On the mechanism of microbe inactivation by metallic iron

This letter challenges the concept that the metallic iron (Fe0) surface contributes directly to the process of micro-organism inactivation in aqueous solutions. It is shown that any antimicrobial properties of Fe0 is related to the cycle of expansion/contraction accompanying aqueous iron corrosion. This demonstration corroborates the concept that aqueous contaminant removal in the presence of Fe0 mostly occurs at the Fe-oxide/water interface or within the oxide-film on Fe0.