Detoxification of dye solution by Ce doped NiO and CuO nanoparticles: Greeny way for soil reclamation using Wattakaka volubilis leaf extract

Abstract

Cerium doped nickel oxide (NiO: Ce) and copper oxide (CuO: Ce) nanoparticles were synthesized via green route using the leaf extract of Wattakaka volubilis. The prepared samples were tested for their photocatalytic efficiency by degrading four different organic dyes Methylene Blue (MB), Methyl Orange (MO), Rose Bengal (RB) and Malachite Green (MG). The degrading efficiencies of green synthesized NiO:Ce and CuO:Ce against MB dye are 97 and 95%, respectively in 90 min which is superior compared to other dyes. To assess the level of detoxification achieved by the photocatalytic treatment, the resultant water samples obtained after the treatment are applied to the soil for soil health analysis. The pH, electrical conductivity, nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium levels in the tested soil samples were analysed. The results revealed that NiO:Ce detoxify the dye solution better than CuO:Ce. Thus, Wattakaka volubilis leaf extract mediated NiO:Ce can be used as a promising candidate for the photocatalytic detoxification of organic dyes.