Abstract
Production and wide application of nanomaterials have led to nanotechnology development but their release to environment and the induction of toxic reactions, affects the natural microbial communities. Therefore, studies on the impact of nanoparticles on microorganisms and environment are required and needed. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of aluminium oxide nanoparticles on the growth of Pseudomonas putida . To compare the harmfulness of different forms of aluminium oxide, the ecotoxicity of its macro-forms was also evaluated in the study. Research showed that the exposure to nanoparticles can negatively influence microorganisms. The EC50 -16h determined in this study was 0.5 mg/l, and NOEC equaled 0.19 mg/l. Nano-Al2 O3 proved to be more toxic to P. putida than aluminium oxide. This indicates that the nano-form of a given substance demonstrates different properties and may constitute a far greater danger for the environment than the same substance in the large form. According to EU and US EPA criteria, nano-Al2 O3 proved to be very toxic and highly toxic, respectively. Changes in bacterial communities caused by nanoparticles may affect the normal biological, chemical and nutrient cycle in the ecosystem and the effect triggered by nanomaterials in relation to other organisms is unpredictable.
Highlights
Nanoparticles (NPs) are molecules of dimensions below 100 nm
Silver (Ag) NPs are incorporated into textiles, clothing, food packaging and other materials for elimination of bacteria, cerium oxide NPs are used in electronics, biomedical supplies, energy, and fuel additives, nano-TiO2 may be found in sunscreens, cosmetics, coatings and paints
Nitrogen removal efficiency decreased from 81.5% to 75.6% and 70.8%, when concentrations of nano-ZnO equaled 10 mg/l and 50 mg/l, respectively [17]. These results indicate that zinc oxide NPs lead to the disruption of the activated sludge treatment process
Summary
Nanoparticles (NPs) are molecules of dimensions below 100 nm. They are of colloidal particle size and are often smaller than bacterial and eukaryotic cells. Due to their unique physicochemical properties and morphology, such as: high surface to volume ratio, high chemical reactivity, ability to form aggregates, diffusivity, and mechanical strength, NPs have become an attractive material for commercial and technological application. Silver (Ag) NPs are incorporated into textiles, clothing, food packaging and other materials for elimination of bacteria, cerium oxide NPs are used in electronics, biomedical supplies, energy, and fuel additives, nano-TiO2 may be found in sunscreens, cosmetics, coatings and paints. Many nanomaterials are used as membrane filters to remove pollution from water [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
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