International Journal Evolving Sustainable and Renewable Energy Solutions
Biogenic Silver Nanoparticles Modulates Heavy Metal Toxicity in Moringa Oleifera
Abstract
Ummuhani Titilayo Abdulazeez and Temitayo Matthew Akintunde
This research explores the antioxidative and adsorptive potential of biogenic silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) in reducing heavy metal toxicity in Moringa oleifera. Utilizing DPPH, ferric reducing, and hydrogen peroxide scavenging assays, we analyzed antioxidant levels in M. oleifera grown in soils treated with cadmium and lead, both with and without the addition of AgNPs. The silver nanoparticles, synthesized through a green process using cocoa pod extracts, demonstrated a significant reduction in heavy metal toxicity effects, enhancing growth metrics such as germination rate, shoot/root length, and antioxidant activity. These findings indicate that AgNPs effectively mitigate heavy metal stress, providing a sustainable approach to enhancing plant resilience in contaminated soils and suggesting potential applications for AgNPs in phytoremediation.