Silver-Doped Zirconia Nanoparticles as Possible Bactericide in Water Filters

Abstract

The objectives of this study were to produce ZrO2-based nanoparticles doped with silver, using the polymeric precursor method (Pechini), and to verify their bactericidal activity againstEscherichiacoliandStaphylococcusaureus. Zirconium and silver oxides were chosen due to their bactericidal activity. The oxides were characterized by X-ray diffraction and field emission gun-scanning electron microscopy. The support for the oxides was a porous surface used in gravity filters. The method was not effective against the bacteriumEscherichiacoliin the sample subjected to UV light for 45 min, since it did not eliminate the bacterium, and did not inhibit colony growth and formation. However, the bactericidal activity test proved effective againstStaphylococcusaureus, eliminating the bacterium when the sample was subjected to UV light for 45 min, thus preventing colony growth and formation.