Effect of aluminium oxide nanoparticles on the enzymatic activity on microorganisms of activated sludge

Abstract

The increased production and commercial use of nanoparticles (NPs), combined with a lack of regulation regarding their disposal, may result in the unwanted introduction of NPs to wastewater. Wastewater nutrient removal depends on the metabolisms of activated sludge bacteria and their related key enzymes. Therefore, the aim of this work was to determine the effect of aluminium oxide nanoparticles concentrations on the activated sludge enzymatic activity of microorganisms. Tested nanoparticles inhibition cellular respiration in TTC method in the four highest tested concentrations. Moreover, in most samples observed increase dehydrogenase activity. In this study, nano-Al2O3 also caused a clear stimulation of the activity of hydrolytic enzymes microorganisms of activate sludge. Effects of aluminum oxide (compound in bulk forms) on enzymatic activity were different than in the case of the nano from of Al2O3.