INTRODUCTION
Amongst various metal oxide nanomaterials, ZrO2 nanoparticles (ZrNP) have created interest among the current researchers because of their well-known physicochemical properties like hardness, wear resistance, and thermal shock resistance due to toughness and high strength. These unique properties of ZrNPs have resulted in the use of ZrO2-based components in many industrial applications, including refractory ceramics, oxygen sensors, photocatalysts, antibacterial, fuel cells, jewelry field, wire-drawing, automobile engine parts, and cutting tools [1,2]. Recently few studies proved the versatility of ZRNPs. Parnian et.al showed that by loading different concentrations of Zirconia on the Nafion nanocomposite membrane, the physicochemical and electrochemical properties of the proton exchange membrane fuel cell can be enhanced [3]. Debnath et. al used zirconia nanocomposite as an alternative adsorbent for the bioremediation of tetracycline present in wastewater, up to 526.32 mg/g [3]. Anticancer and antibacterial activity was studied by Tabassum et. al. ZrO2 nanoparticles display a concentration-dependent effect on the MDA-MB-231 cell line and antibacterial activity on gram-negative bacteria (K. pneumoniae) [4]. Shao et. al., showed that by doping Zr nanoparticles to TiO2, the photocatalytic activity on Methylene Blue can be enhanced up to 2.2 times than that of the pure TiO2 [5]. The use of ZrNPs as photocatalysts for the degradation of dyes and antibacterial activities is of our research interest. According to a WHO report, dyes are toxic and one of the major pollutants that cause environmental (water) pollution. The primary sources of dyes are textiles, paper, plastic, and related sectors [3,4]. Recent studies reported that organic dyes in wastewater are causing severe problems to the environment and public health  [5,6]. Out of different organic dyes, Evans blue is one of the most widely used dyes in industries. Evans blue, an azo dye reported as toxic and has a highly stable complex structure, contributes majorly to water pollution [7]. So, there is a necessity to convert stable, toxic dye into its non-toxic form using efficient and economical methods [8,9]. Various ways are available for the total elimination of hazardous dyes found in water like physical methods, chemical/photocatalytic degradation of dyes, electrochemical process, and biological methods [10]. Among these methods, the photocatalytic degradation of dyes using UV or UV-Visible light sources is considered the most well-known technique because the reactions are conducted in cost-effective conditions and have simple procedures [11]. Various methods to prepare ZrNPs include such as microwave irradiation[12], sol-gel [13], laser ablation [14], aqueous precipitation method [15],
sonochemical method [16], spray pyrolysis [17], solvothermal [18], and ionic liquid microemulsion [19].These synthetic techniques necessitate high temperatures and pressures, extended reaction times, expensive and hazardous chemical precursors, and the use of specialized instruments for experimental work, all of which have a detrimental environmental impact.  This emphasizes the urgent need to develop a simple, clean, non-toxic, and ecologically friendly procedure using green synthesis and other biological approaches to replace chemical preparation methodologies. Solution combustion synthesis has been considered more effective than the other methods as it is deemed to be simple, instantaneous, single-step, and energy-saving [20]. Recently, the solution combustion process is used to manufacture NPs using biobased fuels. Basella alba is one such plant extract that attracts research attention in solution combustion synthesis. A good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, folic acid, iron, magnesium, calcium, and many vital antioxidants are provided by Basella alba. The plant consists of vital amino acids, including arginine, tryptophan, lysine, threonine, leucine, and isoleucine, and specific vitamins, minerals, and a small proportion of soluble oxalates. [21] Though it is used as the fuel for the synthesis of ZrNPs, regulation of synthesis factors such as pH, temperature, substrate concentration, reaction rate, and dosage of extracts has not been studied. Our study concentrates on these aspects to synthesize ZrNPs.
The ZrNP also reported being superior antimicrobial agents to conventional organic antibacterial agents because metal oxide nanoparticles are considered safe, durable, and heat resistant [12]. We have used two bacterial strains for antimicrobial evaluation: Gram-negative Klebsiella pneumoniae and Gram-positive bacteria Bacillus subtilis.
The current work includes the production of ZrNPs with Zirconium (IV) oxynitrate hydrate as a metal precursor and Basella alba raw extract as an oxidant, at 600 °C. Natural fuel is used here, and it is not toxic, inexpensive, and abundant in carbon, nitrogen, hydrogen, and Oxygen, which are emitted during the combustion process as their respective oxides. This research article emphasizes the characterization of synthesized ZrNPs and their use in photocatalytic degradation of Evans blue dye. For optimization of the degradation process, the one-factor-at-a-time method has typically been used.  However, this strategy is time-consuming and costly. It also doesn’t look at how variables relate to each other. Hence, the degradation process was optimized in the second phase using response surface methodology (RSM), an effective and commonly used experimental design methodology, to ensure complete degradation. For optimizing a series of experiments and studying the impact of the existence of multiple control parameters using the series of runs built on the Box-Behnken model are adopted [13,14]. The regeneration and reuse of the synthesized nanohybrid were investigated under optimal conditions and antimicrobial activity against two bacterial strains, Gram-negative Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Gram-positive bacteria Bacillus subtilis. 

EXPERIMENT AND METHODS
Chemicals and reagents
Zirconium (IV) oxynitrate hydrate (ZrO(NO3)2.xH2O, and Evans Blue  (AR grade) were purchased from Sigma Aldrich. Sodium hydroxide (NaOH), Sulfuric acid (H2SO4) was bought from Merck, India. The analytical quality reagents were used with no purifying. All through the research, double distilled water was used.

Preparation of Basella Alba raw extract as Natural fuel for the solution combustion method
500 g of fresh leaves of Basella Alba plant leaf taken from Shivamogga, Karnataka, India. Tiny bits were finely chopped, and 250 mL of double-distilled water was added to it. And these bits are well processed at room temperature to extract form to prepare the extract. Afterward, the extract was filtered by using Whatman filter paper. The resulting extract can be used to synthesize of ZrNPs as fuel for the solution combustion process. Image of Basella Alba leaves and their extract form as given in Scheme.1 (a) and Scheme.1 (b), respectively.

Preparation of ZrNPs using Basella Alba raw extract as natural fuel through solution combustion method 
The ZrNPs were synthesized by weighing 2.3123 g of Zirconium (IV) oxynitrate hydrate, and it is transferred into a silica crucible and then dissolved using 15 mL of distilled water. To the above salt solution, 5.0 mL of Basella Alba raw extract is added as a natural fuel and stirred for 5 minutes at 300 rpm to obtain a homogeneous solution at room temperature to form a redox solution. The redox mixture was maintained in a preheated muffle furnace at 400 °C. In just 5 minutes, the reaction gets completed, and a highly foamy and porous material was collected by generating fewer gases. The obtained compound was calcined at 600 °C for 2 hours. To understand the impact of Basella Alba raw extract concentration on the ZrNPs, we have varied four different volumes of fuel (5.0 mL-20 mL). The final products are given the names, ZO1, ZO2, ZO3, and ZO4 for 5.0 mL, 10 mL, 15 mL, and 20 mL volumes of fuel, respectively [15–17]The flow chart for the synthesis of ZrNPs can be depicted in Scheme.2.

Characterization
Powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) data were recorded on Philips X’pert PRO X-ray diffractometer with graphite monochromatized Cu-Kα (1.5418 Å) radiation operated at 40 kV and 30 mA. The absorption spectrum of the samples was analyzed using the Perkin Elmer Lambda-750 UV-Vis spectrometer to diffuse NPs in water. The surface morphology was investigated by using Hitachi 3000 scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The sample nanostructure was examined by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) conducted with JEOL JEM 1200 Ex, operating at 100 kV. TEM specimens were produced by placing the 2-propanol metal oxide nanoparticle diffusion on a holey carbon grid and vacuum drying the grids for 24 hours. For BET surface area, i.e., N2 adsorption-desorption measurements, the extracts were assessed with the help of Tristar II, Micromeritics. All pH measurements were carried out using a digital pH meter MK VI of Systronics makes. The Fourier transform infrared spectra (FTIR) of the samples were collected using a Bruker Alpha-P spectrometer.

Preparation of EB dye solution
Appropriate quantities of EB dye were dissolved in double distilled water to obtain different ppm dye concentration solutions. The solution was kept for 24 hours for the complete dissolution of the dye. The dye solution was stirred adequately before starting the experimental procedure. 

Experimental procedure for degradation of EB dye
Photocatalytic reactions were carried out in a setup reactor with the help of 6UV-A lamps (Philips, India). The maximum emission intensity was carried out at 365 nm. The solution and the source were separated by 16 cm. The tests were conducted at room temperature. To calibrate the radiation intensity at the sample site in the testing chamber, radiation detectors or radiometers are utilized. These radiometers constitute amplifying circuits, detectors, and displays. Detectors generally consist of diffusers, filters, and silicon photodiodes. Degradation experiments were performed under sunlight in July and August in Karnataka, India, between 9 am and 4 pm. NaOH/ H2SO4 is used to adjust the pH of the solution. The efficiency of degradation was determined using the equation: 

(1)

(2)

C0 represents the dye’s initial concentration, and after degradation, C is the dye’s solution concentration.  [15].

Experimental Design Statistical Analysis
RSM-based Box–Behnken design (BBD) is a powerful tool extensively used to improve the primary operating parameters impacting deterioration to establish the ideal conditions for maximal removal potential. Moreover, The statistical analysis reveals how the specified process factors interact with one another. RSM also has a model equation that links the response parameter to the control parameters.  The modeling and optimization of EB dye degradation onto ZrNPs from aqueous solutions were carried out using Design-Expert software (12 versions). 
A response surface model is a set of mathematical and statistical methods for determining how different parameters impact the result. [16]. RSM is used to create an analytical model for the specified purposes: examining the effects of various conditions (operational variables) and their impacts on the degradation process, identifying influential factors, and optimizing the procedure [17]. In this analysis, time (A), pH (B), and dye concentration (C) were used to determine the degradation efficiency of ZrNPs. A three-level Box-Behnken configuration was used to configure the three variables (BBD). The sample size for estimating the coefficients of a second-degree least-squares approximation polynomial is kept to a minimum. Using the BBD, the RSM is used to create an analytical model with three levels (coded as 1, 0, and +1) and 15 runs to optimize the selected variables. The concentrations and variables utilized in this analysis are listed in Table 1, following which the trials are carried out. The outcomes were assessed using analysis graphs, coefficients of determination, and analysis of variance.  The result is considered significant when the P-value is less than 0.05.  The obtained data were fitted to a quadratic polynomial equation for three variables as given below.
 
(3)

where Y is the efficiency of EB dye adsorption; is variables to be considered ; (. , . ,  and ) are the intercept, quadratic, linear, and interaction effects represented by the model terms. 
The values of regression parameters such as the correlation coefficient R2, modified R2, p-value, and lack-of-fit, were determined using analysis of variance (ANOVA), which were then used to determine the validity and suitability of the predicted model. The significance of independent variables on the EB adsorption process was assessed using the 95 percent confidence level in the established model. 

Statistical Error analysis
Nonlinear regression analyses of equilibrium and kinetic models were carried out using experimentally collected data. Microsoft Excel was used to compute experimental data. T experimental data were fit to the chosen models using a nonlinear least square technique utilizing SOLVER bad on the Generalized Reduced Gradient (GRG) method. The following statistical parameters were used to determine the goodness of fit: Absolute Percentage Error (APE), Sum of square error (SSE), nonlinear Chi-Square (χ2), Hybrid Fractional Error Function (HYBRID), Root Mean Square Error (RMSE), average relative error (ARE), the sum of absolute error (SAE), Akaike information criterion (AIC), Akaike information corrected criterion (AICc), Marquardt’s percent standard deviation (MPSD), Nonlinear square deviation (NSD). The coefficient of determination (R2) was also evaluated as a primary criterion.   Table 2 (Equations 4–12) represents statistical parameters’ mathematical expressions. 

Experimental procedure for Antibacterial activity
Antibacterial activity of ZrNPs was screened against three bacterial strains, namely Gram-negative Klebsiella pneumoniae and Gram-positive bacteria Bacillus subtilis by the agar well diffusion method [18]. 100 μL of 24h mature broth culture of individual pathogenic bacterial strains were spread on the surface of nutrient agar plates using a sterilized L-shaped glass rod. Then, 6 mm wells were made in each nutrient agar plate using a sterile cork borer. The ZrNPs were dispersed in pure distilled water and different concentrations of 1000 and 1500 μg/well. Simultaneously, the standard antibiotics (ciprofloxacin used as a positive control) are tested against the pathogenic bacterial strains. The process was repeated three times and the average data were used to assess the antibacterial effect. 

RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS
PXRD Studies
The synthesized ZrNP’s crystalline phase and structure were analyzed utilizing powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD). The PXRD patterns of cubic phase ZrNP with various fuel concentrations from 5 mL to 20 mL are shown in Figs. 1(a) to 1(d), respectively. As seen in the resulting material, both monoclinic (JCPDS No. 65-1024) and cubic (JCPDS No. 49-1642) ZrO2 are observed. The results suggest that ZrNPs demonstrate typical diffraction peaks corresponding to the (111), (200), (220), (311), (400), and (222) structure planes at 30.10, 34.90, 50.40, 59.90, 74.30, and 82.20.  All curve X-ray diffraction peaks are relative to the pure cubic and monoclinic ZrO2 standard results. No extra peaks besides the cubic and monoclinic phase ZrNP suggested no impurity phases were noticed in the ZrNP obtained. While it is hard to differentiate the tetragonal and cubic phases from the XRD pattern, the cubic zirconia peak (400) did not break into two peaks that were characteristic of the cubic phase but not characteristic of the tetragonal phase. The crystallite size measured from the widening (111) plane at 2θ= 30.10 by the Scherrer formula is around 5.2nm [19,20]

FTIR Studies
The FTIR spectrum of the ZrNP was measured to determine the presence of functional groups, as shown in Figs. 2(a) to 2(d). The spectrum of ZrNP relies on the preparatory methods employed, the structure of the solid state, and many more. At the 473 cm-1 range, the intense FTIR absorption peak obtained is attributed to the Zr-O vibration, which supports the ZrO2 structure formation. The notable peak of 1380.3 cm-1 regions is O-H bonding, the peak of 1597.5 cm-1 could be attributable to the adsorbed moisture. If the material has a rough surface or comprises an inorganic composite material, the baseline of the transmission spectrum can decline off on the left. It is triggered by the dispersion of infrared light on the surface or inside of the sample and, for the lower wavelengths, this effect is stronger [21].

SEM, TEM, and EDS analyses of ZO3 nanoparticles
Scanning electronic microscopy (SEM) is one of the most common methods of characterization and is used to examine adsorbent surface properties, shapes, and morphology. Fig. 3a shows the morphology of the nanoparticles, which is mainly a cloud-like structure. They have large surfaces for the degradation of dyes. The TEM analysis was mainly analyzed to study the size, growth, and crystallites. Fig. 3b shows the TEM image of ZO3 nanoparticles, and the image, confirms consistent growth, and the majority of the species are well dispersed with little concentration of aggregates. The average size was calculated to be 14.7 nm. The SAED patterns in Fig. 3c give the well-distinct diffraction rings and were marked with the corresponding Miller indices of cubic phase ZrNP and from the SAED pattern denote the polycrystalline structure of ZO3 nanoparticles, and such findings are all in strong accordance with the results of the XRD. The elemental composition analysis of ZO3 nanoparticles was confirmed by using the energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) technique. The spectra authenticate the presence of Zr and O elements with a weight % of Zr are 47.62 % and O is 52.38%, as given in Fig. 3d. From the EDS technique, it is identified as a ZrO2 nanoparticle.

UV-Visible and photoluminescence Studies
The UV absorbance spectrum of calcinated ZrNPs is shown in Figs. 4(a) to 4(d). The prominent absorption peak at 209.4 nm is because of the blue shift from the bulk ZrO2 and characteristic of the ZrO2 nanoparticles. Because of the transitions between the valence and conduction bands, the prominent absorption band emerges, and it corresponds with the published literary works of ZrO2 nanoparticles. Usually, this greater band gap value arises with finer nano-sized particles [22]. 

BET surface area and pore size analyses of ZO3 nanoparticles
The cubic crystal of ZrNP was determined using the Debye-Scherrer formula. BET surface area, quantum efficiency, and the Energy of the Band Gap ZO1, ZO2, ZO3, and ZO4 nanoparticles are reported in Table 3. Fig. 5(a) to 5(d) showed the BET surface area and the N2 Barret-Joyner-Halenda (BJH) pore size distribution plot of ZO3 nanoparticles, respectively. adsorption-desorption isotherms exhibit a typical IUPAC type IV pattern via the existence of a hysteresis loop. BET surface area analysis was reported to be 54.7 m2g-1. Based on the BJH equation, the main pore size of our ZO3 nanoparticles is 8.8 nm. All these observational data indicate the efficient preparation of ZrO2 nanoparticles.

Degradation of EB dye
Photocatalytic reactions were performed with the aid of 6UV-A lamps in the setup reactor. At 365 nm, the peak emission intensity was conducted. The solution of dye and catalyst was vertically irradiated. Between the source and the solution, a gap of 16 cm was fixed. At room temperature, the experiment was conducted. A 20 mL dye solution of appropriate concentrations EB (0.4 mg/L) was taken in a 100 mL beaker to study photodegradation. The effect of pH on the photodegradation of dyes was studied over a pH range from 2.0 to 12.0. The experiments were also carried out with varying amounts of catalyst from 5mg to 20.0 mg. 

Comparative degradation study of ZrNPs
To compare the degradation of EB dye by ZrNPs (ZO1, ZO2, ZO3, and ZO4) synthesized by different concentrations of Basella Alba extract as fuel as shown in Figs. 6(a) and (b). A set of photocatalytic experiments were performed under similar conditions at a constant dye concentration and catalytic load. The figures show the variation of C/C0 and % of the degradation rate of Evan’s blue dye with time. The results illustrate that ZrNPs act as an effective photocatalyst and degrade more than 87% of dye in 60 minutes. A significant degradation capacity of ZO3 was observed and degraded 93.37% of the dye in 60 minutes. Among ZrNPs, the ZO3 compound has a very high photodegrade potential rate, and ZO4 has the lowest and degrades 87.30% of dye in the same period. Though dye is the same for ZrNPs, degradation is more on ZO3.   Further comparing the degradation of EB dye by ZrNPs (ZO1, ZO2, ZO3, and ZO4), it was clear that ZO3 nanoparticles showed better degradation of dye than ZO1, ZO2, and ZO4 nanoparticles, the increased photocatalytic activity of ZO3 nanoparticles due to its highest surface area and porous nature. One of several essential key factors influencing photocatalytic behavior is the surface area of a photocatalyst. Among the different catalysts (ZO1, ZO2, ZO3, and ZO4 nanoparticles), ZO3 nanoparticles displayed the highest surface area and quantum yield than the other photocatalyst studies. Another reason for the increased photocatalytic activity of ZO3 nanoparticles is due to it’s the intrinsic defects of ZO3 nanocrystals. The predominant defects in the ZO3 nanocrystals are positively charged Zr interstitials and oxygen vacancies. When light irradiation takes place, electron-hole pairs are formed, the Zr interstitials and oxygen vacancy created by Oxygen facilitate redox reactions by trapping photo-generated electrons, which decreases the conjugation of electrons and holes, and they are obtained for dye degradation [23] and thus resulting in increased degradation of EB dye.  
Mechanism of dye degradation(see also Scheme 3) [24–26]

.OH 

.OH 

Effect of controlling parameters on Dye Degradation.    
RSM was used to evaluate the correlation and optimization of process variables, as previously mentioned. The Box-Behnken model was used to develop a total of 15 experimental trials using Design-Expert tools by taking 3 center points. The BBD design matrix along with experimental and predicted values are given in Table 4. The statistical relationship between the variables and the response, which is the amount of dye adsorbed per unit mass of both the adsorbents(mgg-1), is expressed with coded values (A, B, and C) as given in equation 13 depending on the response obtained from ZrO2.

The significance of the major influencing of variables on the degradation process was determined by analysis of variance (ANOVA) of the regression model. Table 5 shows the results of the ANOVA for the obtained quadratic equation. The ANOVA indicates that the correlation between the response and the significant variables given in the equation is appropriate. The quadratic model was observed as being the most appropriate for the adsorption of EB. The significance of the coefficient terms is determined by the F and p-value, smaller p-value and larger F value indicate that the regression equation will explain the major variations in the response. If the measured p values are less than 0.05 then the model is considered to be statistically significant. The ANOVA analysis for the removal of MB reports that the F value for ZrO2 is 72.72. There is only a 0.01% chance that an F-value this large could occur due to noise. From equation 13, The model parameters of , i.e. A, B, B² are the model terms that are considered to be significant for a response. The coefficient of determination (R2) was also used to analyze the results. The Predicted R² of 0.8787 is in reasonable agreement with the Adjusted R² of 0.9788with a difference of less than 0.2. The linear and non-linear correlation between experimental and predicted degradation % is shown in Figures 7 a-b. The non-linear graph shows a good relationship between the experimental and predicted values and the data points were well distributed close to a straight line in the linear graph with R2 values of 0.9912 for ZrO2. The results also show that the chosen quadratic model is adequate for the removal of EB by ZrO2 [24,25]. 
Even though predicted values match the experimental results better, it does not provide statistical significance and error distribution. As a result, to further validate the effectiveness of these methods, their efficiency is statistically evaluated using well-established statistical metrics. Normally, the accuracy of the prediction is determined by calculating the correlation coefficient and fitting a straight line. This method explains the strength and direction of linear relationships between experimental and model predictions, but it does not fully reflect nonlinear relationships in the error distribution. The R2 values for the experimental and predictions by RSM for ZrO2 are 0.9942, implying that the proposed models given are very similar to experimental values. ARE was calculated to be 6.85549, whereas the APE was estimated to be 34.27745. The RMSE was calculated to be 2.656291, indicating that the error deviation is significantly lower than predicted by RSM. The other metrics HYBRID and MPSD are also significant for RSM and Pearson’s Chi-square measure offers a convenient measurement scale for weighing the goodness of fit is found to be 1.955787. 

Three-Dimensional Response Surface and Two-Dimensional Contour Plot
To evaluate the individual and relative impact of these variables on the response and to find the optimal value, 3D response surface plots and 2D contour plots were implemented. All of the processing parameters, such as time, pH, and dye concentration, have a different effect on the adsorption ability of ZrO2. The Contact time is used to calculate the amount of interaction between the adsorbate and the adsorbent. The maximum Removal efficiency of 99.8% is observed with the given variables at a time of 60 minutes, pH at 12.0, and 2mg/L of Dye concentration.  Owing to the attraction of charged dyes onto the surface of the adsorbent, pH plays an important role in dye degradation. The initial dye concentration has a major effect on the aqueous-solid phase mass-transfer resistance.  The relative influence of time, pH, and dye concentration on the removal percentage of EB are shown in Figure 8 in 3D surface and contour plots. 
The graph Figures 8 a and b show the impact of pH and time on dye removal by ZrO2 with the dye concentration set to zero (Dye conc 1.25 mg/L). It was obvious that increasing the pH would aid dye removal. In the pH range of 10-12, the maximum dye removal was observed. The pH is the most significant factor which can affect the degradation process of dye on the surface of the photocatalyst. The effects of different pH values from 2.0 to 12.0 on the degradation efficiency of dye were studied. The surface properties of ZrO2 nanoparticles, where they impaired the dissolution of dye molecules, were modified by the pH alterations. Perhydroxyl radicals were generated, which resulted in the creation of hydrogen peroxide and hydroxyl radicals.  Higher degradation efficiency in the basic medium due to an increase in positive charge on the surface of ZrO2 catalyst and the electrostatic interaction enhances the adsorption property, thereby increasing the degradation efficiencies. Further, the hydroxyl ions available at higher pH were more, which forms more hydroxyl radicals, hence, increasing the degradation efficiency. As the contact time between the catalyst surface and the dye was increased from 05 to 60 minutes and observed a rapid increase initially from 5 minutes to 30 minutes because of the less turbidity but from 30 to 60 minutes there is a steady increase due to the turbidity of the solution. The response surface plot for ZrO2 revealed a distinct elevation, and the subsequent contour plot revealed a diagonally elongated uniform pattern, meaning that the interaction between pH and time had a major impact on dye degradation. [26]. 
Figure 8 c and d demonstrate the cumulative influence of Time and Dye concentration on dye removal when the pH is set to zero (pH, 7.0).  The degradation efficiency (Y) increases with a minimum difference as the dye concentration is increased from 0.5 to 2 mg/L, and achieves its maximum value, which is mostly dependent on the Time of Contact. When the contact period between the catalyst surface and the dye was increased from 30 to 60 minutes, the removal efficiency improved. The response surface plot displayed a prominent peak, and the contour plot had an elongated pattern, showing that dye concentration and time had a substantial mutual interaction. However, when the amount of catalyst exceeds 20 mg, the turbidity of the suspension increases, which decreases the penetration of sunlight and reduces the photoactivation potential of the suspension. Hence high concentrations of the catalyst may not be useful because of aggregation and light scattering [27].
While the time was set to zero (Time 32.5 minutes), Figures 8 e and f depicted the interrelationship of dye concentration and pH. Dye degradation capacity can be improved by increasing dye concentration and pH. Nevertheless, the estimated 55% degradation will be reached by pH 7.0. The elevated degradation % can be observed from pH 7.0 to 12.0. When both of these variables are increased for a long time, the dye degradation performance deteriorates. This is most likely owing to a scarcity of potential binding sites. The response surface plot revealed an elevated graph for both the adsorbent, while the contour plot revealed a distinctive -green-colored elongated pattern, implying that the dye concentration and pH interaction had a major impact on dye removal. 
Optimization is used in any method of multiple responses to achieve the desired relevant variables being evaluated at the same time. Maximum response with Time, pH, and Dye concentration were selected as constraints. Under the constraints, the optimum conditions for EB removal are 1.25mg/L dye concentration at pH 12.0 and a contact time of 60 minutes, with a response of 99.8 % which shows that green synthesized ZrO2 nanoparticles are highly efficient in dye degradation compared to previously reported studies as reported in Table 6.

Effect of controlling parameters individually
Effect of dye concentration
The influence of dye concentration on the degradation of EB dye was examined using ZO3 nanoparticles prepared by Basella Alba extract as fuel, as shown in Fig. 9a. The catalyst concentration was kept constant at 0.075g/L, and the dye concentration varied from 0.5 to 8 mg/L. Below the optimal load, increased active sites on the catalyst surface resulted in rapid degradation. The turbidity of the slurry rises beyond the optimum level, thus decreasing light penetration, which reduces the supply of hydroxides and superoxides [28]. As the concentration of the dye increases, the time required for complete degradation also increases. Several dye molecules were adsorbed in greater levels on the catalyst surface, contributing to a reduction in the number of active sites [smaller value of hydroxyl and superoxide radicals], which decreases light exposure & the impact of pH on dye solution degradation.

Effect of pH
 As given in Fig. 9b The pH of the solution was adjusted [0.01 M NaOH or 0.01 M H2SO4], and the efficiency of degradation was studied. The surface properties of ZO3 nanoparticles, where they impaired the dissolution of dye molecules, were modified by the pH alterations. Perhydroxyl radicals were generated, which resulted in the creation of hydroxyl radicals and hydrogen peroxide. The maximum degradation was shown by ZO3 nanoparticles at pH 6, which was in clear compliance with earlier reports [26]. 
The pH is the significant factor that can influence the degradation of dye on the photocatalyst surface. The impacts of various pH levels from 2.0 to 12.0 on the degradation efficiency of dye were studied. In the basic medium, the degrading efficiency of EB was found to be high. The degradation efficiency of EB was found to be more than 82.05% in the first 20 minutes and reaching 100 % in 60 minutes at pH 10.0., whereas 100% degradation of EB was observed in less than 40 minutes at pH 12.0. The increased positive charge on the surface of the ZO3 catalyst leads to improved degrading efficiency in the basic medium and the electrostatic interaction enhances the adsorption property, thereby increasing the degradation efficiencies. Further, the hydroxyl ions available at higher pH were more, which forms more hydroxyl radicals, hence, increasing the degradation efficiency.

Effect of catalyst concentration
Under the same circumstances and with varying concentrations of ZrNPs (ZrNPs from 05 mg to 20 mg at a constant dye concentration of 0.4 mgL−1), the effect of ZrNPs on Evans Blue degradation was evaluated. Fig. 9c illustrates that there is no significant change in degradation efficiency with the increase in the concentration of catalyst from 05 mg to 15 mg, and afterward, the rate of degradation remains nearly constant.  However, when the amount of catalyst exceeds 20 mg, the turbidity of the suspension increases, which decreases the penetration of sunlight and reduces the photoactivation potential of the suspension. Hence high concentrations of the catalyst may not be useful because of aggregation and light scattering.

Photocatalytic activity of the recycled catalyst
To check the reusability of the photocatalyst after the first application, ZO3 nanoparticles were collected, then washed twice and dried for two hours at 80 °C. The dried ZO3 nanoparticles have been used again for almost four cycles as a photocatalyst to degrade the dye. The stability of the photocatalyst ZO3 was assessed by using the catalyst for three photodegradation experiments by keeping the same concentration of EB dye. After each degradation process, Deionized water was used to wash the catalyst and alcohol to remove any adsorbed EB on the surface and then dried in the oven. After four cycles, the photocatalyst showed remarkable stability, with an EB degradation of 91.25 %, as given in Fig. 10. The loss of the photocatalyst owing to washing in between cycles could be responsible for the drop in degrading efficiency. The photocatalyst’s stability means that it can be reused several times, lowering effluent treatment expenses. The slight reduction in catalytic properties possibly leads to the accumulation and sedimentation of the dye on the nanoparticle of ZO3, making portions of the surface of the catalyst unavailable for dye adsorption and hence photon adsorption, reducing the efficiency of the catalytic reaction. This became obvious, according to the above study, that the photocatalyst ZO3 showed strong photostability.

Antibacterial activity Studies
The antimicrobial effect of ZO3 nanoparticles with different concentrations was studied using a well-diffusion assay against the gram-positive bacterium Bacillus subtilis and the gram-negative bacterium Klebsiella pneumoniae. Each of the Petri plates containing autoclaved, solid Mueller Hinton agar (Hi-media Laboratories, India) was inoculated with respective bacterial strains. 100μL of these organisms were spread using a sterile L-shaped glass spreader with 24 hrs mature broth culture containing 106 colonies forming units (CFU). Immediately after spreading the bacterial cultures, a sterilized cork borer was used to bore well-like standardized holes. Aseptically, various concentrations of ZO3 nanoparticles were synthesized (50, 25, 12.5, and 6.25 mg/mL got by serial dilution of the sample) and incorporated into these wells to assess the antibacterial activities. ZO3 nanoparticles were distributed in sterile water, and no negative controls were used because the chemicals were used in such low quantities. Each concentration was added inside the well at the volume of 100μL, which was previously inoculated with different bacterial strains. As a negative control, autoclaved distilled water was taken, and the Gentamicin antibiotic disc was used as a positive control (Hi-Media, Mumbai, India). Eventually, these plates are aerobically incubated in a bacteriological incubator at 37 °C. The discrepancy between both the overall inhibition zone diameter as well as the good diameter after 24 hours of incubation was measured as the Zone of Inhibition (ZOI). Tabulation of the result is given in Table 7 and Fig. 11, for the zone inhibition measured in millimeters for all the plates. Fig. 12 shows the photographs of the antibacterial activity of ZO3 nanoparticles in the zone of inhibition method against the gram-positive bacterium Bacillus subtilis and the gram-negative bacterium

Klebsiella pneumoniae [29,30].
When the concentration of ZrNPs increases, the growth of microbiological strains is significantly hampered. The capacity of ZrNPs composites to attach to bacteria due to their opposing electric charges, which lead to a decrease in the bacterial cell wall, is largely responsible for their antibacterial properties[31].  Gram-negative bacteria had a stronger interaction with nanoparticle composites than Gram-positive bacteria, owing to variations in cell walls, cell structure, physiology, metabolism, or degree of contact of organisms with nanoparticles. The peptidoglycan cell walls of Gram-positive bacteria are thicker than those of Gram-negative bacteria, making nanoparticle composites more difficult to enter. As a result, the antimicrobial response is comparatively less[32]. Because of their structural and physiochemical properties, nanomaterials induce oxidative stress as a primary antibacterial mechanism. Direct interaction of ZrO2 with bacterial cell walls, on the other hand, has been shown to result in the breakdown of bacterial cell integrity, the release of antimicrobial ions, particularly Zr2+ ions, and the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS)[31,33,34]. The remarkable antibacterial activity of ZrNPs is assumed to be due to the greater surface area of smaller nanoparticles and ROS production [35,36].  The antibacterial action mechanism is depicted in Scheme 4. 

CONCLUSIONS
In the current work, the solution combustion process reported the synthesis of ZrNP with a tetragonal crystal structure using Zirconium (IV) oxynitratehydrate as the metal precursor and an oxidizer, Basella alba raw extract as natural fuel at 600°C. Natural fuel is utilized to avoid harmful chemical fuels, which may pollute the environment during combustion. The influence of nanocrystalline zirconia particles on this framework and the composition of the fuel-to-oxidant molar ratio have been examined. The Physiochemical properties of the ZrNPs were analyzed through characterization tools. The effect of catalytic load, pH, light sources, dye concentration, and reusability of the ZrNPs on the degradation activity of EB has been studied thoroughly. By taking three center points, 15 experimental trials were created utilizing the Box-Behnken model-RSM. The maximum Removal efficiency of 99.8% is observed with the given variables at a time of 60 minutes, pH at 12.0, and 2mg/L of Dye concentration. There is no significant difference between the linear and non-linear relationships between experimental and predicted degradation percentages. To further justify its use, the efficacy of these approaches is statistically assessed using well-established statistical criteria.ZrNPs also exhibit good antibacterial activity against the gram-positive bacterium Bacillus subtilis and the gram-negative bacterium Klebsiella pneumoniae. The obtained results show that the ZrNPs are efficient in pollutant removal and can be further optimized for industrial scale and can also pave the way for eco-friendly synthesis of nanoparticles.

CONFLICT OF INTEREST
The authors declare that there are no conflicts of interest regarding the publication of this manuscript.