Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles for Arsenic (III) Removal from Contaminated Water
Main Article Content
Abstract
Introduction: According to the pollution control board, India releases one of the highest concentrations of toxic heavy metals such as Arsenic (As III), a major cause of water pollution. These high concentrations of toxic metals in effluents interfere with the natural water resources, cause severe toxicological implications on the environment with a dramatic impact on human health. Arsenic discharge degrades the water quality, spreading toxicity and seriously affects the photosynthesis activity in plants. Furthermore, it greatly impacts the aquatic environment because of low light penetration and insufficient oxygen consumption. Therefore, effluents must be adequately treated before discharging, increasing the significant focus on water reusability alternatives.
Objectives: To investigate the green synthesis of AgNPs and its dual activity of synthesized silver nanoparticles possess antimicrobial and heavy metal adsorption activity.
Methods: Green synthesis method for AgNPs using green tea leaves and Structural and chemical characterization of AgNPs was done via UV-visible spectroscopy, FTIR for functional group determination, XRD for crystallinity, Zeta potential for stability and FE-SEM to study surface morphology. Antimicrobial activity was performed by the well diffusion method as well as MIC was performed. Arsenic adsorption was studied using strip assay (qualitative) and ICPMS (Quantitative) analysis.
Results: The AgNPs synthesized using green tea leaves confirmed by UV-VIS peak at 410nm, FTIR peaks at 3306.1cm-1 (N-H), 2359.4cm-1 (C≡C) and 1636.3cm-1 (C=C and C=O group), XRD represents crystal structure and zeta potential is negative which represents inhibition particle aggregation as well as spherical shape confirmed by FE-SEM. The AgNPs possess significant antibacterial activity against E. coli (10-17.33 mm), S. aureus (19-26 mm), P. aeruginosa (20.66-28.66 mm) and E. gergoviae (18-21.66 mm) zone of inhibition when compared with control (Tetracycline 30 mcg) with 21-37.66 mm of zone of inhibition, commonly found in contaminated water, the silver nanoparticles exhibit exceptional adsorption capacity for Arsenic ions (As III), which are often present in contaminated water and pose environmental and health risks.
Conclusions: This research highlights that AgNPs synthesized via green route can be used for wastewater treatment, offering dual functionality in antibacterial activity and Arsenic adsorption. Arsenic adsorption was studied using strip assay (qualitative) and ICPMS (Quantitative) recorded 86% arsenic removal.