Effect of Silver Nanoparticles on Beneficial Microbes in the Environment

The silver nanoparticles were synthesized by chemical reduction of silver nitrate using sodium borohydride. The synthesized nanoparticles, were characterized by UV visible spectroscopic analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopic analysis and scanning electron microscope. The antimicrobial activity of chemically synthesized silver nanoparticles was determined against two bacteria (Azotobacter chroococcum and Pseudomonas fluorescens) and two fungi (Aspergillus niger and Penicilluim chrysogenum) by well diffusion method. Our study shows that silver nitrate as the bulk material behind the synthesis of silver nanoparticles is toxic whereas silver nanoparticles are less toxic to beneficial microbes in the environment.