Mechanism of inactivation of bacteriophages by metals

The sensitive RNA bacteriophages MS2 and f2 and, to a lesser extent, the single-stranded DNA phage S13 are inactivated when their dilute suspensions come into contact with an aluminum alloy surface or when diluted with fluids which have been in contact with aluminum, zinc, or magnesium. The inactivation is believed to result from the simultaneous action of traces of Cu²⁺ and electrolytically formed H₂O₂ and may be stimulated by addition of both of these agents, although neither alone is fully active when present in trace amounts. The phages are protected by adding either catalase or EDTA, which is further support for the suggested mechanism.