Inactivation of Escherichia coli by Nanoparticulate Zerovalent Iron and Ferrous Ion

The mechanism of Escherichia coli inactivation by nanoparticulate zerovalent iron (nZVI) and Fe(II) was investigated using reactive oxygen species (ROS) quenchers and probes, an oxidative stress assay, and microscopic observations. Disruption of cell membrane integrity and respiratory activity was observed under deaerated conditions [more disruption by nZVI than Fe(II)], and OH or Fe(IV) appears to play a role.