@Article{CL.2025.2210.905,
AUTHOR = {S. Younus, N. Amin, A. Ali, K. Mahmood},
TITLE = {Development of AgCuS nanostructures with optimized photocatalytic efficiency under solar irradiation},
JOURNAL = {Chalcogenide Letters},
VOLUME = {22},
YEAR = {2025},
NUMBER = {10},
PAGES = {905--915},
URL = {http://www.techscience.com/CL/v22n10/64827},
ISSN = {1584-8663},
ABSTRACT = {Wastewater generated by the textile industry contains high levels of various pollutants. 
Advanced conventional methods, such as chemical and electrical treatments, are effective 
in addressing these contaminants. However, the significant operational and capital costs 
associated with these conventional systems limit their accessibility for industrial 
stakeholders. In contrast, more economically viable methods tend to be less efficient. This 
study aims to identify a suitable approach for integrating photocatalytic degradation (PCD) 
with a low-cost method to enhance the cost-effectiveness of wastewater treatment processes 
in the textile sector. The study utilized silver copper sulfide (AgCuS) nanocomposites as a 
photocatalyst, annealed at 200 °C for varying durations. A sustainable and cost-effective 
approach was implemented by combining photocatalytic degradation with floating treatment 
wetlands. Initially, the textile wastewater underwent 12 hours of PCD treatment using 
AgCuS nanocomposites. Subsequently, the entire batch was subjected to FTW treatment. 
The integrated treatment of wastewater with PCD and FTW achieved compliance with the 
National Environmental Quality Standards (NEQS) within nine days. Analysis revealed that 
the integrated system significantly reduced chemical oxygen demand (COD) by 89% and 
biological oxygen demand (BOD) by 90% in the effluent. Plants in the FTWs receiving 
PCD-pretreated effluent exhibited reduced stress compared to those in other treatments. 
Toxicity tests confirmed that the treated wastewater was non-toxic. The combination of 
photocatalysts and FTWs emerges as a highly suitable approach for optimal wastewater 
treatment in the textile industry. },
DOI = {10.15251/CL.2025.2210.905}
}