Photosynthesis of silver nanoparticles embedded paper for sensing mercury presence in environmental water.

Heavy metals released by anthropogenic activities are extremely toxic to animals and plants due to their bioaccumulative and persistent environmental presence. In the current study, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were synthesized utilizing eco-friendly processes, and their potential in colorimetric Hg2+ ion sensing in environmental samples was examined. An aqueous extract of Hemidesmus indicus root (Sarsaparilla Root, ISR) rapidly converts silver ions into AgNPs within 5 min of exposure to sunlight. Transmission electron microscopy confirms that ISR-AgNPs are spherical, ranging from 15 to 35 nm. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy revealed phytomolecules stabilized the NPs with hydroxyl and carbonyl substituents. The ISR-AgNPs detect Hg2+ ions by a colour change that can be seen with the naked eye within 1 min. The probe is interference-free and detects the presence of Hg2+ ions in sewage water. A method for fabricating ISR-AgNPs onto paper was disclosed, and this portable ISR-AgNPs embedded paper device was found to be good at sensing mercury present in the water. The findings show that environmentally friendly synthesized AgNPs can contribute to developing onsite colorimetric sensors. [Display omitted] • Rapid silver nanoparticles synthesis using sunlight and Hemidesmus indicus root extract. • Phytochemicals stabilize the AgNPs. • Paper fabricated with AgNPs sense mercury with good selectivity. • AgNPs disrupt bacterial membranes and kill them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]