Green synthesis of nickel oxide nanoparticles using Allium cepa peels for degradation of Congo red direct dye: an environmental remedial approach.

Direct dyes are used in different textile operations and processings. The textile industries are disposing of unused direct dyes into the aquatic environment which is posing a serious alarming threat to aquatic lives. The current study deals with the synthesis of nickel oxide nanoparticles using Allium cepa peels aqueous extract. Nickel oxide nanoparticles (NiO-NPs) were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Synthesized NiO-NPs were used to remove Congo red direct dye. Various experimental factors like concentration of dye and nanoparticles, pH, and temperature were optimized. Congo red direct dye was decolorized up to 90% at optimized conditions (Congo Red Direct dye concentration 0.02%, catalyst dose 0.003 g·L-1, pH 6, and temperature 50 °C). The real textile industry effluent disclosed 70% decolorization at optimized conditions. The percent reduction in total organic carbon (TOC) and chemical oxygen demand (COD) was found to be 73.24% and 74.56% in the case of Congo red dye catalytic treatment and the percent reduction in TOC and COD was found to be 62.47% and 60.23%, respectively, in the treatment of textile effluent using nickel oxide nanoparticles as a catalyst. Treated and untreated dye samples were exposed to Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and UV-Visible spectral analyses too. The reaction products were studied by degradation pathway.

A Comprehensive Review on Chemical and Pharmacological Potential of Viola betonicifolia: A Plant with Multiple Benefits.

Viola betonicifolia (Violaceae) is commonly recognized as "Banafsha" and widely distributed throughout the globe. This plant is of great interest because of its traditional, pharmacological uses. This review mainly emphases on morphology, nutritional composition, and several therapeutic uses, along with pharmacological properties of different parts of this multipurpose plant. Different vegetative parts of this plant (roots, leaves, petioles, and flowers) contained a good profile of essential micro- and macronutrients and are rich source of fat, protein, carbohydrates, and vitamin C. The plant is well known for its pharmacological properties, e.g., antioxidant, antihelminthic, antidepressant, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and has been reported in the treatment of various neurological diseases. This plant is of high economic value. The plant has potential role in cosmetic industry. This review suggests that V. betonicifolia is a promising source of pharmaceutical agents. This plant is also of significance as ornamental plant, however further studies needed to explore its phytoconstituents and their pharmacological potential. Furthermore, clinical studies are needed to use this plant for benefits of human beings.