what are biocides?

Answer 1

A biocide is a chemical substance capable of killing different forms of living organisms used in fields such as medicine, agriculture, forestry, and mosquito control.

A biocide can be:

* A pesticide, which includes fungicides, herbicides, insecticides, algicides, moluscicides, miticides and rodenticides.
* An antimicrobial, which includes germicides, antibiotics, antibacterials, antivirals, antifungals, antiprotozoals and antiparasites.

Biocides can also be added to other materials (typically liquids) to protect the material from biological infestation and growth. For example, certain types of quaternary ammonium compounds (quats) can be added to pool water or industrial water systems to act as an algicide, protecting the water from infestation and growth of algae. Chlorine can be added in low concentrations to water as one of the final steps in wastewater treatment as a general biocide to kill micro-organisms, algae, etc.

Answer 2

Chemicals used to kill living organisms (eg, pesticides ,algaecides).
www.seagrant.sunysb.edu/BTRI/btriterms.htm

active substances and preparations intended to destroy, deter or control harmful organisms by chemical or biological means. These include disinfectants, chemicals used to preserve products and materials, and non-agricultural pesticides.
www.food.gov.uk/safereating/pesticides/pesticidesglossary/

Additive designed to inhibit the growth of microorganisms in liquids
www.oilanalysis.com/dictionary/default.asp

substances (such as pesticides, herbicides, fungicides and insecticides) which kill living organisms
www.epa.nsw.gov.au/soe/95/28.htm

Answer 3

Something that kills biological life forms. Pesticde kills bugs. Bacteriocide kills bacteria.