Synthesis and characterization of silver nanoparticles using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA) technique

The use of nanomaterials is rapidly increasing, while little is known about their possible ecotoxicological effects. In addition to toxicity assessment the particles were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA). An Ag particle was within the small nanometer size range when dispersed in pure water. In media with higher ionic strength and DOC, particles tended to agglomerate. Cytotoxicity assessments showed that Ag nanoparticles caused a significant reduction in membrane integrity and cellular metabolic activity in a concentration dependent manner. The current study shows that size of particle, ionic strength and adverse effect on at low mg/l concentrations.