IC is based on proprietary ionic cupric copper complexes that penetrate and kill bacteria, algae, fungi and viruses by interfering with their metabolic processes [1].
How Ionic Copper kills algae and bacteria

Copper ions in the form of Cu2+ is very toxic to algae and bacteria interfering with the natural metabolic processes, such as membrane permeability, respiration, digestion, reproduction, and DNA replication [2]. All while being non-toxic to higher organisms [3].