"BW" == Brian Whatcott writes:

BW On 18 Apr 2005 10:39:57 +0200, Ole-Hjalmar Kristensen
BW wrote:

But what about the zinc? Also safe levels?

"BW" == Brian Whatcott writes:

BW News of a water storage tank that is bactericidal - e.g. to E.Coli
BW within 48 hours: brass!
BW British researchers joined with Punjab U researchers to check the
BW supposition that the Indian tradition of carrying water in mutkas
BW (brass pots) was beneficial - which confirmed the suspicion, given a
BW dwell time of 48 hours plus.

BW The action stems from a low copper leaching rate out of the container.
BW The copper level in the water is extremely low and safe - in fact,
BW only a fraction of the recommended intake.

BW [New Scientist, 9 April 2005, p.14]

BW Brian Whatcott Altus OK

BW The article did not consider zinc. It would make an active
BW electrolytic couple, I'd think?

BW Brian W

Yes, I was just thinking that brass is an alloy of copper and zinc, so
we should expect zinc ions in the water as well. Anyway, it's probably
not a problem, since brass pots have traditionally been used.

This reminds me of a pretty ideal alloy for ship plating : monel.
Corrosion resistant, strong, and no need for antifouling paint, I
would think. The price would probably be prohibitive.

--
C++: The power, elegance and simplicity of a hand grenade.