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The Miracle of Ancient Greek Water Pipes: How Does Copper Keep Water Clean?
In ancient Greece, the design and material selection of water pipes played a crucial role in the development of civilization. Among them, copper, as a special metal, is not only durable, but its unique antimicrobial properties are also amazing. In ancient civilizations, before people understood the existence of microorganisms, they had unknowingly used the properties of copper to keep water clean.
Research shows that water stored in copper containers prevents the formation of visible algae or biofouling.
Copper was used as a building material in water systems in ancient China and Greece. In terms of protecting water quality, over time, people gradually discovered that copper can effectively resist microscopic bacteria and algae in the water. Recent research by scientists has confirmed that copper and its alloys such as brass and bronze have natural antimicrobial capabilities, which is a key factor in keeping water clean.
Antimicrobial properties of copper
Copper’s antimicrobial effects were discovered as early as the 19th century. In 1852, Victor Bourque found in a controlled study that the mortality rate from cholera among people working in copper-related industries was much lower than in other industries. In 1867, he reported to the French Academy of Sciences that placing copper on the skin could help prevent cholera. These early studies laid the foundation for copper's antimicrobial properties.
The oxidizing effect of copper can interfere with the cell structure of bacteria and viruses, causing them to fail to function properly.
The mechanism of action of copper
Copper’s antimicrobial properties stem from its multiple mechanisms of action. These mechanisms include changing the three-dimensional structure of intracellular proteins, forming free radicals to destroy viruses, interfering with the survival of other essential elements such as zinc and iron, and so on. Most of the antibacterial effects are caused by copper ions that interact with cell membranes and other important molecules, leading to cellular dysfunction.
For example, copper can interact with lipids, causing oxidation of cell membranes, leading to the loss of cell contents, and thus cell death. These complex chemical reactions have drawn increasing attention to the application of copper in the field of public health.
Antibacterial efficacy of copper alloy
In the past decade, research into the antimicrobial effects of copper alloy touch surfaces has become increasingly active, especially in medical environments. Studies have shown that copper alloys can eliminate a variety of pathogenic bacteria, such as Escherichia coli O157:H7, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and influenza A viruses.
The survival rate of E. coli O157:H7 on copper alloy surfaces dropped by more than 99.9% within 1-2 hours.
Practical application cases of copper
For example, research on E. coli showed that the pathogen was almost completely inactivated on copper alloy surfaces in just 90 minutes. E. coli bacteria can survive on stainless steel surfaces for up to several weeks, a fact that highlights the importance of copper alloys in public health settings.
Future research directions
Scientists continue to conduct in-depth research on the antibacterial properties of copper and explore its application potential in more fields, especially in the medical field. As people pay more attention to public health, the excellent properties of copper provide possible solutions for the prevention and control of various infectious diseases.
With the advancement of science and technology, will we find more ways to use natural materials to improve public health in the future?
