Industrial textile dyeing operations generate substantial volumes of wastewater containing persistent synthetic colorants that pose significant environmental and human health risks. This research investigated an innovative green treatment approach combining solar-powered zinc oxide nanoparticle photocatalysis with indigenous bacterial degradation for effective textile dye mineralization. Zinc oxide nanoparticles were prepared through controlled alkaline precipitation and characterized using advanced analytical techniques. Photodegradation experiments employed natural solar radiation with systematic performance monitoring via spectrophotometric and chemical analysis. Native dye-degrading microorganisms were isolated from contaminated soil environments and identified through molecular techniques including 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The synthesized nanoparticles exhibited optimal characteristics for photocatalytic applications with enhanced surface activity (42.8 m²/g). Solar-driven photocatalysis achieved substantial dye degradation with significant COD reduction (68-79%) across multiple industrial samples. Microbiological studies successfully isolated novel bacterial strains (Staphylococcus hominis) capable of efficient dye decolorization, representing new additions to known biodegradation systems. This integrated green technology demonstrates exceptional potential for sustainable textile wastewater treatment, combining renewable energy utilization with biological processes to achieve comprehensive pollutant elimination (85-92% COD reduction) while maintaining economic feasibility ($0.72/m³) for industrial implementation.

Green technology, photocatalysis, zinc oxide nanoparticles, microbial degradation, textile wastewater, sustainable treatment

The solar-assisted ZnO nanoparticle photocatalysis combined with indigenous microbial degradation offers a sustainable solution for textile dye wastewater remediation. Achieving over 95% decolorization and 85% COD reduction within 6–8 hours under sunlight, the hybrid system outperforms standalone methods. ZnO-driven photocatalysis generates ROS to break down dyes into biodegradable intermediates, which microbes mineralize into CO₂ and H₂O. This eco-friendly approach leverages solar energy and native microbes, cutting costs by 60–70% compared to conventional methods. Scalable from lab to pilot scale, it ensures compliance with discharge standards, promoting green chemistry and sustainable wastewater management, especially in solar-rich regions.

P. Muthenna, Anugula Chandra Shekhar, Kishore Kumar Godisela and Ch. Thirupathi (2025). Solar-Assisted ZnO Nanoparticle Photocatalysis Combined with Indigenous Microbial Degradation: A Sustainable Approach for Textile Dye Wastewater Remediation. Biological Forum, 17(10): 25-34.