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When copper and silver ions are released into the water, these cationic, surface active
ions are a potent biocide. The disinfection action takes place when the positively
charged copper and silver ions form electrostatic bonds with negatively
charged areas on the microorganism cell walls. These electrostatic
bonds create stresses, which lead to distorted cell wall permeability,
minimizing the normal intake of life sustaining nutrients. Once inside an algae
cell, copper and silver attack sulfur containing amino acid residues in the proteins
used for photosynthesis (the process of converting light into usable food and energy).
As a result, photosynthesis is blocked and leads to cell paralysis and death. If
the algae cell manages to live, the reproduction process is hampered by the presence
of the copper ions and the spread of algae is held in check. Bacteria is killed,
rather than suppressed.
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