Synthesis of Biogenic Hematite Nanocubes as Recyclable Dark Fenton-like Catalysts at Neutral pH and Plant Growth Applications of Degraded Waste Water

Abstract

The goal of this study is to fabricate bioinspired metal oxide nanocubes from lemon peel extract in an environmentally friendly manner and evaluate its impact on environmental remediation. In neutral pH, the degradation kinetics of methylene blue dye (MB) in the aqueous phase was investigated using iron oxide nanoparticles as a catalyst. The obtained results revealed that under optimum conditions, synthesized Fe 2 O 3 nanoparticles (IONPs) offered ultrafast dark Fenton-like reaction to degrade MB. The size, morphological structures, and stability were confirmed through dynamic light scattering, field emission scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and ζ potential analysis. The overall environmental impact of the process was assessed by growing wheat plants with treated wastewater and evaluating their biochemical attributes. Antibacterial activity was investigated against Grampositive (Bacillus megaterium, Bacillus subtilis) and Gram-negative (Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhimurium) aerobics and Gram-positive cocci (Staphylococcus aureus). The antifungal activity was measured against Fusarium solani by spore germination inhibition and zone inhibition of fungal pathogens for different nanocube concentrations.