From nature to nano: green synthesis of zero-valent iron–copper nanoparticle for groundwater purification Available to Purchase

Anthropogenic groundwater pollution poses a serious threat to both human health and environmental sustainability. In recent years, green synthesis methods have garnered considerable attention for their eco-friendly approach to nanoparticle production. Iron nanoparticles have emerged as promising materials for environmental remediation due to their high reactivity and low toxicity. This study focuses on the green synthesis of zero-valent iron (ZVI)/Cu nanoparticles using mulberry leaf extract and their application in groundwater treatment. Mulberry leaves are abundant in phytochemicals such as phenols, flavonoids, and tannins, which serve as effective reducing and stabilising agents in nanoparticle synthesis. The utilisation of mulberry leaves offers a sustainable and eco-friendly method for synthesising iron nanoparticles, eliminating the need for harsh chemicals and reducing environmental impact. The synthesised nanoparticles underwent comprehensive characterisation using UV–visible spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction to determine their size, morphology, and composition. The nanoparticles were subsequently evaluated for their efficacy in removing chromium from groundwater samples. The results demonstrated excellent adsorption capacity, achieving a removal efficiency of 94% under optimised conditions. Overall, the green synthesis of ZVI nanoparticles/Cu from mulberry leaves presents a promising approach for sustainable groundwater treatment, providing a viable and eco-friendly alternative to conventional methods.