Environmental pollution is a major issue that requires effective solutions. Nanomaterials (NMs) have emerged as promising candidates for pollution remediation due to their unique properties. This review paper provides a systematic analysis of the potential of NMs for environmental pollution remediation compared to conventional techniques. It elaborates on several aspects, including conventional and advanced techniques for removing pollutants, classification of NMs (organic, inorganic, and composite base). The efficiency of NMs in remediation of pollutants depends on their dispersion and retention, with each type of NM having different advantages and disadvantages. Various synthesis pathways for NMs, including traditional synthesis (chemical and physical) and biological synthesis pathways, mechanisms of reaction for pollutants removal using NMs, such as adsorption, filtration, disinfection, photocatalysis, and oxidation, also are evaluated. Additionally, this review presents suggestions for future investigation strategies to improve the efficacy of NMs in environmental remediation. The research so far provides strong evidence that NMs could effectively remove contaminants and may be valuable assets for various industrial purposes. However, further research and development are necessary to fully realize this potential, such as exploring new synthesis pathways and improving the dispersion and retention of NMs in the environment. Furthermore, there is a need to compare the efficacy of different types of NMs for remediating specific pollutants. Overall, this review highlights the immense potential of NMs for mitigating environmental pollutants and calls for more research in this direction. Graphical Abstract

Aromatic and aliphatic hydrocarbons (AAHs) are comprised of a variety of gaseous chemicals that may affect human and environmental health. To remove AAHs from air, polytetrafluoroethylene-nickel oxide (PTFE-NiO) composite nanofiber filter mats (NFMs) were synthesized and characterized for their ability to effectively adsorb AAHs. The NiO-nanoparticle-doped mats were fabricated by green electrospinning of PTFE and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) mixtures added with nickel (II) nitrate hexahydrate in the spinning solution followed by surface heat treatment. FE-SEM FTIR, Raman spectroscopy, sessile drop and Jar methods were applied as characterization techniques. The diameter of the electrospun nanofibers without NiO dopant ranged from 0.34 ± 21.61 to 0.23 ± 10.12 µm, whereas a reduction in diameter of NiO-doped nanofibers was obtained, ranging between pristine to 0.25 ± 24.12 µm and 0.12 ± 85.75 µm with heat treatment. 6% (by weight) NiO-doped PTFE composite NFMs exhibited a high water-contact angle of 120 ± 2.20 degrees; the high hydrophobicity value aided self-cleansing property of NFMs for practical applications. UV adsorption capability for heat-treated PTFE-NiO NFMs was evaluated for three AAHs, and the results showed that 6 wt% NiO adsorbed 1.41, 0.67, and 0.73 µg/mg of toluene, formaldehyde and acetone, respectively. These findings reveal the potential applicability of the prepared filter mats for capturing various AAHs from polluted air.

This study assesses the ecological status of alpine lotic ecosystems in Khunjerab National Park, Pakistan, situated at approximately 4000 m in the Karakoram Range along the Pakistan–China border. An integrative approach was employed, evaluating alpine stream ecosystems through benthic macroinvertebrate indices in conjunction with physicochemical habitat parameters. Samples were gathered using kick nets and hand-picking at seventeen randomly selected sites in early spring and summer. The study recorded 710 summer taxa from 41 families and seven orders, and 1250 early spring taxa from 30 families and six orders. The abundance of macroinvertebrates increased in early spring, while taxonomic diversity increased during the summer. Statistical tests revealed a strong relationship between water quality conditions and biological features. The biotic index reached its peak in early spring, while diversity indices peaked in summer when Ephemeroptera dominated. Due to the macroinvertebrate source in early spring, the majority of EPT taxa were abundant at all alpine stream sites during early spring, except for upstream sites in summer. The indices from the biotic metric evaluation revealed low levels of natural environmental disturbance caused by humans. This research is significant in terms of natural resource conservation and health assessment based on the benthic fauna community structure in alpine streams.

This paper examines the current state of food security in Pakistan, focusing on the factors influencing the nation's ability to ensure a stable food supply. The analysis covers food production, distribution, accessibility, and stability, while also considering socioeconomic and environmental factors. The role of government regulations and international collaborations is explored in addressing food security challenges. Despite the critical importance of agricultural governance for sustainable food production and economic development, Pakistan's agricultural sector remains under prioritized, suffering from a lack of strategic vision and inconsistent government support. This neglect undermines efforts to achieve food security and stability. The study evaluates the alignment of Pakistan's National Food Security Policy (2018) with global, national, and provincial standards for sustainable agricultural management. A framework based on principles, criteria, and indicators (PCI) was developed, utilizing both quantitative and qualitative methodologies. Forty-three indicators, eleven criteria, and one guiding principle across four dimensions were identified. Thirteen governance tools were assessed using a ratio scale (0–5), with results presented in a policy coherence matrix. The coherence index score of 2.14 indicates significant misalignment among regulatory instruments, highlighting gaps in addressing climate change, low-income food access, service management, and institutional capacity. The study reveals that many food policies in Pakistan are outdated and inconsistent, requiring revision to address local challenges and align with emerging international obligations. The findings provide a comprehensive overview of the current food security landscape in Pakistan, offering insights for more informed decision-making to build a resilient and sustainable food system.