Statistical Optimization to Augment the Photocatalytic Reduction of Brilliant Blue G-250 Using the Biogenic Semiconductor Nanorods: An Ecosafety Approach

Abstract

The present work reported the synthesis and characterization of cadmium sulphide nanorods (Th-CdSNRs) from Trichoderma harzianum for enhanced photocatalytic degradation of coomassie Brilliant Blue-G250 (BBG-250). The degradation of BBG-250 was improved by statistical optimization using response surface methodology (RSM). In addition, the toxicity of the degraded dye (BBG-250) was tested in in vivo Artemia salina model. The formation of Th-CdSNRs by Trichoderma molecules was confirmed by FTIR spectrum, Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) and powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses. Th-CdSNRs were rod-shaped with width size ranged from 0.184 to 0.42 µm and length varied between 1.07 and 1.63 µm, as revealed by the scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and field emission transmission electron microscopy (FE-TEM) results. RSM results indicated that about 92% of BBG-250 was degraded under optimized condition of Th-CdSNRs (0.69 g L−1), pH (4.55), initial dye concentration (57.09 mg L−1) and UV light irradiation time (59 min). Further, the toxicity study revealed the less toxicity of degraded BBG-250 as compared to undegraded dye. In conclusion, this work produced the photocatalysts (Th-CdSNRs) from cell free mycelial extract (CFME) for enhanced removal of toxic organic pollutants in industrial wastewater effluents (IWWE) through photocatalytic reduction.