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Does freezing water for long times kill germs?

Quintessence

Consults with Trees
Staff member
Premium Member
Bacteria are the chemical masterminds of this planet. Many are extremophiles, meaning they can exist in conditions - including sub-zero temperatures - that would be insurmountable by any other life form. So really, the answer to your question depends on exactly what "germs" you are talking about and exactly what temperatures you are talking about and exactly how long a "long time" is. But I could not answer your question to that specificity, as I don't have subject expertise in extremophile bacteria.

I'd also like to add that not all "germs" are bad, and that destroying the bacterial ecosystem present on something can actually vacate space for worse things to move in later. We can never get rid of all "germs" nor should we. Especially since we have quite enough problems with hyper-resistent bad germs as it is...
 

Ouroboros

Coincidentia oppositorum
Does freezing water for long times kill germs?
Not completely. Some can survive. Besides, there are many different kinds of "germs". Mold, yeast, bacteria, virus, ...

There are recent findings by some scientist that there are biological life that has adapted to ice and can live under the ice, close to the surface. It's some bacteria (I think) that creates a little heat-bubble to move around. (If I remember it right) But they live only in antarctica or something.
 

DallasApple

Depends Upon My Mood..
Its really really hard to "kill germs".And besides what are you going to do? Eat ice ?For your water consumption?

We have "good and bad" bacteria..Just get more good bacteria.Wash your hands..avoid being around sick people..(unless they need you)..Freezing water seems to be a little extreme.I would be more worried about the man made chemicals in it than 'germs"..but that's my freak out..
 

Vinayaka

devotee
Premium Member
I would have thought boling would have made it safe most of the times.

Any specific times it wouldnt?

When it's chemical contamination, not biological contamination. I understand boiling has little effect on mercury or arsenic.
 

InformedIgnorance

Do you 'know' or believe?
There might be specific substances where they have different boiling temperatures and therefore would evaporate at different rates - however boiling to separate these substances can be extremely tricky as precise temperature control is required.
 

aemojohn258

New Member
Yes, i agree with you but it don't kill completely, It just decrease the germs from water, even if we boil the water at high temperature then not kill germs completely.
 
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