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Silver‐embedded granular activated carbon as an antibacterial medium for water purification
Author(s) -
Bandyopadhyaya Rajdip,
Sivaiah M. Venkata,
Shankar P. A.
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
journal of chemical technology and biotechnology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.64
H-Index - 117
eISSN - 1097-4660
pISSN - 0268-2575
DOI - 10.1002/jctb.1985
Subject(s) - nuclear chemistry , escherichia coli , chemistry , portable water purification , metal , antibacterial activity , water disinfection , bacterial growth , bacteria , environmental engineering , organic chemistry , biology , biochemistry , genetics , engineering , gene
Silver (Ag) particle embedded granular activated carbon (GAC) was made for the first time to assess its ability in inhibiting the growth of Escherichia coli ( E. coli ), a water‐borne bacterial pathogen. Ag‐GAC was made by impregnating GAC with AgNO 3 and then reducing it to metallic Ag. Plate assay showed slight inhibition of E. coli , even with Ag‐GAC prepared from 0.005 mol L −1 AgNO 3 , but this and shake flask tests showed a conspicuous effect only for higher concentrations of 0.1–1 mol L −1 AgNO 3 . Flow tests further indicated that Ag‐GAC made from 1.0 mol L −1 AgNO 3 caused a desirable three orders of reduction in E. coli number concentration in less than 30 s. An optimum of 9–10.5 wt% of embedded Ag in the final Ag‐GAC product was necessary for the requisite complete inhibition of E. coli , killing bacteria in the contact‐mode for up to 350 L of flowing water. These results prove that Ag‐GAC possesses antibacterial properties and can be used for disinfection to produce potable quality water. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry