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Silver nanoparticles are antimicrobial agents used in the treatment of wastewater with high bacterial contamination levels.
FREMONT, CA: The consistency of treated wastewater is an important consideration for its reuse, as the recycled water must meet the safety requirements for its intended use. A large volume of polluted wastewater is discharged from many industrial processes. Industrial wastewater contains a variety of pollutants, depending on the production method. Chemical constituents, extreme pH, poisonous heavy metals, excessive salinity, and high turbidity from the presence of inorganic impurities are all examples of industrial wastewater pollutants.
Nanotechnology is one of the most researched inventions of the twenty-first century. Wastewater treatment is classified into three categories based on the form of nanomaterial:
Nanocatalysts
Photocatalytic activities, which include the interaction of light energy with metallic nanoparticles, are used in this treatment. By reacting with hydroxyl radicals, photocatalytic activities destroy microorganisms (bacteria) and organic substances. Inorganic materials such as metal oxides and semiconductors are commonly used in nanocatalysts.
Nano Adsorbents
Organic or inorganic nanomaterials with a high affinity for adsorbing substances are used in this treatment. These adsorbents are highly effective at eliminating a wide range of pollutants.
The optimal absorbent is small, has a big surface area, excellent catalytic potential, and high reactivity. Metallic nanoparticles, magnetic nanoparticles, nanostructured mixed oxides, and metallic oxide nanoparticles are the four types of nano-adsorbents identified by their adsorption method.
Nanomembranes
Nanomembranes can isolate contaminants from wastewater in this treatment. Heavy metals, dyes, and other chemicals are commonly removed using these. Nanotubes, nanoribbons, and nanofibers are examples of nanomembranes that are widely used. Silver nanoparticles are antimicrobial agents that are used in the treatment of wastewater with high bacterial contamination levels.
Silver nanoparticles and graphene oxide nanoparticles play a dual role in biofouling prevention (disable bacterial cells) and microbial attachment reduction by forming a solid water layer due to their hydrophilic existence.
