Green-Synthesized Silver Nanoparticles for Dual Remediation of TDS and Bacterial Contamination in Mewar Region Groundwater

Groundwater contamination poses significant health risks, particularly in regions with limited access to treatment infrastructure. This study explores the efficacy of Azadirachta indica [neem]-mediated green-synthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) for remediating groundwater from Mewar District, India, characterized by high total dissolved solids (TDS) and bacterial contamination. Silver nanoparticles were green-synthesized using neem leaf extract, acting as both reducing and stabilizing agents, and characterized via UV-Vis spectroscopy, SEM, and zeta-sizer. Contaminated groundwater samples were treated with AgNPs, and pre- and post-treatment analyses were conducted. Results demonstrated a substantial reduction in TDS from 2,450 mg/L to 420 mg/L, aligning with WHO drinking water standards. Post-treatment microbiological assays revealed complete inhibition of bacterial growth on agar plates, confirming the nanoparticles’ antibacterial efficacy. The study highlights the dual functionality of green-AgNPs in simultaneously addressing physicochemical and biological contaminants, offering a sustainable, cost-effective solution for groundwater remediation in resource-limited settings. These findings underscore the potential of green nanotechnology for scalable and eco-friendly water treatment, particularly in rural and underserved areas.