Table 1 Media and preparation of the treatments in Studies I–III

Study I

C_I

Copper-free tap water (mineral media)

–

STP-C-d

Control STP effluent, diluted 1:100 with copper -free tap water

–

STP-C-a

Control STP effluent, aerated for 24 h

–

STP-Ag-d

AgNP-spiked STP effluent, diluted 1:100 with copper-free tap water

6.87

STP-Ag-a

AgNP-spiked STP effluent, aerated for 24 h

68.70

Study II

C_II

Copper-free tap water (mineral media)

–

MM 1

Mineral media spiked with NM 300K

1.01

MM 2

Mineral media spiked with NM 300K

4.49

MM 3

Mineral media spiked with NM 300K

62.59

MM Dis

Mineral media spiked with NM 300K dispersant (no AgNPs)

10

Study III

C_III

Copper free tap water (mineral media)

–

STP-C

Control STP effluent

–

STP-C-Ag 1

Control STP effluent spiked with NM 300K

0.85

STP-C-Ag 2

Control STP effluent spiked with NM 300K

3.03

STP-C-Ag 3

Control STP effluent spiked with NM 300K

43.29

STP-C-Dis

Control STP effluent spiked with NM 300K dispersant (no AgNPs)

10