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Impact of silver nanoparticles on benthic prokaryotes in heavy metal-contaminated estuarine sediments in a tropical environment
B ANTIZAR-LADISLAO, B D BHATTACHARYA, CHAUDHURI S RAY, S K SARKAR
Published in Elsevier Ltd
2015
Volume: 99
   
Issue: 43467
Pages: 104 - 111
Abstract
Little knowledge is available about the potential impact of commercial silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) on estuarine microbial communities. The Hugli river estuary, India, is susceptible to heavy metals pollution through boat traffic, and there is the potential for Ag-NP exposure via effluent discharged from ongoing municipal and industrial activities located in close proximity. This study investigated the effects of commercial Ag-NPs on native microbial communities in estuarine sediments collected from five stations, using terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism (T-RFLP) technique. An increase in the number of bacteria in consortium in sediments was observed following exposure to Ag-NPs. In general microbial communities may be resistant in estuarine systems to the antimicrobial effects of commercial Ag-NPs, but key microorganisms, such as Pelobacter propionicus, disappeared following exposure to Ag-NPs. In conclusion, the T-RFLP analysis indicated that Ag-NPs have the potential to shape estuarine sediment bacterial community structure. © 2015 Elsevier Ltd.
About the journal
JournalData powered by TypesetMarine Pollution Bulletin
PublisherData powered by TypesetElsevier Ltd
ISSN0025-326X