BIOSYNTHESIS OF TIN OXIDE NANOPARTICLES MEDIATED BY Khaya senegalensis AND Psidium guajava LEAVES AQUEOUS EXTRACT FOR SOIL BIOREMEDIATION

Abstract

: Soil contamination is a significant environmental issue, posing risks to ecosystems and human health. This study focuses on the bioremediation of soil contaminated with lead (Pb), copper (Cu), and zinc (Zn) using biosynthesized tin oxide (SnO₂) nanoparticles from KS2401and PG2402 leaves aqueous extract. The research addresses the urgent need for effective and sustainable remediation methods. The biosynthesized nanoparticles were characterized using various spectroscopic techniques, including UV-Vis spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray Fluorescence (XRF), and X-ray Diffraction (XRD) analyses. UV-Vis spectroscopy confirmed the formation of SnO₂ nanoparticles, with characteristic absorption peaks. FTIR analysis revealed the functional groups responsible for reducing tin ions (Sn4+) to tin oxide (SnO2), highlighting the involvement of biomolecules in the synthesis process. XRF provided quantitative data on the elemental composition of the biosynthesized nanoparticles. XRD analysis showed tetragonal structure with an average crystallite size of 28 nm for KS2401-derived SnO₂ nanoparticles while the average crystallite size of PG2402-derived SnO₂ nanoparticles is 23 nm. The potential for heavy metal remediation was next evaluated by applying the biosynthesized SnO2NPs to soil samples with high amount of lead (Pb), copper (Cu), and zinc (Zn). The outcomes showed significantly decrease in metal concentrations, especially in the samples with higher contamination levels, demonstrating the usefulness of the nanoparticles in environmental remediation. Using green-synthesized SnO2NPs, this research work offers a sustainable and environmentally beneficial method of treating soil pollution.