Transformation of PVP coated silver nanoparticles in a simulated wastewater treatment process and the effect on microbial communities.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Manufactured silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are one of the most commonly used nanomaterials in consumer goods and consequently their concentrations in wastewater and hence wastewater treatment plants are predicted to increase. We investigated the fate of AgNPs in sludge that was subjected to aerobic and anaerobic treatment and the impact of AgNPs on microbial processes and communities. The initial identification of AgNPs in sludge was carried out using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) with energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis. The solid phase speciation of silver in sludge and wastewater influent was then examined using X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS). The effects of transformed AgNPs (mainly Ag-S phases) on nitrification, wastewater microbial populations and,

SUBMITTER: Doolette CL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3636095 | biostudies-literature | 2013

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature