<![CDATA[This study aims to fabricate and optimize silver nanoparticle (AgNPs)-loaded filters for enhanced bacterial removal and water purification. Two types of silver were utilized: commercially available silver (Ag1) and laboratory-synthesized silver (Ag2), prepared via a redox displacement method. The synthesized nanoparticles were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), confirming their nanoscale size, crystalline structure, and elemental composition. Various types of filter papers, including membrane and cellulose-based filters, were prepared with and without silver nanoparticle loading. Structural modifications such as layer separation and adhesive incorporation were also investigated to evaluate their impact on filtration performance. The antibacterial activity of the prepared filters was assessed against Escherichia coli ATCC 25922 using the plate count method.The results demonstrated that AgNPs-loaded filters exhibited significantly enhanced antibacterial efficiency, achieving complete removal (100%) of E. coli in selected configurations, while unloaded filters showed lower removal efficiencies ranging from 53% to 68%. Water quality analysis revealed that total dissolved solids (TDS), electrical conductivity (EC), and pH remained within acceptable drinking water standards after filtration. Furthermore, atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) analysis confirmed that the concentration of silver released into the filtered water was within safe limits, indicating no potential risk to human health. Home-based application tests further demonstrated stable performance and consistent water quality under continuous operation. Overall, the developed AgNPs-loaded filters represent an effective, low-cost, and practical solution for water disinfection, particularly in regions lacking advanced water treatment infrastructure.]]>
