Improved photocatalytic dye degradation and seed germination through enzyme-coupled titanium oxide nanopowder-A cost-effective approach

Enzyme -coupled titanium oxide nanopowder samples were prepared usingdifferent volumes of vermiwash using a cost-effective soft chemical method and their photocatalytic efficiency was studied against Methylene Blue (MB) dye decomposition. The volume of vermiwash used in the starting solution was varied from 50 to 200 mL in steps of 50 mL and the effect of enzymes prevalent in the vermiwash on the photocatalytic activity of titanium oxide (TiO2) was studied. The resultant water obtained after the photocatalytic dye degradation was found to inherit the enzymes from the nanoproduct. This enzyme-activated treated water showed effective seed germi-nation of black gram (Vigna mungo L.). The results suggested that the enzyme-coupled TiO2 can be used as an effective and eco-friendly material for the treatment of contaminated water and consequently the treated water can also be utilized for enhanced seed germination.

Automated summary

Enzyme-coupled titanium oxide nanopowder samples were prepared using different volumes of vermiwash, and their photocatalytic efficiency against Methylene Blue dye was studied. The study showed that the enzymes in the vermiwash had an effect on the activity of titanium oxide. The treated water with activated enzymes showed enhanced seed germination.