Abstract
This paper reports on the manufacture of ZnO nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) from Prosopis juliflora leaf extracts. Various methods of characterization were used, including X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), scanning electron microscope (SEM), and transmission electron microscope TEM. ZnO NPs has a hexagonal wurtzite structure with a preferred orientation of 101 planes, according to XRD. The functional groups found in ZnO NPs isolated from leaves are responsible for the FT-IR peaks that correspond to them. The morphology of the produced nanoparticles is a sphere-like form, as shown in the SEM pictures. TEM examination revealed ZnO NPs with a size of 50–55 nm. These ZnO NPs were used to remediate pollutants in paper mill effluents, and they were able to remove 86% of the organic pollutants from the sample at 0.05 mg/L dose and reduce 89% of the organic pollutants during a 5-h reflex time. Meanwhile, for the photocatalysis of paper mill effluents, it has been noted that COD was removed by 74.30%, 63.23%, and 57.96% for the first, second, and third cycles, respectively.
Highlights
Environmental risks involved with harmful pollutants that exist in effluents are one of the most important concerns facing modern society [1]
The paper mill effluent was obtained from the South Egypt paper industry
The presence of characteristic diffraction peaks in ZnO was proved by X-ray Diffraction (XRD) patterns
Summary
Environmental risks involved with harmful pollutants that exist in effluents are one of the most important concerns facing modern society [1]. Wastewater discharge from urban industrial activity is considered as a major pollutant source in natural habitats [2]. The paper industry is classified as one of the most water-use and wastewater-producing industries [2,3,4]. As a result, untreated paper mill effluent poses harm to the natural environment, requiring the development of a treatment approach. Coagulation, adsorption, and biological processes, as well as UV radiation disinfection, are applied for treating paper mill effluent [6]. These methods, have several significant drawbacks, chemicals used in chemical treatment operations, for example, have a high toxicity [7]. ZnO is important for industrial and medical applications due to its wide bandgap and strong excitonic binding energy [10]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
