In most cases, the higher oxides of manganese produce the desired oxidizing action.

It is fireproof and noninflammable, unaffected by temperatures up to 1200 to 1600 degrees F., and is resistant to the oxidizing action of electrical discharges.

Since the oxidizing action is relatively mild, it will not work well when organic matter, either combined with the iron or completely separate, is present in the water and iron bacteria will not be killed.

Potassium permanganate (KMnO) is a purplish-black crystalline powder that colours everything it touches, through a strong oxidising action.