Phycogenic nanoparticles efficiently catalyse pesticide degradation through a novel metabolic pathway utilizing solar light

Cypermethrin (Cy) is a widely used insecticide, leading to significant environmental contamination in homes and agricultural areas. Effective methods to minimize or eliminate insecticidal residues are essential. Seaweeds, traditionally used in agriculture as soil conditioners, offer a promising solution for remediating pesticide-contaminated soils through biogenic nanoparticle synthesis. In this study, we synthesized biogenic silver nanoparticles (UL-AgNPs) from the green seaweed Ulva lactuca Lin (Ulvaceae) to degrade Cypermethrin. The UL-AgNPs were characterized using UV–Visible spectroscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy equipped with Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infra-red spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, Dynamic light scattering and zeta potential analysis, confirming their presence, size (81.29 nm), structure and stability. Response surface methodology (RSM) was used to assess the catalytic concentration of photocatalyst for degradation of pesticide including variables, Cy concentration and destined exposure time duration. The degradation efficiency of UL-AgNPs was evaluated, with the highest degradation (91.2%) achieved at pH 7 after 12 h using 16.6 mg L−1 of UL-AgNPs, following pseudo-first order kinetics with a rate of 2.7 h-1. GC-MS and UV–Visible spectroscopy revealed a novel degradation pathway, where Cypermethrin was broken down into compounds like Tetradecane, Dodecane, and Tetracosanoic acid through ester cleavage and benzene ring breakdown. The study also demonstrated the reusability of UL-AgNPs for four cycles, highlighting their potential for sustainable environmental management by reducing the long-term hazards of Cypermethrin. [Display omitted] •UL-AgNPs were synthesized from Ulva lactuca and characterized using UV-Vis, SEM, EDS, FTIR, TGA, DLS, Zeta potential, and XRD.•Response surface methodology optimized the conditions for degradation and mineralization time.•Catalytic degradation showed 91.2% cypermethrin degradation at pH 7 with UL-AgNPs, following pseudo-first-order kinetics.•Cypermethrin degraded into carbonaceous compounds, including Tetradecane and Dotriacontane.•UL-AgNPs were reusable for four cycles, offering a sustainable and eco-friendly pesticide remediation approach.