Eggshell-Derived CaCO3 Nanoparticles: Green Synthesis, Characterization, and Applications in Antimicrobial Activity, Agriculture, Pest Control, and Heavy Metal Remediation

J. C. Pradeep Kumara, Rajshri Arvind Naleb, Anjali Shroffa

aDepartment of Chemistry, Asian College of Science and Commerce, Pune, affiliated to Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune, Maharashtra 411041, India.

bDepartment of Zoology, Asian College of Science and Commerce, Pune, affiliated to Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune, Maharashtra 411041, India.

Abstract - Eggshell waste, an abundant by-product of the food and poultry industries, is primarily composed of calcium carbonate (CaCO3), making it a valuable and sustainable raw material for nanoparticle synthesis. The green conversion of eggshell waste into CaCO3 and calcium oxide (CaO) nanoparticles offers an eco-friendly approach to waste valorization while producing multifunctional materials for agricultural, environmental, and biomedical applications. This review summarizes recent advances in the synthesis, characterization, and applications of eggshell-derived CaCO3 nanoparticles, with a focus on antimicrobial activity, agricultural uses, insect pest control, and heavy metal remediation. Green synthesis methods, including biological and chemical approaches, enable the production of nanoparticles with desirable physicochemical properties such as high surface area, stability, and biocompatibility. Characterization techniques, including XRD, FTIR, SEM, and TEM confirm their crystalline structure, functional groups, and nanoscale morphology. Eggshell-derived nanoparticles exhibit strong antimicrobial activity against plant and human pathogens by disrupting microbial cell membranes and inhibiting metabolic processes. In agriculture, these nanoparticles enhance soil nutrient availability, promote plant growth, and improve seed germination, supporting sustainable farming practices. They also demonstrate effective insecticidal activity against storage pests such as Sitophilus oryzae, offering a natural alternative to synthetic pesticides. Furthermore, eggshell-derived CaCO3 and CaO nanoparticles show high efficiency in adsorbing toxic heavy metals such as cadmium, lead, chromium, and mercury from contaminated water, contributing to environmental remediation. Despite their promising potential, challenges related to large-scale production, stability, and regulatory approval remain. Overall, eggshell-derived CaCO3 nanoparticles represent a cost-effective, environmentally friendly, and multifunctional solution for sustainable agriculture, pollution control, and public health applications.

Key Words:  Eggshell waste, Calcium carbonate nanoparticles, Green synthesis, Antimicrobial activity, Sustainable agriculture, Insect pest control, Heavy metal remediation