The Effect of the Saudi Haloxylon ammodendron Shrub on Silver Nanoparticles: Optimal Biosynthesis, Characterization, Removability of Mercury Ions, Antimicrobial and Anticancer Activities

Abstract

This research provides a sustainable way to treat water by removing heavy metal hazards (mercury ion) and biological pollutants (several strains of bacteria and fungi) through the eco-friendly synthesis of silver nanoparticles using the ethanol extract of the Saudi Haloxylon ammodendron shrub, which is planted in the Qassim desert. Further, this work confirms that these nanoparticles could be used as anticancer materials. The optimization factors of the biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles were studied and obtained (volume ratio = 1:2, pH = 7.5, and temperature = 60 °C). The scanning electron microscope micrographs showed the spherical shape and the huge numbers of silver nanoparticles accumulated, while X-ray diffraction measurements gave the crystal size of these nanoparticles in the range of 10.64 nm. The application findings of these biofabricated silver nanoparticles demonstrated effective detection and removal of different concentrations of mercury ions (0–2500 ppm) from the polluted aqueous solutions. The work revealed that Haloxylon ammodendron extract enhanced the antibacterial and antifungal activities of silver nanoparticles against different strains of bacteria and fungi. As well, the anticancer activity examinations of these nanoparticles and the extract showed good and reasonable results.