Copper/silver ionization is a new disinfection technology that has been used to control Legionella in hospital hot water systems.(Lin,et,al., -1998) Copper and silver ions are electrolytically generated and introduced into recirculating hot water lines.these positively charged metallic ions attach to the negatively charged cell wall and cause cell lysis and death (Friedman et al.,1968; bitton et al., 1978; Slawson et al., 1990).However,a recent study suggested that coper-silver ionization was ineffective in controlling Legionella in one hospital (CDC,1997).Preliminary investigations revealed that the pH of that particular water supply was greater than 8.0. this suggested that elevated pH might inhibit or prevent the eradication of Legionella by copper and silver ions.
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