Different sorbents were activated by Ag⁺-ions and modified sorbents were determined by sorption capacities, in range of values: 42.06–3.28 mg/g.

Granulated activated carbon (GAC), natural zeolit (Z) and titanium dioxide (T) activated by Ag⁺-ions were tested against E. coli, S. aureus and C. albicans.

The most successful bacteria removal was obtained using Ag/Z against S. aureus and E. coli, while the yeast cell reduction reached unsatisfactory effect for all three activated sorbents.

XRD, XPS and FE-SEM analysis showed that the chemical state of the silver activating agent affects the antimicrobial activity, as well as the structural properties of the material.

An overall microbial cell reduction, which is performed by separated antimicrobial tests on the Ag⁺-activated surface and Ag⁺-ions in aquatic solutions, is a consequence of both mechanisms.