Green Synthesis of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Using Plant Extracts for Enhanced Photocatalytic Degradation of Pharmaceutical Pollutants in Wastewater

Abstract

Pharmaceutical contaminations of wastewater have become a major environmental problem since traditional water treatments may be inefficient in the complete removal of biologically active contaminants. This research is aimed at providing an environmentally sustainable method of zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles preparation using leaf extract of Moringa oleifera and testing their ability to photocatalyze diclofenac decomposition in wastewater. The proposed green synthesis method involves aqueous plant extract as the medium for the reduction and stabilization of nanoparticles. Characterization of the synthesized ZnO nanoparticles in terms of their structural properties, particle morphology, and functional groups present on the surface will be performed through relevant characterization methods. Performance of photocatalysis will be tested in a light exposure test with respect to parameters such as dosage of the catalyst, pH of the solution, time of irradiation, and reusability of the catalyst. Concentration of diclofenac before and after photocatalysis will be analyzed using an analytical method. A dark adsorption test and irradiation-only control test will be conducted in order to differentiate photocatalysis from adsorption and photolysisIt is expected to generate a result in the form of the determination of appropriate operational parameters for the removal of diclofenac and evaluation of the possibility of recycling of the catalyst. In general, the use of plant-derived ZnO nanoparticles could be considered as a prospective approach towards pharmaceutical wastewater treatment in an eco-friendly manner.