Synthesized ZnO nanoparticles using Sorghum Panicle for the photocatalytic degradation of pharmaceutical waste water

Sorghum Panicle, an agricultural waste material, contributes to air pollution when burned, causing health hazards. This research focuses on green synthesizing ZnO nanoparticles from Sorghum Panicle for Photocatalytic degradation, Antibacterial, and Phytotoxicity applications. The nanoparticles underwent surface and optical, morphological, structural, thermal, and zeta potential analyses. The Plasmon peak appeared at 381 nm, and XRD analysis revealed a crystallite size of 59.49 nm. Stability was confirmed via FTIR and Zeta potential analyses. FESEM analysis showed spherical particles sized 50–90 nm, aligning with XRD results. EDX analysis verified the presence of zinc and oxygen. TGA and DSC analyses demonstrated thermal stability. Paracetamol, a common painkiller, was used as a model pollutant. At pH 8, a 15 ppm nanoparticle concentration achieved a 90–95 % removal efficiency at 20 °C with 150 rpm agitation under UV light. The antibacterial study included both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. The Phytotoxicity study, using mung beans, showed a 100 % seed germination rate with treated water, indicating high efficiency.