Green synthesized MgO-Fe2O3 hybrid nanoparticles for glyphosate herbicide removal and effect on seeds growth characteristics

Abstract

The increasing prevalence of glyphosate herbicide contamination in water sources and its adverse effects on ecosystems necessitate the development of efficient remediation strategies. In this study, the potential of green-synthesized MgO-Fe₂O₃ hybrid nanoparticles for glyphosate herbicide removal and their effect on seed growth characteristics are investigated. Neem leaf extract was used in the environmentally friendly synthesis of the MgO-Fe₂O₃ nanoparticles, and XRD, BET, FESEM, and TEM studies were used to describe their physicochemical characteristics. The effectiveness of the nanoparticles for removing glyphosate from water was assessed by batch adsorption studies. The adsorption process was examined in relation to a number of parameters, including contact time, dose, pH, and glyphosate concentration. According to the data, at pH= 6, MgO-Fe₂O₃ nanoparticles had a maximum adsorption ability of 111.71 mg/g, demonstrating excellent efficacy in eliminating glyphosate from contaminated water. To comprehend the adsorption mechanism, various adsorption kinetics and isotherms models were examined. Additionally, to evaluate the effect of nanoparticles on seed growth parameters, assays for seed germination and growth were conducted. Moreover, the nanoparticles positively influenced seed growth, root and shoot length, and overall seedling growth characteristics. These findings suggest that green-synthesized MgO-Fe₂O₃ hybrid nanoparticles hold promise for both environmental remediation and agricultural applications.