PJB-2026-101
Phytochemical and Spectroscopic Guided Assessment of Nigella sativa: Antimicrobial Potential against Drinking Water-Associated pathogens
Zainab Khan
Abstract
The quality of drinking water and the management of waterborne diseases are critical global health priorities. Contamination of drinking water sources by bacteria, primarily due to improper waste disposal, leaking infrastructure, and lack of disinfection, poses a severe risk to public health. This study investigated the antimicrobial efficacy of edible Nigella sativa seeds against six waterborne bacterial pathogens, including Micrococcus luteus and Staphylococcus epidermidis. Antimicrobial results revealed that the maximum inhibition zone against Micrococcus luteus (S3) in the methanolic extract was 
mm, while Staphylococcus epidermidis (S12) showed an inhibition zone of 
mm with acetone. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of Nigella sativa, as determined by tube dilution, was 40 mg/ml for Micrococcus luteus S4) and Staphylococcus epidermidis (S12), and 60 mg/ml for all other tested bacteria, except Micrococcus luteus (S4), which showed an MIC of 80 mg/ml. It is elucidated that the methanolic extracts exhibited the highest antimicrobial activity compared to those in acetone and diethyl ether. Bioactive compounds from Nigella sativa were isolated via silica gel column chromatography and Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC), showing an Rf value of 0.2. Fourier Transform Infra-Red (FTIR) spectroscopy identified key functional groups, including sulfoxides (1023.20 cm⁻¹), secondary amines (3335.16 cm⁻¹), and alkanes (2925.86 cm⁻¹). These findings validate the potential of these edible seeds as sustainable, natural alternatives for treatment against waterborne pathogens
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