Antibacterial properties of the halogens | 14–18 years

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An image showing the pages available in the downloads with a water bottle in the shape of a 6 in the foreground.

Source: © Royal Society of Chemistry

Use this practical to investigate how solutions of the halogens inhibit the growth of bacteria and which is most effective

Chlorine is commonly used in water treatment to kill bacteria. Do all the halogens have antibacterial properties? Which is the most effective? The aim of this experiment is to use a microbiology practical to investigate the antibacterial properties of solutions of the halogens. This investigation is a great way to develop core practical work using filtration and distillation to get clean (potable) water from a contaminated source at 14–16. Include the extension questions to use the investigation for 16–18.

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