Microbiological control |
|
|
|
Organosulfur CompoundsA variety of organosulfur microbiocide formulations are available for use in industrial water systems, and although their mechanisms of microbiocidal activity are quite similar, the pH ranges affecting their efficacy are quite different. In general, the organosulfur compounds function as microbiocides by either competitively or noncompetitively inhibiting cell growth. The competitive inhibition action of organosulfurs closely resembles that of chelating agents. Normally, in microbial respiration, a low energy ferric (Fe+3) cytochrome, such as the one shown in Figure 5-37, accepts an electron and is transformed to a high energy ferrous (Fe+2) cytochrome state. These reactions result in the generation of energy required for life. The competitive inhibiting type of organosulfurs removes the ferric (Fe*3) ion from the reaction by complexing it as an iron salt. Removal of the iron from the cytochrome stops the transfer of energy and causes immediate cell death. Noncompetitive inhibition caused by certain organosulfur compounds consists in its elementary form of nothing more than inducing the microorganism to accept a chemical substance that will eventually lead to its destruction. Microbial death is brought about by acceptance of an organosulfur compound sufficiently similar in structure to the essential metabolite that it will combine with the appropriate enzyme protein, but sufficiently different that it will not produce the required life-sustaining reaction. |
|
home page
