A biocide is a type of chemical that can deter, render harmless or exert a controlling effect on harmful organisms by chemical or biological means. They are industrially important as disinfectants, oxidizing agents and preservatives.
Biocides can be either synthetic or natural. They can be a deterrent for corrosion that's biologically induced. Biocides are used to suppress harmful organisms that can cause damage to natural or manufactured materials. These harmful organisms include pests and germs. Examples of biocidal products are insect repellents, disinfectants and industrial chemicals like anti-fouling paints for ships and material preservatives. The most important application area of biocides, in quantitative terms, is industrial and public water treatment.
Biocides are compounds that completely remove or prevent biological fouling. Biocidal substances and products can be classified as anti-fouling agents or disinfectants depending upon circumstances.
High performance biocides provide superior performance and include both oxidizing and non-oxidizing biocides for complete water system control.
Biocides can be added to materials (typically liquids) to protect them against biological infestation and growth. For example, certain types of quaternary ammonium compounds (quats) are added to pool water or industrial water systems to act as an algicide, protecting the water from infestation and the growth of algae.
