in line with the requirements of sustainable development.
3. Compatibility with other chemicals
- Compatibility: Isothiazolinones work well with other water treatment chemicals such as corrosion inhibitors and scale inhibitors without affecting the effectiveness of these products.
- Stability: even in a wide range of pH value can remain stable, suitable for a variety of water quality conditions.
4. Biodegradability
- Safety: Isothiazolinones are able to be decomposed in the natural environment, reducing the risk of long-term accumulation and making them a relatively environmentally friendly choice.
- No residue: after proper treatment, it leaves no harmful residue, guaranteeing water safety.
5. Problem-specific applications
- Sludge stripping: At higher concentrations, isothiazolinones are particularly effective at removing biological sludge, helping to clean up deposits and restore system cleanliness.
- Resistance management: Alternating or combining with other types of biocides reduces the likelihood of microbial resistance.
Practical application examples
- Circulating Cooling Water Systems: Isothiazolinones are added to the circulating cooling water in large industrial facilities such as steel mills and power plants to prevent corrosion and efficiency degradation caused by microbial growth.
- Oilfield water injection: Used in oilfield reinjection water treatment to inhibit the growth of sulphate reducing bacteria (SRB) and other harmful microorganisms, and protect underground reservoirs from damage.
- Paper industry: adding isothiazolinone to pulp and white water recycling process to prevent mould and odour and improve product quality.
- Wastewater treatment: Help control the microbial content of wastewater to ensure that the quality of the effluent meets discharge standards.
Precautions for use
- Safe handling: Despite the low toxicity of isothiazolinones, it is still necessary to wear appropriate personal protective equipment and follow the safety guidelines provided by the manufacturer when handling them.
- Regular monitoring: To ensure optimum results, the microbiological counts in the water as well as the residual levels of the biocide need to be checked regularly and the dosage adjusted accordingly.