Degradation of anthropogenic pollutant and organic dyes by biosynthesized silver nano-catalyst from Cicer arietinum leaves

- Silver nanoparticles have been synthesized from Cicer arietinum (chickpea) leaf extract (CAL-AgNPs).
- The CAL-AgNPs have shown spherical morphology with the size range of 88.8 nm.
- The antibacterial efficiency was also evaluated against E. coli and P. aeruginosa.
- Catalytic activity evaluation of CAL-AgNPs for degradation of 4-nitrophenol, methylene blue and congo red.

The work represents the potent catalytic activity of silver nanoparticles synthesized from Cicer arietinum (chickpea) leaf extract (CAL-AgNPs). Here, silver nano-catalysts were used against the anthropogenic pollutants mainly involving nitro-amines and azo dyes. These pollutants are extremely harmful to our environment and causes severe health issues. The CAL-AgNPs have the potential to degrade harmful toxins and their by-products, thereby decreasing the pollutants from the environment. The green synthesis of nano-catalyst includes a simple, cost effective and eco-friendly method using the leaf extract from the plant. A systematic study was conducted, including synthesis, optimization and characterization of the silver particles. The AgNPs were further assessed through DLS and TEM for size and morphological evaluation. The obtained particles have shown spherical morphology with the size range of 88.8 nm. Further, FTIR were performed for compositional and functional group analysis of the particles. The antibacterial efficiency was also evaluated against E. coli and P. aeruginosa. For their catalytic evaluation, CAL-AgNPs were assessed for 4-nitrophenol, methylene blue and congo red. The results obtained through catalytic evaluation suggested that the CAL-AgNPs could be helpful to surmount the environmental pollution in a very effective manner.