Nanoparticles are becoming more prevalent in common consumer goods; therefore, understanding the interactions between nanomaterials and microbial communities in engineered systems (e.g. septic tank) can indicate the consequences of released nanomaterials on wastewater treatment processes. With about 20% of American households using septic systems, maintaining the function of these onsite wastewater treatment systems is critical for sanitation. This study investigates the effects of three copper particles on the function and operation of a model septic tank at environmentally relevant concentrations. These particles were chosen to determine effects between nanoparticle-Cu, bulk size (microparticle-Cu), and ionic forms (Cu(OH)2).  In addition, the copper particles were chosen based on relevance to real world applications; Cu particles are found in numerous household products that may enter septic tanks.Septic system analyses included the evaluation of water quality parameters [alkalinity, biological oxygen demand (BOD), and pH]. Additional microbial community characterization techniques were also used to detect changes in and relationships between the septic tank function and microbial community phenotype/genotype. Analyses indicate that each Cu tested causes significant changes in multiple water quality septic tank performances, yet no significant change occurred in the community genotype structure. The microbial community maintained the proteobacteria phyla as the largest percentage of the community for all experiments, which is the dominant bacterial representative in wastewaters. Overall, results to date indicate that the introduction of copper nanoparticles cause a disruption in septic tank function but not necessarily microbial community composition, which may still lead to improper waste treatment and subsequent groundwater contamination.

Release and impact of copper nanoparticles on a model septic system

248th National Meeting (2014)

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