Biosynthesis of Iron Nanoparticles from Spinacia Oleracea and its Application in Wastewater Treatment

Abstract

Water quality and purification issues may be resolved with the aid of "nanotechnology." Due to their prompt responsiveness and effectiveness in eradicating contaminants, along with their capacity to tackle groundwater issues by implementing a permeable reactive barrier utilizing zero-valent iron, zero-valent iron nanoparticles find extensive application in environmental remediation. These nanoparticles, containing zero-valent iron, were produced by synthesizing a metal salt solution with an extract obtained from Spinacia oleracea leaves. In this current study, the plant extract was mixed with a metal salt solution at a predetermined ratio to generate zero-valent iron nanoparticles (FeNP) either at room temperature or via the hydrothermal method. Phase-contrast microscopy and UV-visible spectroscopy were employed to scrutinize the nanoparticles generated. To our knowledge, this study represents the initial exploration of the efficacy of zero-valent iron nanoparticles derived from Spinacia oleracea leaf extract for treating municipal wastewater. The focus is particularly on assessing their impact on BOD and COD parameters.