Green synthesized AgNPs@MSNs reinforced polycaprolactone nanofibers for removal of heavy metals, bacteria, and methylene blue dye from industrial wastewater

Abstract

This study aims to find solutions to global water scarcity and to address the environmental pollution and serious adverse effects on human health and aquatic ecosystems caused by the inadequacy of conventional water treatment methods. In order to contribute to the solution of these problems, the potential of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) doped nanofibers obtained by green synthesis method using Betula pendula plant extract in industrial wastewater treatment was investigated. The characterization of the synthesized nanoparticles was carried out in detail using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), UV-Vis spectrophotometry, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and antibiogram tests. The filtration performance of industrial wastewater simulated in a laboratory settings was comprehensively evaluated by atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) and UV-spectrophotometry analyses. The characterization of polycaprolactone (PCL) based composite nanofibers produced by electrospinning was carried out by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The main findings of the research reveal the successful biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) with an average diameter of 113 nm and mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) with an average diameter of 185 nm. Furthermore, AgNPs@MSNs reinforced composite nanofibers provided effective adsorption of heavy metals, organic dyes and bacterial pollutants found in industrial wastewater. These results indicate that the developed nanofibers have high potential in reducing environmental pollution.