Algal Biomass-Silver Nanoparticle Composite as a Heterogenous Catalyst for the Reduction of Congo Red

Abstract

Due to the resistance and non-biodegradable nature, dye contamination contributes to several significant environmental problems as well as a severe public health hazard. Therefore, protecting the ecosystem from these toxic compounds and the harm they cause is essential. Consequently, it is vital to protect the ecosystem against such toxins and the injury they cause. Congo red is one of the predominantly used dyes in industries. In the present work, we have devised a hetero catalyst consisted of dried biomass of microalga Scenedesmus attached with silver nanoparticles on the surface. Under the ambient condition, the biomass-silver nanocomposite was utilized as a heterogeneous catalyst for the degradation of the dye (Congo red). A number of tests were performed to determine the impact of NaBH4 concentration, pH, and composite load on the catalytic effectiveness of the composite. It was discovered that the calcined composite material made an excellent Congo red reduction catalyst. As little as 0.5 mg mL-1 of the composite was capable of reducing Congo red (200 mg L-1) by more than 90% at a rate of 0.37 mg mL-1 min-1 within 4 min of reaction time.