Biocides are chemical or natural compounds used to kill, inhibit, or prevent the growth of living organisms such as bacteria, fungi, viruses, insects, and other organisms. This article provides a comprehensive review of biocides, their types, mechanisms of action, factors affecting the duration of effect, applications, and challenges in the use of biocides.

Biocide solutions are used to control microbial load and especially to control microbial corrosion in industrial water systems.