Phosphorus is essential to environmental systems because it affects both agricultural productivity and ecological balance. Since it contributes to eutrophication and pollution problems, its existence in a variety of environmental matrices, including soil, water, and air, necessitates precise and effective determination methods for monitoring and managing its levels. This review paper provides an extensive overview of the latest advancements in analytical techniques for measuring phosphorus in environmental samples. We investigate sophisticated spectroscopic, chromatographic, and electrochemical techniques in addition to conventional approaches like colorimetric analysis. Innovative techniques such as mass spectrometry (MS), X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectrometry, and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy are also highlighted in this study, along with newly developed technologies such as biosensors, lab-on-a-chip devices, and nanotechnology-based techniques. Real-time and field-deployable monitoring technologies are also covered, with a focus on their advantages and usefulness. Among the techniques reviewed, XRF and colorimetry methods have proven to be the most reliable due to their precision, cost-effectiveness, and adaptability for different sample matrices. While emerging spectroscopic and electrochemical techniques offer promising alternatives, further validation and standardization are needed for routine environmental monitoring. Future research should focus on integrating automated and high-throughput techniques to enhance monitoring capabilities further.

A class of hazardous chemical molecules known as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are frequently detected in environmental samples such as soil, water, and air. Because of their carcinogenic and mutagenic qualities, PAHs pose a significant threat to both human health and the environment. Therefore, the identification and extraction of PAHs from environmental samples is crucial for monitoring and assessing their presence and potential risks. An overview of these recent advancements is given in this review, which includes the use of sophisticated analytical methods for the identification and measurement of PAHs in environmental samples, such as high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The limitations of conventional extraction techniques such as Soxhlet extraction and liquid-liquid extraction, which are frequently labour-intensive, solvent-intensive, and prone to low selectivity, are highlighted in this review. In contrast, modern techniques such as Solid-Phase Microextraction (SPME) and Accelerated Solvent Extraction (ASE) offer significant advantages, including reduced solvent use, faster processing times, and enhanced sensitivity and selectivity for PAHs. This review highlights the benefits of these advancements in facilitating faster, more accurate, and environmentally friendly PAH extraction and identification processes, focusing on overcoming the limitations of traditional methods such as chromatographic separation and detection. To improve our comprehension of PAH contamination and provide practical mitigation methods for their effects on the environment and human health, this field needs ongoing research and development.

The design and fabrication of innovative nanostructured materials that could display improved sensitivity, selectivity, and rapid response/recovery characteristics still present significant scientific challenges. Herein we report the timely selective detection of xylene vapour in benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene (BTE) and acetone vapours at low operating temperatures using an n-type AgCu/TiO₂ nanoparticle-based sensor. Switching from p-type to n-type conductivity was observed at higher AgCu loadings. The findings showed that sensor switching was not temperature- or gas-dependent. Among the AgCu loaded on TiO₂ nanoparticles, n-type 0.5% AgCu loaded on TiO₂ displayed a remarkable response (R_g/R_a ≈ 33.2) toward xylene vapour at 150 °C. The sensor exhibited superior selectivity, prompt response/recovery swiftness and good repeatability and stability towards xylene vapour in dry air and 40% relative humidity. This response was superior compared to the individual loading of 0.5 mol% Cu or Ag on a TiO₂ based sensor, validating that the contribution of both Ag and Cu had a substantial effect on the spill-over effect mechanism. Additionally, a high loading of 1.0 mol% AgCu resulted in a poor sensing performance. The superior xylene gas sensing characteristics were attributed to the catalytic activity and point defects induced by the loading of AgCu in TiO₂. The underlying mechanism for the improved sensing characteristics can be predominantly ascribed to the strong synergistic catalytic influence of the loading of n-type AgCu/TiO₂ nanoparticles, which reduced the activation energy and accelerated the reaction of xylene molecules and vigorous oxygen species. These findings could disclose a new potential in the fabrication of reliable sensors for portable devices for indoor/outdoor air quality monitoring.

Acid mine drainage (AMD) remains a critical environmental challenge in South Africa due to its severe impact on water quality, ecosystems and public health. Numerous studies on AMD management, treatment and resource recovery have been conducted over the past 20 years. This study presents a comprehensive review of research activities on AMD in South Africa from 1998 to 2025, highlighting key trends, emerging challenges and future directions. The study reveals a significant focus on passive and active treatment methods, environmental remediation and the recovery of valuable resources, such as iron, rare earth elements (REEs) and gypsum. A bibliometric analysis was conducted to identify the most influential studies and thematic research areas over the years. Bibliometric tools (Biblioshiny and VOSviewer) were used to analyse the data that was extracted from the PubMed database. The findings indicate that research production has increased significantly over time, with substantial contributions from top academics and institutions. Advanced treatment technologies, the use of artificial intelligence and circular economy strategies for resource recovery are among the new research prospects identified in this study. Despite substantial progress, persistent challenges, such as scalability, economic viability and policy implementation, remain. Furthermore, few technologies have moved beyond pilot-scale implementation, underscoring the need for greater investment in field-scale research and technology transfer. This study recommends stronger industry–academic collaboration, the development of standardised treatment protocols and enhanced government policy support to facilitate sustainable AMD management. The study emphasises the necessity of data-driven approaches, sustainable technology and interdisciplinary cooperation to address AMD’s socioeconomic and environmental effects in the ensuing decades.