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Synthesis of organic nano-Ag biocomposite adsorbent nanofilms enriched with plant essential oil to remove heavy metals and microbial contaminants
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Sakineh Mashjoor *   , Mohammad Reza Shushizadeh , Hadi Farmahini Farahani , Ahmad Babapour |
| Tarbiat Modares University, & Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences , mashjoor.s@gmail.com |
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Abstract: (20 Views) |
Abstract
Background and Aim: Nowadays, the increasing contamination of aquatic ecosystems by anthropogenic pollutants poses a serious threat to both environmental stability and public health. To address this issue, we developed and evaluated a novel biocompatible silver-based composite nanofilm designed to simultaneously remove microbial pathogens and toxic metal ions from water.
Methods: To synthesize the bio-nanocomposite nanofilms via a copolymerization process at 300 °C, a polymer matrix composed of sodium alginate, glycerol, and polyethylene glycol was used, along with biosynthesized silver nanoparticles (Bio-Ag NPs) at a concentration range of 0.054–0.54 g. The Bio-Ag NPs were phycosynthesized using an aqueous extract of the Persian Gulf green seaweed (Ulva prolifera), with an average particle size of 40.3 ± 1.1 nm. Additionally, rosemary essential oil (Rosmarinus officinalis) and honey were incorporated into the films. The successful synthesis of the nanofilms was confirmed by FESEM, EDX, and FTIR analyses. The antimicrobial and metal-ion removal potentials of these silver-based nanoadsorbents were then evaluated against four pathogenic bacterial and fungal strains, as well as four toxic heavy metal pollutants (at 25 mg/L), under neutral pH conditions. Key parameters including heavy metal removal efficiency, the effect of metal nanoparticle concentration in the adsorbent structure, contact time on adsorption, and adsorption kinetics were assessed. All experiments were performed in triplicate, and statistical analysis was conducted using one‑way ANOVA.
Results: The results showed that the inhibitory activity of the silver bio‑nanocomposite adsorbent nanofilms against Gram‑positive/Gram‑negative bacteria and fungi was significantly stronger than that of the standard antibiotics ampicillin and nystatin. The nanofilms containing the highest concentration of biosynthesized silver nanoparticles exhibited inhibition zone diameters of 32 ± 0.6 mm against drug‑resistant Staphylococcus aureus and 27 ± 0.8 mm against the fungal pathogen Candida albicans. Regarding heavy metal removal capacity, the findings confirmed the high effectiveness of these nanoadsorbents in adsorbing heavy metal ions from aqueous samples. Specifically, the maximum equilibrium adsorption capacity for lead ions (102.82 mg/g) was achieved with the highest dosage of silver nanoparticles (p < 0.05). The results also demonstrated the effect of nanoparticle concentration on the adsorption rate of pollutants (affinity order: Pb > Cr > Cu > Cd) and the influence of contact time on metal ion removal (100.5% lead removal achieved within 120 minutes).
Conclusion: Given the green synthesis approach for silver‑based bio‑nanocomposite adsorbents presented in this study for water and wastewater treatment, and considering their advantages such as biocompatibility, biodegradability, and prevention of leaching, residuals, and secondary pollution in water resources, the proposed technology holds significant potential for scaling‑up to industrial production of adsorptive nanopolymers.
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| Keywords: Adsorbent, Green macro-algae, Silver nanoparticles, Essential oil, Sodium Alginate, Biocomposite, Antibacterial, Pollutant Removal, Heavy Metals, Aquatic Ecosystem |
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Type of Study: Original Article |
Subject:
Marine Medicine
Received: 2026/01/18 | Accepted: 2026/05/4 | Published: 2026/09/20
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