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Conventional methods for detecting pharmaceutical and personal care products (PPCPs) in environmental samples are complex, resource-intensive, and not sustainable. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate an automated sample preparation approach using the Biomek i7 Workstation to analyze 69 PPCPs in wastewater, with the objective to improve monitoring of public health and environmental protection. The method underwent extensive development, including optimization of UPLC-MS/MS parameters, preparation of wastewater matrix blank sample and assessment of extraction efficiency using three types of SPE cartridges. Extraction efficiency trials revealed that the order of suitability for SPE cartridges is Mixed-Mode Anion Exchange (MAX) > Mixed-Mode Cation Exchange (MCX) > Hydrophilic–Lipophilic Balance (HLB). The method demonstrated specificity for all targeted PPCPs, with the max interfering peak for 1, 7 Dimethylxanthine reaching 14.79% of the response at the target limit of quantification (LOQ). The method met ±20% matrix effect tolerance for 63 PPCPs, while 6 PPCPs showed signal enhancement. The 8-point procedural calibration curve prepared using automated robotic extraction has demonstrated linearity across the tested range. A spiking study at low (LQC), medium (MQC), and high (HQC) quality control levels (n = 6), repeated on three separate occasions, showed % RSD values within 20% and % recovery between 80 and 120%. The method met validation requirements, showed reliability in Intra-Laboratory Comparison, Blind Testing (BT) and received high ratings for greenness (Green Analytical Procedure Index, Analytical GREEnness) and practicality (Blue Applicability Grade Index).

Conventional methods for testing steroids and hormones (SHs) in environmental samples are exhaustive, complex, and score poorly in sustainability matrices. Therefore, this study evaluates the automated sample preparation approach using the modular Biomek i7 Workstation for the analysis of 27 SHs in wastewater. Method development involved optimizing Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography–Tandem Mass Spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) parameters, preparing wastewater matrix blank, and assessing extraction efficiency using three solid phase extraction (SPE) cartridges. Extraction efficiency trials showed suitability in the order of Hydrophilic–Lipophilic Balance (HLB) > Mixed-Mode Cation Exchange (MCX) > Mixed-Mode Anion Exchange (MAX). The method demonstrated specificity for all targeted SHs, with Cholesterol showing a maximum interfering peak of 17.71% of the quantification limit (LOQ). The method met matrix effect tolerance of ±20% for 26 SHs, while Epi Coprostanol (34.92%) showed signal enhancement >20%. The 8-point calibration curve plotted using automated extraction demonstrated acceptable linearity across the tested range. Spiked studies at low (LQC), middle (MQC), and higher (HQC) quality control (QC) levels (n = 6, repeated on three separate occasions) demonstrated % RSD values within 20% and recoveries ranging from 71.54% to 115.00%. The method met validation criteria, showing reliability in Intra-Laboratory Comparison (ILC) and Blind Testing (BT). The method outperformed the conventional approach in greenness assessment (Complex Modified Green Analytical Procedure Index) and practicality evaluation (Blue Applicability Grade Index), offering an effective and sustainable protocol for environmental testing laboratories.

Hydrogen is unique among clean energy sources because of its high energy density, environmental friendliness, and sustainability. For solar‐to‐hydrogen conversion, photoelectrochemical water splitting (PEC‐WS) has become a promising and sustainable technique. The development of stable and efficient semiconductor photoelectrodes is crucial for ensuring the effectiveness of PEC systems. Zinc oxide (ZnO) has attracted a lot of interest as a photoelectrode material among the various transition metal oxides because of its good electron mobility, favorable band alignment, structural flexibility, and chemical stability. In light of the extensive research on ZnO‐based photoanodes, this review aims to provide an in‐depth analysis of the latest advancements, challenges, and emerging perspectives in this field. Additionally, it emphasizes modulation techniques, including metal nanoparticle inclusion, heterojunction development, selective doping, morphological engineering, and defect tuning. Furthermore, a comprehensive discussion of the underlying mechanism, methods of synthesis, and performance trends is offered, highlighting the association between nanostructure design and photoelectrochemical efficiency. This review provides a comprehensive road map for further ZnO‐based photocatalyst optimization and modulation techniques.

In this study, we evaluated the photocatalytic activities of analytical reagent (AR) grade ZnO, TiO2, and SnO2 to identify a low-cost photocatalyst for dye degradation. The obtained samples of ZnO, TiO2, and SnO2 were characterised by X-ray diffractogram (XRD), scanning electron microscope imaging, and UV-VIS diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. The decolourisation of three structurally diverse dyes, namely crystal violet, basic blue, and methyl red under solar irradiation, was used to evaluate the photocatalytic activities of three metal oxides. The photocatalytic activities of the received three metal oxides were tested with the photocatalytic degradation of dyes and compared with Degussa P-25. Dye solutions with each metal oxide at initial pH 9 were subjected to irradiation under sunlight and monitored for up to the stage of complete decolourisation. The results indicate that ZnO exhibited the highest photocatalytic activity as compared to TiO2 and SnO2 as well as that of Degussa P-25 (TiO2). The photocatalytic dye decolourisation rates with ZnO were 1.14–1.35, 1.70–3.1, and 4–8.5 times higher than those of the Degussa P-25, TiO2, and SnO2, respectively. The percentage COD removal was studied for ZnO and partial removal was observed at the decolourisation stage. To enhance photocatalytic activity of AR grade ZnO, it was loaded with Ag metal and about 20 % enhancement in the activity was observed.

A powdered activated charcoal (PAC) based process was evaluated at a bench and pilot scale to determine its effectiveness towards the removal of Cr(VI) from the electroplating effluent. In the first step, reduction of Cr(VI) to Cr(III) was achieved while in a second step Cr(III) was removed by adsorption. In both steps PAC is utilized. Different experimental parameters affecting the reduction of Cr(VI) by PAC were investigated. The rate of reduction reaction was found to be dependent on the pH of effluent and the dose of PAC. Removal of Cr(III) from initially treated effluent was achieved under optimum condition of pH and dose of PAC. After a bench scale experiments, the reduction and removal of chromium from the effluent was achieved at a pilot scale successfully. The experimental result suggests that PAC is a suitable material for the reduction and removal of chromium from the electroplating effluent.

   We have investigated the effect of CdS loading on ZnO nanoparticles for photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting. ZnO nanoparticles were coated on the substrate to form a film of ZnO nanoparticles. The CdS layer was coated on the ZnO thin film using the Successive Ionic Layer Adsorption and Reaction (SILAR) approach, at different cycles. The synthesized samples were then studied for structural, morphological, optical, and photoelectrochemical (PEC) properties. X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, ultraviolet spectroscopy (UV), photoluminescence spectroscopy (PL), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis confirm the existence of CdS and ZnO nanoparticles and the formation of ZnO/CdS heterostructure on the substrate. The UV–visible absorption spectrum reveals that the ZnO/CdS composite has significantly higher visible light absorption than bare ZnO. The low bandgap of CdS drives the absorption spectra of ZnO/CdS heterostructure to stretch into the visible range. Additionally, the composite samples exhibit significantly greater photocurrents than bare ZnO. The S-40 sample (40 SILAR cycles of CdS) of ZnO/CdS heterostructure film shows the highest photocurrent density of 5.36 mA/cm 2 at 0.96 V vs. RHE. The applied bias photoconversion efficiency (ABPE) of the S-40 sample is 4.15% at 0.33 V vs. RHE which is more than bare ZnO.

Here we report that photocatalytic and antioxidant properties of nanocomposite consist of silver- and copper-doped zinc oxide nanoparticles loaded onto carbon nanotubes (ZnO/Cu/Ag/CNT). The prepared nanocomposite material was analyzed using X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, tunneling electron microscopy, photoluminescence spectroscopy, and ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy for their structural, morphology, and optical studies. A photodegradation study was carried out against methylene blue, rose bengal, and eosin yellow dyes. The consequences of photocatalyst mass loading, pH, and dye concentration were explored. The optimum has result shown 99% degradation efficiency against methylene blue within 10 min of visible light irradiation at pH 10. A reusability test displayed the photocatalytic efficacy of the nanocomposite material was up to 83% after 4 rounds of use against methylene blue. The antioxidant performance of the nanocomposite material was studied against 2,2-diphenylpicrylhydrazyl. The results shown potential of the nanocomposite in photocatalytic and antioxidant activity giving quick, easy, and affordable alternative.

The efficient photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting requires semiconductor photocatalyst with high light absorption, favorable band position, minimum electron‐hole recombination, and high stability. Zinc oxide–cadmium oxide (ZnO–CdO) nanocomposites are among those candidates for PEC water splitting, offering the potential to harness solar energy for sustainable hydrogen generation. Here, this study first time reports the use of ZnO–CdO nanocomposites prepared using simple, robust, and affordable successive ionic layer adsorption and reaction method for PEC water splitting. The X‐ray diffraction reveals the coexistence of ZnO and CdO crystallites with an average size of ≈10 nm, microstrain ≈14.4 × 10−3, and dislocation density ≈15.0 × 1015 m−2. The optical studies show increased absorption for the nanocomposite as compared to bare ZnO sample. The morphological studies reveal that the neural web‐like structure with increased surface area effectively improves light harvesting through developing a light trap and significantly accelerates carrier kinetics processes because of its larger interface contacting zones with the electrolyte, which further provides direct paths for rapid carrier separation and transfer. The PEC studies shown a faster photo response and lower charge transfer impedance which resulted in better photoconversion efficiency and optimum photocurrent density of 0.52 mA cm−2, a 10‐fold that of bare ZnO and four‐fold of bare CdO. This is a first report on employing simple, robust and cost effective successive ionic layer adsorption and reaction approach in synthesizing ZnO–CdO nanocomposite for photoelectrochemical water splitting. A unique neural web‐like morphology is recorded in the current work. A 10‐fold rise in photocurrent density of the nanocomposite is observed as compared to the bare ZnO.

In this study, we evaluated the photocatalytic activities of analytical reagent (AR) grade ZnO, TiO2, and SnO2 to identify a low-cost photocatalyst for dye degradation. The obtained samples of ZnO, TiO2, and SnO2 were characterised by X-ray diffractogram (XRD), scanning electron microscope imaging, and UV-VIS diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. The decolourisation of three structurally diverse dyes, namely crystal violet, basic blue, and methyl red under solar irradiation, was used to evaluate the photocatalytic activities of three metal oxides. The photocatalytic activities of the received three metal oxides were tested with the photocatalytic degradation of dyes and compared with Degussa P-25. Dye solutions with each metal oxide at initial pH 9 were subjected to irradiation under sunlight and monitored for up to the stage of complete decolourisation. The results indicate that ZnO exhibited the highest photocatalytic activity as compared to TiO2 and SnO2 as well as that of Degussa P-25 (TiO2). The photocatalytic dye decolourisation rates with ZnO were 1.14–1.35, 1.70–3.1, and 4–8.5 times higher than those of the Degussa P-25, TiO2, and SnO2, respectively. The percentage COD removal was studied for ZnO and partial removal was observed at the decolourisation stage. To enhance photocatalytic activity of AR grade ZnO, it was loaded with Ag metal and about 20 % enhancement in the activity was observed.