Exploring ZnO–Hydroxyapatite Composite: Synthesis, Characterization, and Nutrient Release Dynamics for Agricultural Applications
Himanshu Sharma, Nisha SharmaABSTRACT
In the current study, green‐synthesized ZnO nanoparticles were used to prepare a ZnO–Hydroxyapatite composite (ZnO–Hap composite). Nutrient release behavior of the prepared composite was evaluated over 30 days in distilled water, 0.01 M CaCl 2 , and tap water. The composite exhibited phosphorus release of 63.42%, 85.15%, and 68.97%, while zinc release reached 66.54%, 93.89%, and 74.89% in distilled water, 0.01 M CaCl 2 , and tap water, respectively. Phosphorus release exhibited the best fit to the zero‐order model ( R 2 = 0.963–0.973), whereas zinc release showed medium‐dependent kinetic behavior (first order in the case of 0.01 M CaCl 2 medium and zero order in the case of distilled water and tap water conditions). The ability of the composite to act as fertilizer was tested on Allium cepa (onion) and Allium sativum (garlic) in soil (pot studies) and water (hydroponic culture), where an enhanced overall growth compared to the control was observed under both hydroponic and pot conditions.