This study presents an efficient method for synthesizing highly pure ZnO nanoparticles using a gliding arc discharge (GAD) plasma system as a non-thermal plasma source. The method offers advantages such as simplicity, short synthesis time, use of readily available air as the source gas, and potential scalability, making it a promising alternative for sustainable ZnO nanoparticle production. The synthesized ZnO nanoparticles were characterized using techniques such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive x-ray analysis (EDAX), UV-visible spectroscopy (UV–vis), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), x-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The results confirmed the successful synthesis of highly pure ZnO nanoparticles with an average size of 27.18 nm and a band gap energy of 3.28 eV. The GAD plasma-assisted ZnO nanoparticles exhibited a significant dye removal rate, showcasing their potential as highly effective materials for photocatalytic wastewater treatment. The study also evaluated the photocatalytic activity of the synthesized ZnO nanoparticles against methylene blue (MB), Brilliant Cresyl Blue (BCB), and Congo Red (CR) under UV light irradiation for 2 h and 30 min. The results showed degradation rates of 92.9%, 71%, and 88% for BCB, MB, and CR, respectively. The study contributes new insights into the application of GAD plasma for nanoparticle synthesis and highlights the potential of ZnO nanoparticles in photocatalytic wastewater treatment. The method is simple, effective, and promising for the development of new and improved photocatalysts for the degradation of organic pollutants in water.This study presents an efficient method for synthesizing highly pure ZnO nanoparticles using a gliding arc discharge (GAD) plasma system as a non-thermal plasma source. The method offers advantages such as simplicity, short synthesis time, use of readily available air as the source gas, and potential scalability, making it a promising alternative for sustainable ZnO nanoparticle production. The synthesized ZnO nanoparticles were characterized using techniques such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive x-ray analysis (EDAX), UV-visible spectroscopy (UV–vis), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), x-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The results confirmed the successful synthesis of highly pure ZnO nanoparticles with an average size of 27.18 nm and a band gap energy of 3.28 eV. The GAD plasma-assisted ZnO nanoparticles exhibited a significant dye removal rate, showcasing their potential as highly effective materials for photocatalytic wastewater treatment. The study also evaluated the photocatalytic activity of the synthesized ZnO nanoparticles against methylene blue (MB), Brilliant Cresyl Blue (BCB), and Congo Red (CR) under UV light irradiation for 2 h and 30 min. The results showed degradation rates of 92.9%, 71%, and 88% for BCB, MB, and CR, respectively. The study contributes new insights into the application of GAD plasma for nanoparticle synthesis and highlights the potential of ZnO nanoparticles in photocatalytic wastewater treatment. The method is simple, effective, and promising for the development of new and improved photocatalysts for the degradation of organic pollutants in water.