Too much technology may be killing beneficial bacteria - NanoWerk, USA
Silver nanoparticles also may destroy benign bacteria that are used to remove ammonia from wastewater treatment systems.Several products containing silver nanoparticles already are on the market, including socks containing silver nanoparticles designed to inhibit odor-causing bacteria and high-tech, energy-efficient washing machines that disinfect clothes by generating the tiny particles. The positive effects of that technology may be overshadowed by the potential negative environmental impact.
Because of the increasing use of silver nanoparticles in consumer products, the risk that this material will be released into sewage lines, wastewater treatment facilities, and, eventually, to rivers, streams and lakes is of concern. The silver nanoparticles destroy the benign species of bacteria that are used for wastewater treatment.