The invention relates to a process for reducing the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of a biocide against at least one strain of bacteria and/or at least one strain of yeast and/or at least one strain of mould in an aqueous preparation. The invention further relates to the use of a water soluble source of lithium ions for reducing the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of a biocide against at least one strain of bacteria and/or at least one strain of yeast and/or at least one strain of mould in an aqueous preparation.

Systems and methods of use of chlorine dioxide in controlled environmental agriculture settings and postharvest applications are provided. A method can comprise application of gaseous chlorine dioxide at a level effective to prevent microbial proliferation in a setting containing growing plants. A system can comprise a chemical microorganism control agent dispersal system, an airborne microorganism detection system, and a cultivation environment monitor system.

Systems and methods of use of chlorine dioxide in controlled environmental agriculture settings and postharvest applications are provided. A method can comprise application of gaseous chlorine dioxide at a level effective to prevent microbial proliferation in a setting containing growing plants. A system can comprise a chemical microorganism control agent dispersal system, an airborne microorganism detection system, and a cultivation environment monitor system.

The disclosure relates to a microbicidal composition with excellent action of limiting a decrease in durability of synthetic adhesives as well as high microbicidal action. The microbicidal composition contains 0.03 to less than 1.0 mass % of peracetic acid, 0.045 to less than 1.5 mass % of hydrogen peroxide, and 0.036 mass % or more of glycine.

The disclosure relates to a microbicidal composition with excellent action of limiting a decrease in durability of synthetic adhesives as well as high microbicidal action. The microbicidal composition contains 0.03 to less than 1.0 mass % of peracetic acid, 0.045 to less than 1.5 mass % of hydrogen peroxide, and 0.036 mass % or more of glycine.

The disclosure relates to a microbicidal composition with excellent action of limiting a decrease in durability of synthetic adhesives as well as high microbicidal action. The microbicidal composition contains 0.03 to less than 1.0 mass % of peracetic acid, 0.045 to less than 1.5 mass % of hydrogen peroxide, and 0.036 mass % or more of glycine.

A method treats an aqueous system to inhibit growth of one or more micro-organisms therein and/or to reduce the number of live micro-organisms therein. The method includes adding treatment agents to an aqueous system wherein said treatment agents include (a) a phosphonium compound; and (b) a compound having formula: M(XO.sub.2).sub.n wherein: M is a Group I or Group II metal; X is a halogen; and n is 1 or 2.

A method treats an aqueous system to inhibit growth of one or more micro-organisms therein and/or to reduce the number of live micro-organisms therein. The method includes adding treatment agents to an aqueous system wherein said treatment agents include (a) a phosphonium compound; and (b) a compound having formula: M(XO.sub.2).sub.n wherein: M is a Group I or Group II metal; X is a halogen; and n is 1 or 2.

The present invention provides a surface treatment method that improves antimicrobial activity of copper or a copper alloy and enhances immediate effects of antimicrobial actions on the surface of the copper or the copper alloy. A surface treatment method for copper or a copper alloy according to the present invention comprises preparing a reducing agent solution containing a biological reducing substance, and treating the surface of the copper or the copper alloy with the reducing agent solution. The present invention also provides a surface treatment liquid for sterilizing copper or a copper alloy, in which the surface treatment liquid contains a biological reducing substance. The present invention also provides a sterilization method that comprises bringing copper or a copper alloy treated by the surface treatment method into contact with a surface of an object to sterilize the surface of the object.

The present invention provides a surface treatment method that improves antimicrobial activity of copper or a copper alloy and enhances immediate effects of antimicrobial actions on the surface of the copper or the copper alloy. A surface treatment method for copper or a copper alloy according to the present invention comprises preparing a reducing agent solution containing a biological reducing substance, and treating the surface of the copper or the copper alloy with the reducing agent solution. The present invention also provides a surface treatment liquid for sterilizing copper or a copper alloy, in which the surface treatment liquid contains a biological reducing substance. The present invention also provides a sterilization method that comprises bringing copper or a copper alloy treated by the surface treatment method into contact with a surface of an object to sterilize the surface of the object.