GREEN CHEMISTRY STRATEGIES FOR REDUCING ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION: A SUSTAINABLE APPROACH USING TITANIUM DIOXIDE (TIO₂) NANOPARTICLES

Abstract

Environmental pollution arising from industrial effluents, dyes, and other toxic chemicals poses a critical threat to global ecosystems and human health, emphasizing the urgent need for sustainable and non-toxic remediation strategies. Green chemistry offers an innovative pathway toward minimizing environmental hazards through eco-friendly synthesis and process optimization. In this study, titanium dioxide (TiO₂) nanoparticles were synthesized using an aqueous extract of Moringa oleifera leaves, serving as both a reducing and stabilizing agent. This green synthesis approach eliminates the use of hazardous chemicals and aligns with the principles of sustainable chemistry. The obtained TiO₂ nanoparticles were characterized by UV–Vis spectroscopy, FTIR, XRD, and SEM analyses, confirming their anisate crystalline phase, spherical morphology (20–30 nm), and strong photoactive properties. The photocatalytic efficiency of the synthesized TiO₂ was evaluated through the degradation of methylene blue dye under both UV and natural sunlight irradiation. The nanoparticles achieved 95% degradation under UV light and 82% under sunlight within 50 minutes, demonstrating excellent catalytic performance. These results highlight the effectiveness of green-synthesized TiO₂ nanoparticles as sustainable photocatalysts for environmental remediation. The study establishes a viable, low-cost, and environmentally benign approach for wastewater treatment and supports the broader adoption of green nanotechnology to address global pollution challenges.