Antimicrobial activity of metal oxide nanoparticles supported onto natural clinoptilolite

The antimicrobial activity of Cu2O, ZnO and NiO nanoparticles supported onto natural clinoptilolite was investigated in the secondary effluent under dark conditions. After 24 h of contact the Cu2O and ZnO nanoparticles reduced the numbers of viable bacterial cells of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus in pure culture for four to six orders of magnitude and showed consistent 100% of antibacterial activity against native E. coli after 1 h of contact during 48 exposures. The antibacterial activity of NiO nanoparticles was less efficient. The Cu2O and NiO nanoparticles showed 100% of antiprotozoan activity against Paramecium caudatum and Euplotes affinis after 1 h of contact, while ZnO nanoparticles were less efficient. The morphology and crystallinity of the nanoparticles were not affected by microorganisms. The metal oxide nanoparticles could find a novel application in the disinfection of secondary effluent and removal of pathogenic microorganisms in the tertiary stage of wastewater treatment.

► Antibacterial activity of Cu2O and ZnO nanoparticles in nonsterile secondary effluent.
► Antiprotozoan activity of Cu2O and NiO nanoparticles.
► Nanoparticles are not affected by microorganisms and can be reused.
► Novel metal oxide/zeolite disinfectant for secondary effluent.