GREEN-SYNTHESIZED ZnO NPs AS SUSTAINABLE PHOTOCATALYSTS FOR THE DEGRADATION OF ACETAMINOPHEN

Water contamination is a growing concern with profound implications for public health and ecosystems. The advent of nanotechnology has expanded the utility of nanoparticles (NPs) in diverse fields. These biogenic ZnO nanostructures offer an eco-friendly alternative for photocatalysis. The research aims to (i) employ a green synthesis method for ZnO nanostructure production using a grapefruit extract, (ii) thoroughly characterize these nanostructures using optical microscopy (OM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Zeta potential and pHpzc, and (iii) evaluate the photocatalytic efficiency in degrading acetaminophen from water solutions. The findings display a sustainable approach to water purification, addressing the challenges of water contamination and emerging pollutants by utilizing green-synthesized ZnO nanoparticles.