Many beneficial wastewater biotas, including ammonia oxidizing bacteria (AOB), are inhibited by silver nanoparticles (Ag-NP).  Thus, it is critical to understand how complex aqueous environments influences Ag-NP toxicity.  The influence of humic acids (Suwannee River Humic Acids - SRHA), proteins (bovine serum albinum - BSA) and carbohydrates (alginate) on Ag-NP induced nitrification inhibition was examined in 3-hour batch assays using Nitrosomonas europaea, a model AOB.  SRHA did not bind released silver ions (Ag+) effectively but did prevent Ag-NP agglomeration in the presence of divalent cations.  BSA prevented nitrification inhibition through the binding of Ag+, most likely through silver-thiol interactions.  Additionally, BSA reduced the amount of Ag-NP that could irreversibly bind with N. europaea, suggesting that BSA is interacting with the surface coating of the Ag-NP.  Finally, alginate did not efficiently bind Ag+ or Ag-NP indicating that carbohydrates may not play an important role in preventing Ag-NP toxicity.

Influence of humic acids and biological macromolecules on silver nanoparticle stability and toxicity to the ammonia oxidizing bacterium, <i>Nitrosomonas europaea</i>

243rd National Meeting (2012)

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Influence of humic acids and biological macromolecules on silver nanoparticle stability and toxicity to the ammonia oxidizing bacterium, Nitrosomonas europaea