Biosynthesis of zirconium nanoparticles (ZrO2 NPs) by Phyllanthus niruri extract: Characterization and its photocatalytic dye degradation activity

The present study focused on microwave assisted synthesis of zirconium nanoparticles (ZrO(2)NPs) using leaf extract of Phyllanthus niruri as ecofriendly approach and assessed its antimicrobial and bioremediation efficiency. Visual color transition from yellow to brown indicates the formation of ZrO(2)NPs which was further substantiated by UV-Visible absorption peak at 300 nm. Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) analysis revealed that the average particle size of ZrO(2)NPs as 121.5 nm with negative zeta potential of-22.6 mv. Scanning electron microscopic analysis showed spherical shaped nanoparticles with an average size of 125.4 nm. Results of photocatalytic studies revealed that ZrO(2)NPs exhibited 74%, 62% and 57%, dye degradation for methyl red, methyl orange, and methyl blue respectively. Antimicrobial studies depicted that ZrO(2)NPs exhibited bactericidal activity against Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Aspergillus niger at dose of 200 mu g/mL. Overall results of the present study revealed biogenic synthesis of ZrO2 NPs with potent bioremediation and antimicrobial properties.