Biosynthesis of gold and silver nanoparticle using water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) extract for photocatalytic degradation of organophosphate and organochlorine pesticide

The study aimed to assess the efficiency of synthesized gold (Au) and silver (Ag) nanoparticles in the degradation of organochlorine and organophosphate pesticides through photocatalysis. The synthesis of gold and silver nanoparticles was achieved using Eichhornia crassipes (water hyacinth extract). Photocatalytic degradation tests were conducted on organochlorine and organophosphate pesticides using gold and silver nanoparticles, with the absorbance of the samples measured by a UV spectrophotometer. The photocatalytic degradation rates of organochlorine and organophosphate were determined, with varied concentrations of the synthesized nanoparticles. The results showed high degradation rates at lower concentrations (10–20 ppm), with degradations of 51.789%, 47.954%, 47.983%, 44.088%, 41.565%, and 36.749% for 25/75, 50/50, and 75/25 Au nanoparticle ratios, respectively. The results also revealed that higher degradation rates were observed at longer reaction times (70–80 minutes), with percentage degradations of 44.344% and 49.987%, 41.754% and 45.937%, 36.773% and 40.458% for 25/75, 50/50, and 75/25 Au nanoparticle ratios, respectively. Lower degradation efficiencies were observed at shorter reaction times (10–20 minutes), with percentage degradations of 15.356% and 19.982%, 13.746% and 17.082%, and 10.976% and 15.167% for 25/75, 50/50, and 75/25 ratios, respectively. Additionally, the results showed high degradation rates at lower concentrations (10–20 ppm) for Ag nanoparticles, with percentage degradations ranging from 40.814% to 44.822% across AgNP ratios (25/75, 50/50, 75/25), indicating efficient degradation at lower concentrations. Conversely, at higher concentrations (60–80 ppm), the degradation efficiency was notably lower, with percentage degradations ranging from 7.004% to 13.539% across different AgNP ratios. In conclusion, Au nanoparticles exhibited higher photocatalytic efficiency than Ag nanoparticles, particularly in degrading organophosphate (Sniper) pesticides. It is recommended that these synthesized nanoparticles be considered as environmentally friendly and cost-effective options for pesticide degradation.