[Characteristics of the toxic action of a highly disperse copper powder on the energy processes in Escherichia coli B].

The role of changes in incubation medium, connected with electrochemical dissolution of fine copper powder (FCP), in efficiency of copper inhibition of energy-dependent proton efflux from E. coli was studied. In conditions of aeration of bacterial suspension in water, toxic properties of FCP can be modelled by dispersed hydrogen peroxide. Addition of hydrogen peroxide to bacteria does not influence their sensitivity to copper chloride. Transfer of the bacteria to anaerobic conditions leads to complete inhibition of energy-dependent proton efflux from E. coli by various copper-containing compounds. The data obtained suggest that the higher efficiency of FCP action on energy processes in E. coli as compared to copper chloride is determined by alkalinization of medium and oxygen absorption in the process of electrochemical dissolution of the metal.