Any truth to the rumor...

[KB24]

that by adding some copper pennies to the water reservoir in the aristocrat will help prevent any type of mold outbreak? This idea was mentioned earlier but I never got a specific answer. Thanks!!

-Patrick

[Guest gorob23]

» that by adding some copper pennies to the water reservoir in the aristocrat

» will help prevent any type of mold outbreak? This idea was mentioned

» earlier but I never got a specific answer. Thanks!!

»

» -Patrick

I have never heard of that but what the heck do I know, I'llask around.

Rob

BTW we missed you at The Deck next time:-)

[anacostiakat]

» that by adding some copper pennies to the water reservoir in the aristocrat

» will help prevent any type of mold outbreak? This idea was mentioned

» earlier but I never got a specific answer. Thanks!!

»

» -Patrick

Never heard that. Considering the penny is mostly zinc. . .

[dolly]

» » that by adding some copper pennies to the water reservoir in the

» aristocrat

» » will help prevent any type of mold outbreak? This idea was mentioned

» » earlier but I never got a specific answer. Thanks!!

» »

» » -Patrick

»

» Never heard that. Considering the penny is mostly zinc. . .

He said we have to use 1982 penny, which is copper

[zuma]

» that by adding some copper pennies to the water reservoir in the aristocrat

» will help prevent any type of mold outbreak? This idea was mentioned

» earlier but I never got a specific answer. Thanks!!

»

» -Patrick

Given that a form copper oxide (Cuprous oxide) can act as a fungicide (see quote below) and since the post-1982 US pennies are copper plated (97.5% zinc core, 2.5% copper plating [[link=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cent_%28United_States_coin%29]Link[/link]]) and likely to develop some surface oxidation, it is quite plausible that an oxidised penny (with a reddish surface oxide) could reduce fungal growth in a water reservoir...

Fascinating... I will have to give it a try... :cool:

"Copper (I) oxide is used as a pigment in glass, ceramics, enamels, porcelain glazes, and artificial gems, and as an optical glass polishing agent, fungicide, insecticide, molluscicide..."

- quoted from [link=http://www.npi.gov.au/database/substance-info/profiles/pubs/copper-compounds.pdf]Australian Government Dept. of the Environment and Water Resources: Copper and compounds fact sheet[/link]

NOTE ADDED: Copper sulfides on pennies with a greenish/bluish patina could also act as an efficient fungicide...

[n2advnture]

» that by adding some copper pennies to the water reservoir in the aristocrat

» will help prevent any type of mold outbreak? This idea was mentioned

» earlier but I never got a specific answer. Thanks!!

»

» -Patrick

Where's Wilkey when you need him?! :-D

Interesting indeed

~M

[KB24]

I did some further research and found the following:

If your Lincoln Memorial penny has a date before 1982, it is made of 95% copper. If the date is 1983 or later, it is made of 97.5% zinc, with a thin copper coating, or "clad.

So it makes sense that by adding some pennies it might prevent or assist in preventing any kind of mold outbreak in your water reservoir in your aristocrat. If anything, it can't hurt or have a negative effect.

-Patrick