| Appendix II:A-1. Biocides |
Traditional oxidizing agents such as chlorine and bromine have been
proven effective in controlling Legionnaires' disease bacteria (LDB) in cooling towers.
Continuous chlorination at low free residual levels can be effective in controlling
LDB growth.
- It is important that the proper oxidant level be established and maintained because free residual chlorine
above 1 mg/L may be corrosive to metals in the system and may damage wood used in cooling towers.;
- However, free residual levels below 1 mg/L may not adequately control LDB growth.
- Chlorine also combines with organic substances in water to form toxic by-products that are of
environmental concern.
- Frequent monitoring and control of pH is essential for maintaining adequate levels of free residual
chlorine.
- Above a pH of 8.0, chlorine effectiveness is greatly reduced.
- Proper control of pH will maintain the effectiveness of chlorination and minimize corrosion.
Bromine is an
effective oxidizing biocide.
- Bromine is frequently added as a bromide salt and generated by reaction with chlorine.
- Bromine's effectiveness is less dependent on the pH of the water than chlorine.
- Bromine is less corrosive and produces less toxic environmental by-products.
Little information exists on the demonstrated effectiveness of many commercial
biocides for preventing LDB growth in actual operations.
- Australian studies indicate that fentichlor [2,2'-thiobis (4-chlorophenol)] used
weekly for four hours at 200 ppm, or bromo-chloro-dimethyl-hydantoin (BCD) in a slow-release
cartridge at an initial concentration of 300 ppm are effective in controlling the growth of LDB. The
Australian study also indicates that quaternary ammonium compounds, widely used for control of bio-fouling
in cooling towers, are not effective in controlling LDB.
- There are no U.S. suppliers of Fentichlor, although the chemical is licensed by the EPA for water
treatment in cooling towers.
- Towerbrom 60MTM, a chlorotriazine and sodium bromide salt mixture, has been reported to be
effective when alternated with BCD for control of LDB in U.S. studies of contaminated cooling towers.
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