Silver nanotoxicity using a light-emitting biosensor Pseudomonas putida isolated from a wastewater treatment plant

► Three silver species tested for toxicity using a bacterial biosensor. ► Bioassays carried out with a pseudomonad bacteria from activated sludge. ► Silver ions are the most toxic species followed by nano and micro silver particles. ► Stabilized nano systems show higher toxicity than non stabilized. ► Biosensor suitable for toxicity monitoring in industrial wastewater treatment plant.