Evidence map›Paper›PMID 41627461›Full record

ReviewArchives of microbiology2026

Silver nanoparticles in water disinfection: a comprehensive overview on their mechanisms, benefits, and limitations.

Muhammad Shehroz Zafar, Sana Ejaz, Farhan Ahmad, Ahmad H Ibrahim, Sawsan S Al-Rawi, Faiza Manzoor, Sadia Aziz, Saima Iqbal, Muhammad Adnan Iqbal

Abstract readReview
PubMed Publisher
In one paragraph

Review in Archives of microbiology, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 4 papers.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
4citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

4 citing papers in PubMed.

  1. Article
  2. Article
  3. Review
  4. Article
4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

9 authors.

Muhammad Shehroz ZafarDepartment of Chemistry, University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Faisalabad, 38000, Pakistan.
Sana EjazDepartment of Chemistry, University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Faisalabad, 38000, Pakistan.
Farhan AhmadDepartment of Chemistry, University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Faisalabad, 38000, Pakistan.
Ahmad H IbrahimPharmacy Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tishk International University, Erbil, Iraq.
Sawsan S Al-RawiBiology Education Department, Faculty of Education, Tishk International University, Erbil, Iraq.
Faiza ManzoorDepartment of Chemistry, University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Faisalabad, 38000, Pakistan.
Sadia AzizDepartment of Chemistry, University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Faisalabad, 38000, Pakistan.
Saima IqbalDepartment of Chemistry, G. C. Women University Faisalabad, Faisalabad, 38000, Pakistan.
Muhammad Adnan IqbalDepartment of Chemistry, University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Faisalabad, 38000, Pakistan. adnan.iqbal@uaf.edu.pk.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

The classical methods of disinfection such as UV, ozonation, and chlorination have some limitations, including low efficiency of pathogen destruction, high energy requirements, and the creation of disinfection by-products (DBPs). The availability of clean drinking water is one of the great challenges still faced by the world. The discovery of silver nanoparticles, also known as AgNPs, has proven them to be effective antibacterial agents for the long-term disinfection of water. This paper presents the primary mechanisms by which AgNPs inactive pathogens, including membrane disruption, induction of oxidative stress, and disruption of DNA and protein synthesis. AgNPs facilitate rapid and effective microbial inactivation when incorporated into a variety of scaffold systems, including carbon-based materials, hydrogels, foams, and ceramics. particle size, shape, particle concentration, substrate material, water chemistry, flow conditions, and other relevant variables that influence AgNPs efficacy are examined in greater detail. Various important limitations are highlighted, for example, cost, long-term stability, nanoparticle leaching, and potential environmental risks. Finally, recommendations are offered regarding priorities for future research, with attention directed to hybrid disinfection platforms, scalable point-of use technologies, improved immobilization strategies, reduced silver release, and biocompatible designs. In conclusion, silver-based nanoparticles offer a viable path for the development of energy-efficient, safe, and sustainable water disinfection solutions that align with sustainability and global health goals.

Indexed as

DisinfectantsDisinfectionMetal NanoparticlesSilverWater PurificationAnti-Bacterial AgentsAnti-Bacterial AgentsDisinfectantsSilverAntibacterial activityEnvironmental sustainabilityNanocompositesSilver nanoparticlesTraditional methodsWater disinfectionWater purification

Identifiers

What OpenQuestion holds

Textmetadata
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Registered trials

None linked

Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.