Deciphering Camellia sinensis Leaf Extract-Mediated Silver Nanoparticles as a Colorimetric Sensor for Mercury...

Area of Science:

• Nanotechnology
• Environmental Science
• Analytical Chemistry

Background:

• Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are increasingly utilized for environmental sensing applications.
• Green tea (Camellia sinensis) extract offers a sustainable and cost-effective precursor for nanoparticle biosynthesis.
• Accurate detection of mercury ions (Hg2+) in water is crucial for public health and environmental protection.

Purpose of the Study:

• To biosynthesize silver nanoparticles using green tea extract (GT-AgNPs).
• To characterize the synthesized GT-AgNPs using various spectroscopic and microscopic techniques.
• To evaluate the efficacy of GT-AgNPs in the colorimetric detection of mercury ions in potable water.

Main Methods:

• Biosynthesis of AgNPs using green tea extract.
• Characterization via UV-visible spectroscopy, FTIR, XRD, electron microscopy, and dynamic light scattering.
• Colorimetric detection of Hg2+ ions, determining Limit of Detection (LOD) and Limit of Quantification (LOQ).

Main Results:

• Spherical GT-AgNPs with an average size of 86.3 nm and a zeta potential > -30 mV were synthesized.
• UV-Vis spectroscopy showed λmax at 417 nm; FTIR confirmed functional groups for capping and stabilization.
• Colorimetric detection of Hg2+ yielded an LOD of 0.6 μM and LOQ of 1.82 μM, with >91% recovery in water samples.

Conclusions:

• Green tea extract is an effective and eco-friendly medium for synthesizing stable silver nanoparticles.
• GT-AgNPs demonstrate high sensitivity and selectivity for detecting mercury ions in water.
• This colorimetric assay presents a promising, simple, and low-cost method for monitoring mercury contamination.