SAVE MONEY ON TRAVEL DEALS

University of Missouri Assistant Professor Zhiqiang Hu said he's found the silver nanoparticles might destroy benign bacteria that remove ammonia from wastewater treatment systems.

Several products containing silver nanoparticles are on the market, including high-tech, energy-efficient washing machines that disinfect clothes by generating the tiny particles.

"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", he said.

Hu said silver nanoparticles generate chemicals known as highly reactive oxygen species. He noted the use of wastewater treatment "sludge" as a land fertilizer is a common practice, but if high levels of silver nanoparticles are present in the sludge, soil used to grow food crops might be harmed.

The study that included graduate student Okkyoung Choi appeared in the journal Water Research and Environmental Science & Technology.

 BREAKING STORIES

Weight Watchers compared to going to gym

Water levels begin to fall on Mississippi

Missouri May Seek Death Penalty Against Sheley

Missouri Likely to Seek Death for Sheley

Mississippi River recedes; storms on way

Submerged trees reduce global warming

Chrysler turns toward smaller cars

New evidence found in 1988 K.C. blast case

Obama praises McCain, warns critics

Mississippi River cresting, receding

Virtual farmer gets a flooded reality

Missouri copes with river, flash flooding

Levee breaks near Winfield, Mo.

Historian: Mormon land grabbed in Missouri

Sodden levee breaches, prompts evacuations

More rain forecast for rain-weary Midwest

Waterlogged Midwest prepares for more rain

Levees break up river from St. Louis

Some cancer drugs bad for heart patients

Animal vertebrae development studied