Environmental impact of silver nanoparticles and its sustainable mitigation by novel approach of green chemistry
Dipayan Das, Payel Paul
Abstract
The widespread utility of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) in consumer products, medical devices, and industrial processes has generated substantial environmental concerns due to their potential toxicity and persistence in ecosystems. AgNPs is released into the environment through manufacturing effluents, wastewater discharges, and improper disposal, leading to their accumulation in aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. At elevated concentrations, AgNPs exhibit toxicity toward aquatic organisms, disrupt soil microbial communities, alter nutrient cycling, and impact ecosystem structure and function. The potential for bioaccumulation and biomagnification further exacerbates ecological risks, posing threats to environmental and human health. Resolving these challenges requires the design and adoption of sustainable mitigation strategies. In this context, green chemistry offers a promising solution by enabling the eco-friendly synthesis of AgNPs using renewable resources, benign solvents, and mild reaction conditions. Unlike conventional synthesis routes that rely on toxic reagents and generate hazardous byproducts, green approaches reduce the environmental footprint of AgNP production while maintaining functional efficacy. This review highlights the environmental impact of AgNPs and advocates for a paradigm shift toward green chemistry-based synthesis and management practices. By integrating sustainability into nanoparticle design and application, it is possible to mitigate ecological risks, support regulatory frameworks, and ensure the responsible use of nanotechnology for a safer and more sustainable future.