The present invention provides a method of limiting the presence of a microorganism by contacting the microorganism with polymer-bound metal-containing compositions. The compositions include metal-containing compounds that may be prepared by reacting or polymerizing metal-containing monomers. The microorganism may be present in a liquid that is contacted with the polymer-bound metal-containing composition. Alternatively, the microorganism may be present in a solid that is contacted with the polymer-bound metal-containing composition.
