Facile Synthesis Photochemical, Dye Degradation and Ecotoxicological Properties of Silver Nanoparticles Using Sansevieria angolensis Bojer Ex. Hook Plant Extract

Background: It has been found in recent years that metallic nanoparticles can have significant impacts in various fields because of their low cost, ease of synthesis, and environmental friendliness. Objectives: This study focuses on eco-friendly silver nanoparticles synthesis using Sansevieria angolensis as catalyst. Materials and Methods: Synthesized silver nanoparticles were characterized by UV, FTIR, XRD, SEM and EDX studies. Three different organic dyes as crystal violet, coomassie blue and congo red the photocatalytic dye degrading capacity of synthesized nanomaterials was evaluated. Earthworm mortality rate with nanomaterial exposure was done to ensure that the SASNPs (Sansevieria angolensis Silver Nanoparticles) are non-hazardous to the environment. Results: The present study green synthesized NPs were characterized with absorption range above 250 nm, particle size ranging from 40-50 nm and the presence of 1.5 mg of silver per kg. This study focuses on the rapid effect of SASNPs in degrading crystal violet, congo red and coomassie blue dyes in the presence of light. The heavy metal accumulation was measured in SASNPs indicated a 1.5 ppm build-up and ecotoxicology of NPs by using earthworm mortality rate of earthworm is observed to be as 0.3333±0.333 in the lowest concentration of 25 mg/100 mL. Conclusion: Amidst of numerous metals used to synthesize nanoparticles, silver-based nanoparticles synthesis is prominent as silver is essential for all living organisms. This study reveals that the biogenic synthesis of NPs showed low ecotoxicity on earthworm Eisenia fetida.