Photocatalytic Degradation of Batik Dye Effluents Using Zinc Oxide (ZnO) Nanorods Synthesized Via a Green Chemistry Approach
Abstract
The discharge of batik dye effluents into water bodies is a significant environmental concern, as it contains toxic azo dyes that are difficult to degrade. Traditional methods for dye removal, such as chemical oxidation and adsorption, often have limitations in terms of cost, efficiency, and environmental impact. This study aims to investigate the photocatalytic degradation of batik dye effluents using zinc oxide (ZnO) nanorods synthesized through a green chemistry approach. ZnO nanorods were synthesized using natural plant extracts as reducing agents, offering an environmentally friendly and cost-effective alternative to conventional methods. The photocatalytic performance of the synthesized ZnO nanorods was evaluated by exposing them to batik dye effluents under UV light. The effects of parameters such as pH, catalyst dosage, and UV exposure time were studied. The results showed that ZnO nanorods exhibited significant degradation of the dye, with optimal performance achieved at pH 5, a catalyst dosage of 0.2 g, and 120 minutes of UV exposure. The nanorods demonstrated high reusability, making them suitable for long-term application in wastewater treatment. This study highlights the potential of ZnO nanorods synthesized via green chemistry as an efficient, eco-friendly solution for treating batik dye effluents, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional wastewater treatment methods.
Full text article
References
Esmaili, F., Hasheminejad, H., & Zarean Mousaabadi, K. (2025). Investigating textile wastewater treatment by electro-Fenton method with Fe-MIL-88(A) catalyst composited with graphene oxide. Water Resources and Industry, 34, 100302. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.wri.2025.100302
Hadkar, V. M., Sishu, N. K., Jayabharathi, S. P., Sharmila, A., & Selvaraj, C. I. (2025). Biogenic synthesis of Albizia lucidior mediated magnetite nanoparticles (Fe3O4 NPs): Therapeutic applications and photocatalytic activity. Biocatalysis and Agricultural Biotechnology, 67, 103676. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bcab.2025.103676
Hazman, Ö., Erol, I., & Khamidov, G. (2025). Phytochemical profiling and evaluation of antimicrobial, cytotoxic, wound-healing, and photocatalytic properties of green-synthesized silver nanoparticles using Verbascum splendidum. Biocatalysis and Agricultural Biotechnology, 67, 103625. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bcab.2025.103625
Jayanthi, B., Vinoth, S., Hariharan, M., Raja, R. K., Kamaraj, C., & Narayanan, M. (2024). Valorization of agro-industry wastes for nanocellulose fabrication and its multifunctional applications. Biocatalysis and Agricultural Biotechnology, 57, 103124. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bcab.2024.103124
Khoiriah, K., & Putri, R. A. (2024). Biosynthesis of titanium dioxide nanoparticles using peel extract of Parkia speciosa for methyl orange degradation. South African Journal of Botany, 170, 120–129. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sajb.2024.05.021
Koç Ke?ir, M., & Y?lmaz, M. D. (2024). Potato peel carbon dots produced via fixed bed pyrolysis reactor decorated 1-D TiO2 nanorods for rapid removal of methylene blue, Cr (VI), Escherichia coli, and Aspergillus niger. Industrial Crops and Products, 220, 119244. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.indcrop.2024.119244
Kumar, S. A., Inbanathan, S. S. R., Manikandan, A., Topare, N. S., Srinivasan, S., kumar, M. A., Mahmoud, M. H., Fouad, H., Ansari, A., & Priya, L. S. (2024). Green synthesis structural, morphological and sonocatalytic properties of CuO nanoparticles assisted by Camellia sinensis (Tea) extract. Industrial Crops and Products, 219, 118915. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.indcrop.2024.118915
L, D., Joy, C., & Joseph, M. M. (2025). Chlorella vulgaris-mediated sustainable biogenic synthesis of silver nanoparticles for wastewater remediation and antibacterial applications. Bioresource Technology Reports, 32. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biteb.2025.102326
Leelert, Y., Na sorn, W., Rojviroon, T., Sirivithayapakorn, S., Rajendran, R., Muangmora, R., Akechatree, N., Wongwichian, S., Shanmugam, P., Ragavendrand, C., Phouheuaghong, P., & Rojviroon, O. (2024). Synergistic effects of micronanobubbles and AC/Ag–TiO2 nanocomposites in photocatalytic process. Biocatalysis and Agricultural Biotechnology, 57, 103096. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bcab.2024.103096
Li, J., & Wu, Y. (2025). O-phenylenediamine triggered two-step sequential fluorescence-enhanced sensor for speciation of Cr(VI)/Cr(III) in red wine/waters and photoreduction of Cr(VI). Food Chemistry, 486, 144601. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodchem.2025.144601
Lin, Y., Pu, X., Xia, J., Lu, X., Hu, H., Bai, J., Guo, F., Ge, S., & Qiu, S. (2025). Microalgae-based removal of pharmaceutically active compounds (PhACs) from wastewater: Mechanisms and applications. Algal Research, 92, 104409. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.algal.2025.104409
Moradi, Z., Haghjou, M. M., Zarei, M., & Sharifan, H. (2024). Harnessing Chlorella vulgaris for the phycoremediation of azo dye: A comprehensive analysis of metabolic responses and antioxidant system. Algal Research, 82, 103660. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.algal.2024.103660
Moreno-Cruz, C. F., González-Mendoza, D., Basilio-Cortes, U. A., Grimaldo-Juárez, O., Valdez-Salas, B., Beltran-Partida, E., & Tzintzun-Camacho, O. (2025). Green synthesis of TiO2 and ZnO nanoparticles using grape pomace extract: characterization and application in cotton fabric. Biocatalysis and Agricultural Biotechnology, 67, 103645. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bcab.2025.103645
Oroumi, G., Mahdi, M. A., Abed, M. J., Samimi, F., Ganduh, S. H., Jasim, L. S., & Salavati-Niasari, M. (2025). Insights into promoted photocatalytic performance of nanoscale Sm2CrMnO6 double perovskite for organic pollutants degradation under visible light irradiation: Sol-gel auto-combustion synthesis, characterization and mechanisms. Energy Nexus, 18, 100443. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nexus.2025.100443
Özen, M. B., Salamat, Q., Güy, N., & Soylak, M. (2025). Green synthesis of Ag/Ni-MOF nanocomposite using hydrophobic deep eutectic solvent for bifunctional applications in heavy metal extraction and dye degradation. Journal of Food Composition and Analysis, 148, 108461. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jfca.2025.108461
Ran, T., Ji, C., Zhang, Q., Wang, S., Zhang, Y., Niu, W., Wei, T., & Shi, Y. (2024). Advanced treatment and reuse of dye wastewater using thermo-irreversible on/off switch starch with disruption of dissolution/precipitation dynamic equilibrium. Carbohydrate Polymers, 342, 122425. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.carbpol.2024.122425
Sarkhel, R., Bhunia, B., Gupta, P., & Mandal, T. (2024). Insightful analysis of cyanobacterial-assisted degradation of different polymers and their kinetics. Algal Research, 81, 103565. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.algal.2024.103565
Sazman, N. S. N., Hir, Z. A. M., Daud, S., & Rafaie, H. A. (2024). Charge transport properties and photostability of microcrystalline cellulose derived from Gigantochloa scortechinii-supported ZnO for enhanced acetaminophen degradation. Industrial Crops and Products, 222, 119558. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.indcrop.2024.119558
Selvam, K., Sudhakar, C., & Ragu Prasath, A. (2024). Green synthesis and characterization of silver nanoparticles from sandalwood (Santalum album L.) extract for efficient catalytic reduction, antioxidant and antibacterial activity. Biocatalysis and Agricultural Biotechnology, 57, 103094. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bcab.2024.103094
Sharma, K., Choudhary, P., Majeed, A., Guleria, S., Kumar, M., Rana, A. K., & Rajauria, G. (2025). Cellulose based membranes, hydrogels and aerogels for water treatment application. Industrial Crops and Products, 225, 120474. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.indcrop.2025.120474
Sharma, N., Thakur, S., Bains, A., Goksen, G., Ali, N., Ansari, M. A., Kopsacheili, A., Proestos, C., & Chawla, P. (2025). Green hydrothermal approach for the synthesis of carbon quantum dots from waste tea bags for acrylamide detection in drinking water: A fluorescence assay validated by HPLC-PDA analysis. Food Chemistry: X, 25, 102043. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fochx.2024.102043
Silvestri, S., Duarte, Á. E., Bueno, G. G., Carissimi, E., & Fajardo, A. R. (2024). Enhanced photo-oxidation of hormones in water using biomass waste-derived hydrochar composites as photocatalysts. Bioresource Technology Reports, 28, 101977. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biteb.2024.101977
Singh, V., Bains, A., Goksen, G., Capozzi, V., Arjun, A. D., Ali, N., Iqbal, M., & Chawla, P. (2024). Comparative analysis of multifaceted properties of Agaricus bisporus and Ganoderma lucidum macro-fungi powder: Techno-functional and structural characterization, mineral uptake, and photocatalytic activity. Food Chemistry: X, 24, 101937. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fochx.2024.101937
Soylak, M., Oguz, F., & Ahmed, H. E. H. (2025). CoNiFe-LDH nanoflowers combined with bismuth-based layered perovskite oxide (Bi?MoO?) for vortex-assisted micro-solid phase extraction of lead from food and water samples. Food Chemistry, 491, 145177. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodchem.2025.145177
Thakur, S., Bains, A., Kumar, A., Goksen, G., Dhull, S. B., Ali, N., Khan, M. R., & Chawla, P. (2024). Biomass-derived carbon quantum dots from Chlorella vulgaris: Photocatalytic reduction of malachite green dye coupled with anti-quorum sensing and antimicrobial activity against food pathogens. Food Bioscience, 62, 105272. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fbio.2024.105272
Thakur, S., Bains, A., Kumar, A., Goksen, G., Yaqoob, M., Parvez, M. K., Al-Dosari, M. S., & Chawla, P. (2024). Biomass valorization of liquid whey into carbon quantum dots via hydrothermal process for food pathogenic bactericidal activity and photocatalytic degradation of brilliant red dye. Food Bioscience, 58, 103764. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fbio.2024.103764
Vasantharaj, S., Sathiyavimal, S., Bharathi, D., Pannerselvam, B., Jeon, S., & Srituravanich, W. (2024). Biosynthesis of copper oxide nanoparticles using Tecoma stans flower extract and its antibacterial, anticancer, and photocatalytic activities. Biocatalysis and Agricultural Biotechnology, 58, 103137. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bcab.2024.103137
Wang, L., Wang, L., Tian, J., Yan, C., Song, C., Xiao, S., & Song, S. (2024). Characterization of low-molecular-weight fucoidan prepared by photocatalysis degradation and its regulation effect on metabolomics of LPS-stimulated macrophages. Food Bioscience, 61, 104619. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fbio.2024.104619
Wang, T., Wang, W., Hu, C., Zheng, J., Zhu, Z., & Liu, B. (2024). Design of carboxymethyl cellulose/alginate aerogels with anti-fouling and light-driven self-cleaning for enhanced oily wastewater remediation. Carbohydrate Polymers, 342, 122358. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.carbpol.2024.122358
Wen, Y., Qi, N., Zhang, Y., Li, Z., Fan, B., Zhang, M., & Li, Y. (2025). Green synthesis of polysaccharide-based Ag@AgCl photoactive porous hydrogel spheres for enhanced visible light photocatalytic degradation of organic pollutants. Carbohydrate Polymers, 356, 123401. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.carbpol.2025.123401
Yan, J., Zhou, Y., Song, C., Yang, Y., Kong, F., Yang, J., & Song, S. (2025). Low-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid prepared through photoelectric-Fenton reaction protects Caco-2 cells from oxidative damage by regulating metabolites. Sustainable Food Technology, 3(6), 1816–1829. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1039/d5fb00387c
Yazid, H., Bouzid, T., Naboulsi, A., Grich, A., el Mountassir, E. M., Regti, A., El Himri, M., & El Haddad, M. (2024). Adsorption of malachite green using waste marine cuttlefish bone powder: Experimental and theoretical investigations. Marine Pollution Bulletin, 209, 117210. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.117210
Zhang, L., Zhang, M., Mujumdar, A. S., & Ma, Y. (2024). Construction of photocatalytic coating for alleviating the shriveling of postharvest fruit cucumber after simulated transportation. Food Chemistry, 439, 138130. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodchem.2023.138130
Zhao, Z., Lin, L., Zhang, J., Xu, B., Ma, Y., & Li, J. (2024). A green approach to enhance the adsorption capacity: Synthesis of bamboo-based adsorbent by biological pretreatment. Industrial Crops and Products, 213, 118388. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.indcrop.2024.118388
Zhou, Z., Lei, Y., Xiao, L., Karanis, P., Zaldivar-Silva, D., Liu, S., Li, Y., Cai, B., Lv, W., & Zheng, B. (2025). Peri-URban ecosystems (PURE) promote faster antibiotic and ARG degradation: Insights from a microcosm experiment. Ecological Frontiers, 45(5), 1198–1209. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecofro.2025.03.002
Authors
Copyright (c) 2025 Nurul Huda, Sharmin Sultana, Dineo Mabuza

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.