Effects of silver nanoparticles on soil microorganisms and maize biomass are linked in the rhizosphere

Silver nanoparticles hold great promise as effective anti-microbial compounds in a myriad of applications but may also pose a threat to non-target bacteria and fungi in the environment. Because microorganisms are involved in extensive interactions with many other organisms, these partner species are also prone to indirect negative effects from silver nanoparticles. Here, we focus on the effects of nanosilver exposure in the rhizosphere. Specifically, we evaluate the effect of 100 mg kg(-1) silver nanoparticles on maize plants, as well as on the bacteria and fungi in the plant's rhizosphere and the surrounding bulk soil. Maize biomass measurements, microbial community fingerprints, an indicator of microbial enzymatic activity, and carbon use diversity profiles are used. Hereby, it is shown that 100 mg kg(-1) silver nanoparticles in soil increases maize biomass, and that this effect coincides with significant alterations of the bacterial communities in the rhizosphere. The bacterial community in nanosilver exposed rhizosphere shows less enzymatic activity and significantly altered carbon use and community composition profiles. Fungal communities are less affected by silver nanoparticles, as their composition is only slightly modified by nanosilver exposure. In addition, the microbial changes noted in the rhizosphere were significantly different from those noted in the bulk soil, indicated by different nanosilver-induced alterations of carbon use and community composition profiles in bulk and rhizosphere soil. Overall, microorganisms in the rhizosphere seem to play an important role when evaluating the fate and effects of silver nanoparticle exposure in soil, and not only is the nanosilver response different for bacteria and fungi, but also for bulk and rhizosphere soil. Consequently, assessment of microbial populations should be considered an essential parameter when investigating the impacts of nanoparticle exposure. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.