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Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles: Effectiveness against plant pathogens and transport in porous media

Krimpali Dimitra-Maria

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URI: http://purl.tuc.gr/dl/dias/F3C279C3-CC8C-4D86-99DF-F55413A084C0
Year 2025
Type of Item Diploma Work
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Bibliographic Citation Dimitra-Maria Krimpali, "Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles: Effectiveness against plant pathogens and transport in porous media", Diploma Work, School of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Technical University of Crete, Chania, Greece, 2025 https://doi.org/10.26233/heallink.tuc.103736
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Summary

This focuses on the synthesis and comprehensive evaluation of the innovative plant protection formulation GAg -NPs , developed through the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using pomegranate juice and a fungicide as reducing and capping agents. GAg -NPs was evaluated both as an antifungal agent and as an adsorbent material for the removal of the pesticide Boscalid from aqueous environments. Batch adsorption experiments conducted in the absence of quartz sand demonstrated the high affinity of GAg-NPs for Boscalid, with maximum adsorption efficiency observed at pH 6 and an ionic strength of 50 mM. Conversely, in the presence of quartz sand, optimal adsorption was recorded at pH 8 and an ionic strength of 100 mM. In column adsorption experiments, both GAg-NPs and Boscalid exhibited the highest retention under acidic conditions (pH 4), while their co-transport was most efficient within the pH range of 4 to 6. Kinetic modeling revealed that the adsorption process is best described by a pseudo-second-order kinetic model. Additionally, antifungal assays revealed strong inhibitory activity of GAg -NPs against key phytopathogenic fungi such as Botrytis cinerea, Alternaria alternata, and Monilia spp., achieving complete growth inhibition (100%) at concentrations ranging from 100 to 150 ppm. GAg-NPs exhibited superior efficacy in controlling the above pathogens compared to both chemically synthesized AgNPs and conventional copper hydroxide [Cu(OH)₂], confirming the synergistic action of its bioactive components. The dual functionality of GAg-NPS —both as an antifungal agent and an efficient adsorbent—renders it a promising and environmentally sustainable solution for applications in biological crop protection and water remediation. Their synthesis using renewable natural resources and avoid toxic chemicals align with the principles of green chemistry and sustainable agriculture.

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