This toxicant, commonly referred to as DBNPA, is a particularly potent, broad-spectrum microbiocide which shows excellent activity, especially against bacteria. DBNPA represents a material whose mechanism of microbiocidal action falls somewhere between 

an oxidizer and a nonoxidizer. It functions similarly to an oxidizing toxicant in that it reacts quite readily with the cell wall. It is unclear, however, as to the degree of penetration of DBNPA into the actual body of the cell. This activity which affects the metabolism of the organism is similar in activity to other nonoxidizing microbiocides.

Best results are seen when this material is applied in pH ranges below 8.0. There has been some research which indicates continuous feed at low levels can be effective even up to pH 9.0. This, however, can increase the cost of its use significantly. The half-life of DBNPA as it relates to pH is shown in Figure. Industrial water systems high in organic contamination should also be avoided 

if the use of this toxicant is to yield maximum microbial control.

The detoxification of DBNPA represents a favorable characteristic when choosing it for use in a industrial tower system. Although a very potent bactericide, by blending boiler water blowdown or any stream of high pH with the tower bleed, breakdown into relatively inert compounds results.