Abstract
Azadirachta indica (neem) leaf extract as a stabilizing and reducing agent, this study demonstrates the ecologically sustainable synthesis of silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs). The biosynthesized Ag-NPs were studied by utilizing SEM, FTIR, XRD, and UV-Vis spectroscopy. A surface plasmon resonance (SPR) peak at about 420 nm has been identified by UV-Vis investigation, confirming the production of nanoparticles. While XRD and SEM confirmed crystalline, spherical nanoparticles with a face-centered cubic structure, FTIR indicated bioactive phytochemicals involved in reduction and stabilization. Utilizing pseudo-first-order kinetics, the Ag-NPs demonstrated remarkable multifunctional environmental remediation capabilities, degrading methylene blue dye by over 90 percent when subjected to visible light.
Additionally, they exhibited significant antibacterial action against S. aureus and E. coli, with zone of inhibition widths growing as nanoparticle concentration increased. Additionally, the Ag-NPs shown great removal effectiveness (>85%) in dosage-dependent experiments, successfully removing organic material and heavy metals (Pb²⁺, Cr⁶⁺) from contaminated water. The results presented suggest the sustainable synthesis of Ag-NPs as a highly effective, environmentally friendly nanomaterial for combined environmental pollution management and water purification.