Step 1: Understanding the Concept
Some metal nanoparticles damage bacterial cells even at very small doses.
Step 2: Silver
Silver nanoparticles release \(\text{Ag}^{+}\) ions and produce reactive oxygen species. These damage bacterial membranes, enzymes and DNA.
Step 3: Compare options
Carbon black is not a metal. Aluminium and copper nanoparticles are not the standard disinfectant in water purifiers.
Final Answer:
Silver is the metal nanoparticle used for disinfection.
\[ \boxed{\text{(B) }\text{silver}} \]