Photocatalytic Degradation of Domestic Wastewater Using ZnO: A Pathway to Sustainable Irrigation

The increasing challenges of water shortages and wastewater management in urban areas have prompted the exploration of sustainable, cost-efficient treatment systems. This work investigates the viability of utilizing zinc oxide (ZnO) as a photocatalyst for the degradation of organic pollutants in hostel wastewater, with the objective of rendering the treated water appropriate for reuse in irrigation. ZnO was synthesized using the sol-gel process and utilized in photocatalytic wastewater treatment under ultraviolet (UV) light irradiation. The photoactivity of ZnO was assessed by quantifying the reduction in COD, BOD, TDS, turbidity, and surfactants. Additionally, pot experiments with Spinacia oleracea (Spinach Plant) were conducted to evaluate the viability of treated wastewater for agricultural irrigation. Spinacia oleracea cultivated in treated water exhibited comparable development to those grown in potable water; however, plants grown in untreated wastewater showed stunted growth and phytotoxicity. ZnO-based photocatalysis has been identified as an effective, cost-efficient, and environmentally sustainable method for wastewater treatment, offering significant potential for water reuse in agriculture. This study contributes to the advancement of wastewater management methodologies by promoting the implementation of nanotechnology-based resource recovery systems and circular water management systems