Abstract:

The safety of water supply quality is a perennial concern in society. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have demonstrated significant inhibitory and inactivating effects on a variety of pathogenic microorganisms (e.g., Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus), thereby underscoring their substantial potential for application in water treatment technologies. This study focuses on the water purification efficacy of AgNPs, elucidating the working mechanisms of AgNPs composite materials in water purification. It systematically organizes and analyzes the research on nanosilver materials for water purification, offering an in-depth exploration of the current state of the art in this field. The biological toxicity and environmental risks associated with nanosilver have been analyzed, along with the prospective application of AgNPs in water purification. The findings of this work offer some insights and recommendations for studies endeavors in the realms of emergency water treatment, assurance of water quality safety, novel water purification technologies, and the development of AgNPs composite materials.

Key words: silver nanoparticles, composite materials, water purification technology, biotoxicity