Ecotoxicity of Metal Nanoparticles on Microorganisms

Abstract

Metal nanoparticles are commonly used in various products including appliances, electronics and computers, automotive, health and fitness, food and beverage, cross cutting, goods for children, home and garden, among which they are used most frequently in personal care, clothing and cosmetic sunscreen. Developments in nanotechnology are leading to a rapid increase of new nanomaterials that are likely to become a source of such materials to the environment, where their possible ecotoxicological impacts remain unknown. The surface properties of metal nanoparticles are of essential importance for their behavior and toxicity in the environment. Physico-chemical properties of metal nanoparticles affect their mobility in aquatic and terrestrial systems and their interactions with microorganisms. Metal nanoparticles present in the environment may impact on microbial activity, biomass and diversity. Thus, for risk assessment of metal nanoparticles on health and environment comprehensive study of metal NP properties as well as their quantities and concentrations in environmental systems are required.