Jasminum Fluminense Leaf Extract Mediated Eu-ZrO2 Nanoparticles: Dual Functionality in Textile Dye Photodegradation and Bacterial Pathogen Control

Green synthesis of metal oxide nanoparticles provides an eco-friendly alternative to conventional chemical approaches. This study focuses on synthesizing pure zirconium dioxide (ZrO₂) and europium-doped zirconium dioxide (Eu-ZrO₂) nanoparticles using Jasminum fluminense leaf extract. These materials were evaluated for their effectiveness in photocatalytic degradation of textile dyes and their ability to control bacterial pathogens. Physicochemical analyses, including XRD and EDX, confirmed the crystalline nature and also the purity of the synthesized nanoparticles. ZrO₂ and Eu-ZrO₂ were evaluated for degrading the anionic dye Brilliant Blue G and the cationic dye Nile Blue Sulfate. Eu-ZrO₂ demonstrated over 94% degradation efficiency for both dyes. The antimicrobial activity was assessed through the Agar well diffusion method against different bacterial strains including Enterococcus aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella typhi, and Shigella dysenteriae. Eu-ZrO₂ exhibited a substantial inhibition zone of 48 mm against Salmonella typhi, demonstrating potent antibacterial properties.