Jiin Yun, Hyukmin Kweon 

In recent years, the development of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and their application in wastewater treatment have emerged as highly effective disinfection methods. Wastewater treatment processes effectively remove silver particles and colloids (most processes exceed 95%), but this still leaves notable concentrations that escape to effluent-receiving waters. To address this challenge, in this study, novel magnetic nanocomposites, silver nanoparticle-decorated magnetic cobalt (AgNPs/Co), were studied for disinfection of water contaminated with Escherichia coli (E. coli). First, the magnetic efficiency of the synthesized nanocomposites was measured. To measure the disinfection efficiency of AgNPs/Co in E. coli-contaminated water, various studies have used concentrations ranging from 10 to 50 µg. The results demonstrated an impressive antibacterial efficiency rate of 99.6% when using AgNPs/Co. Additionally, the efficiency rate of collecting the novel magnetic nanocomposites was found to be 100% using a magnet. The AgNPs/Co technology not only exhibits highly efficient water purification capabilities, but also offers the added benefit of complete removability using a magnet, a simple yet effective collection method. This feature plays a crucial role in preventing the introduction of toxic AgNPs into reservoirs, which could negatively impact both human populations and ecosystems. By enabling the production of clean water while preserving the environment, this technology provides an innovative solution for wastewater treatment.