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6020596 
Journal Article 
Microbial control: an evaluation of various biocides for disinfection of reverse osmosis membranes and water distribution systems 
Maltais, JAB; Stern, T 
1990 
7 
3 
37-38,40 
An evaluation was conducted of the efficacy of different disinfectants for removal of biofilms from reverse osmosis membranes and the pipework associated with water treatment units. The deficiencies of the traditionally-used disinfectants (hydrogen peroxide at several concentrations, sodium hypochlorite and formaldehyde) are set out, and the properties of an alternative formulation, Minncare, manufactured by Minntech Corporation and based on a mixture of hydrogen peroxide and peracetic acid are introduced. Bacteriological assays were conducted on spores of Bacillus subtilis niger which, although not typical of the micro-organisms associated with reverse osmosis membrane fouling, were resistant to traditional disinfectants, and would therefore constitute a good challenge organism. Under the conditions used for the assays, Minncare operated much more rapidly than the alternatives, a 1 per cent concentration achieving a 5-log reduction of spores in 30 minutes, whereas hydrogen peroxide at 10 per cent, 5 per cent and 0.2 per cent concentrations required 1-24 h, formaldehyde at 2 per cent required 12 h, and sodium chlorite at 0.001 per cent required 6 h. Minncare should have no adverse effects on either cellulose acetate or thin-film polymer membranes, or on associated pipework. 
Sodium chlorite; Aqualine Abstracts