Unmodified silver nanoparticles for dual detection of dithiocarbamate fungicide and rapid degradation of water pollutants

Herein, for the first time, any phytochemical-based silver nanoparticle is reported as a dual sensor to detect toxic dithiocarbamate fungicide (Thiram) spectrophotometrically and electrochemically. Green approach was employed for the silver nanoparticle synthesis utilizing the stem extract of Coscinium fenestratum via a microwave-assisted route. The characterization of silver nanoparticles was carried out by methods such as UV-visible, Fourier transform-infrared, and X-ray diffraction spectroscopy, as well as transmission electron microscopy techniques. The diffraction and microscopic studies proved that the nanoparticles were essentially crystalline and almost spherically shaped with average size of 20.72 +/- 4.25 nm. The nanoparticles were found very stable for more than 6 months and hence are appropriate for remediation of several issues regarding environment such as detection of fungicide as well as organic dye degradation. Thus, the nanoparticles were explored for selective recognition of Thiram and obtained a low limit of detection of 0.18 ppm, much lower than 7 ppm, the maximal residue limit as per the environmental protection agency of the USA. Moreover, the nanoparticles successfully detected Thiram from real samples from tap, canal, and river water in the state of Kerala, India. Furthermore, the nanoparticles were utilized for their excellent catalytic efficiency toward the swift degradation of three water contaminant organic dyes, namely methylene blue, methyl orange, and naphthol green B within a couple of minutes.