Innovative strategy based on green nanotechnology for elimination and reduction of aquatic weeds

"This study reports an interesting idea to convert aqueous extracts of invasive terrestrial plants [Johnsongrass (Sorghum halepense L.) and Knotgrass (Polygonum aviculare L.)] into valuable silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), and used them against aquatic weeds (Cladophora). The phyto-generated AgNPs presented nano scaled dimension (estimated by DLS), and good antioxidant activities (evaluated by chemiluminescence technique). UV-Vis absorption spectroscopy confirmed the AgNPs phyto-development. The total polyphenols (TPC) and total flavonoid (TFC) contents of the aqueous herbal extracts and of AgNPs phyto-generated from them, revealed the major contribution of polyphenols and flavonoids to phyto-reduction of silver ions, and also, they are responsible for the antioxidant properties of the obtained samples. The bio impact of the prepared AgNPs against Cladophora depends on the AgNPs dose, and the time exposure. These findings could be useful in for various biomedical, agronomic, and biotechnological applications."