Biologically synthesized metal oxide nanoparticles are gaining considerable interest in the removal of contaminants from surface water. In the present work, zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) were prepared using the biocomponents of Azima tetracantha Lam. leaves and evaluated for their photocatalytic and antifungal activity. Physico-chemical characterization of developed nanoparticles was carried out by UV–Vis spec, FTIR, DLS and TEM. The nanoparticles were characterized by a peak at 360 nm in the UV–Vis spectrum. FTIR spectra confirmed the presence of functional groups of leaf extract and nanoparticles. The size of nanoparticles as analyzed by DLS was 167 nm with a zeta potential of -19 mv which highlighted the colloidal stability of nanoparticles. TEM analysis revealed the spherical shape of the nanoparticles with a size range of 18-25 nm. In view of photocatalytic activity, the results showed that nanoparticles potentially degraded the organic dyes (methylene blue, methyl violet, methyl red, safranin and eosin) depending upon the time exposure to solar irradiation. Further, ZnO NPs strongly inhibited the germination of Aspergillus niger and Candida albicans spores in vitro. Our results suggest that biogenic ZnO NPs could be exploited as nanostructured catalysts and opens up the possibility of ZnO NPs application in water treatment plants and textile industries as it is fast, clean and environment friendly.

Keywords: ZnO NPs; Water Contaminants; Photocatalysis; Organic Dyes;