Bio-derived NiO-Carbon nanocomposites were prepared using Neem (Azadirachta indica) leaf extract through a green combustion approach. Structural analysis confirmed the formation of face-centered cubic NiO with crystallite sizes in the 25-50 nm range. The optimized 1:1 NiO: C composite demonstrated a limit of detection calculated via the 3 sigma/slope method in the millimolar range, along with a linear sensing response between 1 and 6 mM for glyphosate. In addition, the material achieved 98.78% degradation of Congo Red (CR dye) under UV irradiation (365 nm, 15 mW/cm & sup2;) while maintaining strong reusability and stability. The improved performance is attributed to the presence of conductive carbon, which facilitates charge transport, reduces electron-hole recombination, and increases the availability of active surface sites. Electrochemical impedance analysis further confirmed reduced charge-transfer resistance in the optimized composite, supporting its enhanced interfacial kinetics. The scalable and cost-effective synthesis, combined with stability in acidic media, highlights the potential of this composite as a multifunctional platform for pesticide monitoring and wastewater remediation.

Foreign