Bioremediation of heavy metal contaminated soil by Eisenia fetida and the characterization of synthesized nanoparticles

Abstract

Bionanotechnology has emerged in the recent past for developing facile, green and ecofriendly technology for synthesis of nanoparticles of variable size, shapes, chemical composition and controlled dispersity owing to their potential use for human benefits. The present study focuses on the synthesis of nanoparticles using earthworms as an ecofriendly alternative to the chemical method. The nanoparticles are synthesized using the earthworms. The characterization of these nanoparticles was carried out by UV-VIS spectroscopy, Scanning electron microscopy, and FTIR analysis. The formation of nanoparticles was initially observed by change in colour and was later confirmed by UV-VIS spectroscopy that showed an absorption peak at 420 nm characteristic of silver. The SEM in analysis revealed the size of the nanoparticles to be in the range of 13 - 35 nm with a smooth surface.