Green Synthesized Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles for Removal of Carbamazepine in Water and Soil Systems

•Successful synthesis of green ZnO nanoparticles, suggesting an environmentally friendly approach.•GS-ZnONPs demonstrated a remarkable adsorption capacity of 27.55 mg g−1 for CBZ at room temperature.•Identification of key parameters affecting CBZ removal, contributing to a better understanding of the process.•The optimal conditions for the process were identified as pH 5.0, 100 mg of adsorbent, and 12 mg L−1 of CBZ at 25 °C ± 2 °C.•Investigation into the soil column leaching of CBZ using GS-ZnONPs, suggesting a potential solution for soil contamination.