Preparation and characterization of Mingguang palygorskite supported with silver and copper for antibacterial behavior

Mingguang palygorskite clays, when modified with the silver and copper ion may be useful in removing bacteria from aqueous solution. The antibacterial effect of these modified clays were investigated using Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus as indicators of fecal contamination of water. Introduction of Ag+ or Cu2+ did not change the crystal structure of the Mingguang palygorskite. It was found that the Mingguang silver and copper palygorskite minerals eliminated the pathogenic microorganisms E. coli and S. aureus from water with the average amount of silver and copper supported on the minerals after 12 h of contact time. (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.