The inhibitory effects of silver nanoparticles, silver ions, and silver chloride colloids on microbial growth.

Emerging nanomaterials are of great concern to wastewater treatment utilities and the environment. The inhibitory effects of silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) and other important Ag species on microbial growth were evaluated using extant respirometry and an automatic microtiter fluorescence assay. Using autotrophic nitrifying organisms from a well-controlled continuously operated bioreactor, Ag NPs (average size=14+/-6 nm), Ag(+) ions (AgNO(3)), and AgCl colloids (average size=0.