The present invention is directed to an antimicrobial composition, comprisingpyrithione or a pyrithione complex； and a zinc or copper or silver sourceselectedfrom the group consisting of zinc or copper or silver salts, oxides,hydroxides,sulfates, chlorides, metals, and combinations thereof； wherein the weightratio of thezinc or copper or silver source to the pyrithione or the pyrithione complex isin therange from about 1:300 to about 50:1, and wherein the antimicrobialcomposition hasan enhanced biocidal effect against a variety of free-living microorganisms orbiofilms. Also disclosed is a method of inhibiting the growth of free-livingmicroorganisms or biofilm utilizing the above antimicrobial composition, aswell asuse of such antimicrobial compositions in various products including fuels,fluids,lubricants, coatings, adhesives, sealants, elastomers, soaps, cosmetics,plastic orwoven or non-woven fibers, pharmaceuticals, and as preservatives for the aboveproducts.
