Recent advances of plant-mediated metal nanoparticles: Synthesis, properties, and emerging applications for wastewater treatment

The green synthesis of metal nanoparticles (NPs) using plant derivatives and microbial organisms has emerged as a significant avenue for sustainable materials science. This review provides an overview of eco-friendly methods for synthesizing metal NPs, particularly emphasizing their synthesis from plant biomass using rapid and environmentally friendly approaches. The variation in reduction mechanisms among different plant species, an underexplored aspect, is thoroughly discussed. The review highlights the diverse applications of greensynthesized metal NPs in biomedicine, particularly their exceptional antimicrobial and antioxidant properties, rendering them attractive for wastewater treatment - an area of increasing interest. It covers various synthesis and characterization routes, and functional properties of metal NPs, along with presenting successful proof -ofconcept examples. A fundamental exploration of their physical morphology is provided, contributing to a multidisciplinary approach to environmental research. The review also sheds light on current trends in water treatment techniques, with a specific focus on the application of NPs synthesized through green methods, aligning with the broader aim to understand and address environmental challenges more holistically. Given the limited data and growing industrial demand for plant -mediated metal NPs, this review aims to inspire readers from diverse disciplines to explore the potential of naturally synthesized NPs and their expanding applications, contributing to the advancement of sustainable materials science.