A biocide is a substance that has the ability to eliminate living organisms.
A biocide is a substance that is capable of eliminating living organisms . Despite being a more or less frequently used word, it is not part of the dictionary of the Royal Spanish Academy ( RAE ).
Before proceeding to analyze in depth the meaning of the term, it is necessary that we know its etymological origin. In this case, we can state that it is the result of the sum of two different parts:
- The Greek noun bios , meaning "life."
- The Latin suffix -cida , which is used to indicate "that kills."
Its characteristics
Beyond this broad meaning, the idea of biocide is usually applied to the chemical element, of synthetic or natural origin, that is used by humans to control organisms that they consider harmful . Herbicides , pesticides , insecticides and bactericides , in this sense, are biocides.
A biocide can kill or prevent the development or action of an organism . It can act chemically or physically, usually penetrating cell membranes to interrupt biochemical reactions and thus destroy systems .
There are different types of herbicides.
Types of biocides
In addition to all of the above, we can add that there are more than twenty different types of biocides that are classified into four large groups: general disinfectants and biocides, preservatives, pesticides and other types of biocides.
If what is taken into account is the way in which these products are presented, we could talk about biological biocides , such as enzymes; physical biocides and chemical biocides .
quality products
There are several characteristics that a biocide must have in order to be considered of good quality. Among the most significant are the following:
- Must have high persistence.
- It is essential that it has low toxicity for humans.
- It has to be soluble in water.
- It is essential that it be compatible with other chemical species.
- It needs to be easy to neutralize.
It is common to use broad-spectrum biocides, capable of protecting crops against the action of different microorganisms (such as viruses or bacteria). The ideal is for the biocide to be effective even in low concentration and to persist over time .
Biocides and the law
It should be noted that the production, marketing and use of biocides are regulated by law . A biocide used in high doses, or composed of very toxic substances, can cause serious damage to a person's health, or even lead to death due to poisoning .
Beyond use in crops, biocides are also used for water treatment (making it drinkable), in the leather industry and in oil production, among many other areas.