GREEN SYNTHESIS OF ZINC OXIDE NANOPARTICLES USING PLANTAIN PEEL FOR THE TREATMENT OF INDUSTRIAL PAINT EFFLUENT

ABSTRACT

This study presented a cost-effective, environment friendly, and simple method for synthesizing zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) using plantain peel extract. The size, structural, and morphological properties of the ZnONPs were thoroughly investigated using various characterization techniques. X-ray diffraction analysis revealed that the ZnONPs exhibited a hexagonal wurtzite crystal structure and a crystalline nature with the phase composition of majorly Zincite (ZnO). Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) indicated its polydispersity with a PDI value of 0.45 and an average particle size of 75.35 nm. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) showed peaks at 339.1, 1565.5, and 1412.7, indicating the presence of an OH group, aromatic or unsaturated compound, and carboxylate group, respectively. The synthesized ZnONPs was utilized in the treatment of industrial paint effluent using the response surface methodology (RSM) for the experimental design. The RSM provided optimal conditions of pH 6.94, contact time of 74.79 minutes, and adsorbent dosage of 3.16 g/L, with a predicted removal efficiency of contaminants by 49.90%. The presence of functional groups on the surface of the ZnONPs, as revealed by FTIR spectroscopy, contributed to their adsorption capacity for contaminants such as toxic chemicals in the industrial paint effluent. Overall, this study demonstrated the potential of using plantain peel extract for the green synthesis of ZnONPs with tailored surface properties for effective removal of contaminants from industrial paint effluent.