Introduction1

The surge in organic pollutants, particularly from sectors like textile dyeing, poses a substantial threat
to aquatic ecosystems and environmental well-being. Addressing wastewater treatment, especially in
organic dye removal, is crucial for sustainable environmental practices. Photooxidation emerges as
an effective, cost-efficient, and eco-friendly method compared to traditional approaches.

Semiconductor photocatalysis, notably with nanoparticles, shows promise for oxidative pollutant
degradation. Among semiconductors like TiO2, ZnO, WO3, and ZrO2, ZnO stands out for its cost-
effectiveness and favorable properties. ZnO, with features like nontoxicity, a wide band gap, and
chemical stability, proves attractive for applications like wastewater treatment and optoelectronic
devices.

Green synthesis of ZnO nanoparticles using plant extracts, such as olive fruit extract, offers an eco-
friendly alternative. Olive fruit extract-based ZnO nanoparticles (ZnO@OFE NPs) not only efficiently
degrade dyes in sunlight but also exhibit potent antioxidant activity. This study explores the green
synthesis of ZnO@OFE NPs, confirming their successful formation through various analytical
techniques. The nanoparticles show high degradation efficiency for model dyes, suggesting a viable
and cost-effective wastewater treatment approach.

Introduction2

Rising organic pollutants, especially from sectors like textile dyeing, threaten aquatic ecosystems.
Wastewater treatment, crucial for sustainable practices, finds an effective, cost-efficient ally in
photooxidation.

Semiconductor photocatalysis, especially with ZnO nanoparticles, stands out for oxidative pollutant
degradation due to ZnO's cost-effectiveness and desirable properties like nontoxicity, wide band gap,
and stability. Green synthesis, using plant extracts like olive fruit extract, yields ZnO@OFE NPs with
efficient dye degradation and potent antioxidant activity. This study explores their synthesis and
confirms successful formation through various techniques, offering a viable, eco-friendly approach
for wastewater treatment.

Conclusions1

ZnO NPs, synthesized eco-friendly using O. europaea fruit waste extract, exhibited high quality.
Characterization highlighted their pure wurtzite structure, average size of 57 nm, and LSPR
absorption at 382 nm. The NPs showcased potent photocatalytic activity, degrading MB and MO by
75% and 87% in 180 min. MO's degradation rate (0.013 min−1) surpassed MB's (0.008 min−1).
ZnO@OFE NPs displayed robust antioxidant activity against various radicals, outperforming gallic
acid. This study underscores the potential of olive fruit waste for stable ZnO NP synthesis, beneficial
in wastewater treatment and as a free radical scavenger.

Author Contributions:

S.G.: Investigation, Methodology, Writing—Original Draft; A.A.: Methodology, Supervision, Resources,

Conceptualization, Writing—Review and Editing; M.N.-u.-H.: Investigation, Formal Analysis; N.A.:
Investigation; M.S.: Supervision; S.U.: Investigation, Antioxidant activity; H.A.A.: Kinetic Data
Interpretation, Visualization, Review and Editing; A.N.: Kinetic Data Interpretation, Review and
Editing; K.Z.: Review and Editing the Biosynthesis and Characterization Section; M.A.B.: Review and
Editing Characterization and Kinetic sections; A.H.: Review and Editing Antioxidant Activity Section;
H.A.M.: Writing—Review and Editing, Resources, Publication Fee Fund; H.M.A.A.: Conceptualization,
Investigation, Visualization, Writing—Review and Editing. All authors have read and agreed to the
published version of the manuscript.

Conclusions2

ZnO NPs, synthesized eco-friendly from O. europaea fruit waste, demonstrated high-quality
characteristics. They exhibited potent photocatalytic activity, degrading MB and MO by 75% and 87%
in 180 min, with a notable MO degradation rate of 0.013 min−1. Additionally, ZnO@OFE NPs
displayed robust antioxidant activity against various radicals, surpassing gallic acid. This study
underscores olive fruit waste's potential for stable ZnO NP synthesis, beneficial for wastewater
treatment and as a free radical scavenger.

Authors:

Contributions from S.G., A.A., M.N.-u.-H., N.A., M.S., S.U., H.A.A., A.N., K.Z., M.A.B., A.H., H.A.M., and
H.M.A.A. have been vital to this manuscript. All authors have read and agreed to the published
version.