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Saiqa Bashir,1 Muhammad Siddique Awan,1 Muhammad Akhyar Farrukh,2,3 Ravi Naidu,4 Shahzad Akbar Khan,5 Nagina Rafique,1 Shaista Ali,6 Imran Hayat,1 Imtiaz Hussain,1 Muhammad Zubair Khan7 1Department of Food Science and Technology, University of Poonch, Rawalakot, Pakistan; 2Department of Chemistry, Forman Christian College (A Chartered University), Lahore, Pakistan; 3Department of Basic and Applied Chemistry, University of Central Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan; 4Global Centre for Environmental Remediation (GCER), University of Newcastle, Newcastle, Australia; 5Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary & Animal Sciences, University of Poonch, Rawalakot, Pakistan; 6Department of Chemistry, Government College University of Lahore, Lahore, Pakistan; 7Department of Plant Breeding and Molecular Genetics, University of Poonch, Rawalakot, PakistanCorrespondence: Saiqa Bashir, Email sar.rkt@gmail.comPurpose: Recent advances in nanotechnology have given rise to the potential utilization of nanoparticles as food, nano-medicine/biomedicines.Patient: The study aimed to investigate the effects of nano-zinc oxide (nano-zinc) on the bio-assimilation of mineral (Zn) in mice, aged 3– 6 weeks.Methods: ZnO nanoparticles were added to the basal diet as a supplement at amounts of 0.07, 0.14 and 0.21 mg/kg. The synthesized material was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometer, particle size, scanning electron microscope, Thermogravimetric Analysis Thermal, X-ray diffraction spectrophotometer and Zeta potential.Results: In-vitro bioavailability of synthesized group ZnO (120 nm) was 43%, whereas for standard group ZnO (50 nm) was reported as 55%. In-vivo bioavailability of zinc oxide illustrated the maximum absorption level compared with the control. In-vivo toxicity was characterized as damage done to the liver and spleen tissues with a high dose of 0.21 mg/kg, while smaller doses indicated no toxic effects.Conclusion: The study provided important insights on the toxicological effects of ZnO nanoparticles, depending on dose rate and bio-assimilation, as well as particles, under various conditions (in-vitro and in-vivo). These findings will motivate further detailed research on nano-based medicine for alleviating malnutrition conditions.Keywords: bioavailability, toxicity, nanoparticles, nanomedicine, food

Environmental context The production and consumption of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) is regulated under the Montreal Protocol and its amendments, due to their role in stratospheric ozone depletion. Global atmospheric levels of CFC-11 did not decline as rapidly as expected during 2012–2018, in large part due to emissions from eastern China. In order to further clarify global CFC-11 emissions, this work provides a rare set CFC-11 measurements from understudied countries and sources throughout Asia (1998–2018). Abstract Trichlorofluoromethane (CFC-11) is an ozone-depleting substance whose production and consumption are regulated under the Montreal Protocol. Global atmospheric CFC-11 levels declined less quickly than expected during 2012–2018, largely because of ongoing emissions from eastern Asia. Satellite measurements suggest additional CFC-11 hotspots in the Arabian Peninsula and north India/Nepal. Here we present CFC-11 levels measured in dozens of Asian cities during 1998–2018, including China and Pakistan before the 2010 phaseout of CFC-11, and China, Nepal, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and South Korea after the phaseout. Surface measurements of CFCs in Nepal, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia are very rare, and these surveys provide important observational constraints from understudied regions. During pre-phaseout campaigns, higher CFC-11 levels were measured in Beijing than Karachi, despite much higher overall volatile organic compound (VOC) levels in Karachi. During post-phaseout campaigns, average CFC-11 levels were higher in inland Shandong Province and Seoul (1.11–1.23× background) than in western Saudi Arabia, Lahore and Kathmandu (1.02–1.11× background), despite higher levels of other VOCs in the latter regions. While China is known to emit excess CFC-11, elevated CFC-11 levels in Seoul, especially during stagnant meteorological conditions, suggest local emissions in 2015–2016. Rough emission estimates suggest that South Korea is likely a relatively minor global source of excess CFC-11. Hotspot CFC-11 levels were measured from a landfill fire in Mecca (average of 1.8× background) and from garbage burning in Nepal (1.5× background). Because garbage burning and open burning in dumps are common practices, further investigation of CFC-11 emissions at dumps and landfills worldwide is encouraged to determine their global impact.

The present work describes comparative study of annealing temperature in the range of 500–900 °C on the successful synthesis of Gd/Mn2SnO4 nanocomposite via sol gel method followed by hydrothermal method. Structural, optical, photoluminescence, photocatalytic activities against methylene blue and methyl orange; and antifungal features against Aspergillus niger of Gd/Mn2SnO4 nanocomposite were studied. The structural and optical properties were investigated using X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), UV–Visible spectroscopy and particle size analyzer (PSA) techniques. Crystallite size, particle size and optical band gap were calculated using XRD, PSA and Uv–visible spectroscopy, respectively. Gd/Mn2SnO4 nanocomposite annealed at 500 °C is found to be a competent photo catalyst for degradation of dyes used for the study and for the growth inhibition of Aspergillus niger.

Fe/CeO2–SiO2 nanocomposite was synthesized by using zwitterionic surfactant 3-(N,N-dimethyloctadecylammonio) propane sulfonate (SB3-18) by sol–gel and hydrothermal methods. The nanocomposite was well characterized before its use. X-ray diffraction (XRD) results confirmed the synthesis of the Fe/CeO2–SiO2 nanocomposite. Crystallite size calculated by using Scherrer equation was 5.33 nm while it was found 5.26 nm by Williamson–Hall equation. Bandgap of Fe/CeO2–SiO2 nanocomposite shows redshift after the doping of Fe. Degradation studies of methylene blue (MB) and chlorpyrifos (CP) were investigated by nanofiltration (NF) column under visible light irradiation. Degradation and adsorption of MB was investigated by three different types of columns under visible light irradiation. It was observed to achieve 100 % removal of MB and 91 % of CP through column in which rice husk ash (RHA) slurry was mixed with the nanocomposite.

The co-precipitation method was used to synthesize the Fe2O3–CeO2 nanocomposite in the presence of sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS). The effect of pH and temperature on the properties of nanocomposite was studied to optimize the reaction condition. The synthesized nanocomposite was characterized by using different analytical techniques including FTIR, XRD, SEM-EDX, and TGA. The results showed that increase in temperature and decrease in pH allow to reduce the particle size. The catalytic efficiency of synthesized nanocomposite was studied by using it as a catalyst for one pot synthesis of 2,4,5-triarylimidazole, which is simple, efficient and cost-effective method. The results showed that Fe2O3–CeO2 nanocomposite synthesized at higher temperature was more efficient catalyst due to having small particle size, while 2,4,5-triarylimidazole was analyzed by TLC, elemental analysis and GCMS.

Novel approach for the synthesis of Fe2O3-CuO-MoO3 nanocomposite was established using sol-gel and ultra-sonication setup. The conformation of the synthesized nanocomposite was done using Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive X-ray (SEM-EDX) techniques. The chemistry of product thermal stability and decomposition was studied using thermo gravimetric analysis-differential scanning calorimetery (TGA-DSC) with respect to increase in temperature. The optical properties were studied using UV-visible spectroscopy via Wood and Tauc relation. XRD data indicates the presence of orthorhombic crystal system with crystallite size of 4.45 and 38.71 nm using Scherrer equation and Williamson-Hall equations, respectively. The particle size was calculated using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and found to be 12.67 nm. The catalytic ability of synthesized nanocomposite was studied against methylene blue, and the decrease in percentage degradation from 5 to 30% was observed in nanocomposite prepared from sol-gel to ultra-sonication method.

NiO/ZnO nanocomposites synthesized by sol-gel method with zinc chloride and nickel nitrate hexahydrate in ethanol used as solvent. Material was characterized by Particle size analyzer, UV-Vis, FTIR, TGA and DSC. NiO/ZnO nanoparticles investigated as a suitable photocatalytic material for the methylene blue degradation i.e. an organic dye under visible light irradiation. The UV–vis absorption spectra of the NiO/ZnO nanoparticles shown peaks in the UV region, corresponding to the band gap of the NiO/ZnO nanoparticles. The band gap of NiO/ZnO nanoparticles is calculated 3.55 eV by Tauc’s plot method. Then UV visible data showed the methylene blue degradation with NiO/ZnO nanoparticles, behaving as active catalyst.

An eco-friendly and economical, green synthesis method has been employed for the synthesis of iron-oxide (Fe2O3) nanoparticles by using orange peel extract as a stabilizing agent. The thermody-namic properties were evaluated using thermogravimetric analysis-diffraction scanning calorimetry (TGA-DSC), the formation of Fe2O3 nanoparticles was confirmed using fourier transform infra-red spectroscopy (FTIR), X-Ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive X-ray (SEM-EDX) spectroscopy. The hydrodynamic diameter was observed using a dynamic laser scattering-particle size analyser (DLS-PSA). The green synthesized nanoparticles were used to evaluate their antibacterial activity via the agar well diffusion method against gram positive (Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureusb) and gram negative (Escherichia coli., Pseudomonas aeruginosa) bacteria while keeping benzalkonium chloride, chlorhexidine, hexachlorophene and phenol as controls.

Recent advances in nanotechnology have given rise to the potential utilization of nanoparticles as food, nano-medicine/biomedicines.The study aimed to investigate the effects of nano-zinc oxide (nano-zinc) on the bio-assimilation of mineral (Zn) in mice, aged 3-6 weeks.ZnO nanoparticles were added to the basal diet as a supplement at amounts of 0.07, 0.14 and 0.21 mg/kg. The synthesized material was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometer, particle size, scanning electron microscope, Thermogravimetric Analysis Thermal, X-ray diffraction spectrophotometer and Zeta potential.In-vitro bioavailability of synthesized group ZnO (120 nm) was 43%, whereas for standard group ZnO (50 nm) was reported as 55%. In-vivo bioavailability of zinc oxide illustrated the maximum absorption level compared with the control. In-vivo toxicity was characterized as damage done to the liver and spleen tissues with a high dose of 0.21 mg/kg, while smaller doses indicated no toxic effects.The study provided important insights on the toxicological effects of ZnO nanoparticles, depending on dose rate and bio-assimilation, as well as particles, under various conditions (in-vitro and in-vivo). These findings will motivate further detailed research on nano-based medicine for alleviating malnutrition conditions.

The availability of water has become a serious concern globally, therefore, it is a need to use waste water by its treatment. This treated water can be used in various sectors e.g., agriculture, leather industry, textile industry and in chemical reactors etc. The oxides of semiconductor nanoparticles are effective catalyst which are used in wastewater treatment. Ethylene glycol is used in sol-gel method to synthesize NiO/ZnO nanocomposites. ZnCl2 along with NiCl2.6H2O were used as precursors during synthetization of NiO/ZnO nanocomposites. We used various techniques such as Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and particle size analysis for synthesis of the nanocomposites which confirm that these nanocomposites act as catalyst. Full Text

Gadolinium doped tin oxide–iron oxide nanoparticles (Gd/Fe1.727Sn0.205O3) were synthesized via sol–gel method followed by hydrothermal method. Ethylene glycol played the role of directing agent to control surface morphology. Physical and optical properties of Gd/Fe1.727Sn0.205O3 nanoparticles were studied as a function of calcination temperature. Characterization techniques like thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), particle size analyzer (PSA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), UV–Visible spectroscopy (UV–VIS), and four-point probe technique have been used to study the thermal degradation, kinetics, thermodynamic properties, structural analysis, surface morphology, optical and electrical properties of nanoparticles. Prominent peaks in FTIR spectra at 563, 418, and 542 cm−1 were observed for Fe–O, Sn–O, and Gd–O, respectively. The uncalcined nanoparticles follow first order kinetics and Freeman–Carrol method was applied for calculating the activation energy. It was observed that nanoparticles calcined at 700 °C have 8.9 nm particle size calculated with particle size analyzer, which is smallest among all and having band gap energy of 2.3 eV. SEM micrographs show hexagonal geometry. The dependence of electrical resistance on temperature shows that these nanoparticles possess semiconducting behavior. These nanoparticles can be used as cathode material for solid oxides fuel cells (SOFCs) application. The nanoparticles calcined at 700 °C showed highest power density of 83.27 W cm−2 at 650 °C with open current voltage of 0.793 V.

This work presents the synthesis of SnO2–SiO2 nanocomposite via sol–gel method using N‑dodecyl-N,N-dimethyl-3-ammonium-1-propanesulfonate (SB3-12) zwitterionic surfactant as a templating agent at room temperature. Rice husk was used as a source for preparation of SiO2 and doping of samarium (Sm) on tin oxide-silica (SnO2–SiO2) was done by hydrothermal method. Size, optical and catalytic properties of Sm/SnO2–SiO2 was found dependent on the doping of Sm. Coats-Redfern and Horowitz-Metzger’s models were used to investigate the kinetics and thermodynamic parameters. The Sm/SnO2–SiO2 nanocomposite was characterized by FTIR, XRD, TGA, TEM, SEM, EDX and particle size analyzer. The photocatalyic activity of prepared material was studied against methylene blue dye under irradiation of sunlight. It was found that Sm/SnO2–SiO2 nanocomposite has small size, reduced band gap and greater degradation capacity than SnO2–SiO2 nanocomposite. Dependence of crystallinity, dislocation density and specific surface area on the size of nanocomposite was also observed.

Sol-gel spin coating method have been used to deposit un-doped, La, and Sm-doped ZnO thin films on Si substrate. The influence of Sm and La doping content on various physical properties of ZnO thin films were investigated using x-ray diffraction, photoluminescence spectroscopy, spectroscopy ellipsometry, scanning electron microscope, and four point probe technique. X-ray diffraction analysis reveals that Sm and La ions were successfully incorporated in ZnO lattice and all the thin films are highly crystalline with hexagonal wurtzite structure. Photoluminescence spectroscopy spectra indicates that defect concentration increases on increase in Sm and La content. Refractive index, extinction coefficient and optical band gap were determined from spectroscopy ellipsometry technique. The optical bandgap of ZnO thin films shifts towards higher wavelength (red shift) on incorporating La and Sm because of which its absorption ability for visible portion of electromagnetic radiation increases. The micrographs obtained from scanning electron microscope reveals that morphology consists of wrinkle type structure; the density of the wrinkles seems to be dependent on the dopant concentration as well as on the type of dopant. Remarkable improvement in electrical conductivity have also been observed after doping. Sm- and La-doped ZnO thin films have shown better photocatalytic degradation efficiency for methylene blue under solar light irradiation.

Controllable release of nutrients in soil can overcome the environmental problems associated with conventional fertilizer. Here we synthesized mesoporous nanocomposite of Zinc aluminosilicate (ZnAl2Si10O24) via co-precipitation method. Oryza sativa L. husk was used as source of silica for making the synthesis process green and economical. The nanocomposite was subsequently loaded with urea to achieve the demand of simultaneous and slow delivery of both zinc and urea. The structural characterization of nanocomposite was done by FTIR, XRD, TGA, BET, SEM/EDX and TEM. The release of urea and zinc was investigated with UV–Vis spectrophotometry and atomic absorption spectroscopy, respectively, up to 14 days. It was noted that urea holding capacity of mesoporous ZnAl2Si10O24 nanocomposite over long period of time was increased as compared to bulk aluminosilicates, due to its high surface area (193.07 m2 g−1) and small particle size of (64 nm). Urea release was found highest in first 24 h because of excess of adsorption on nanocomposite and least at 14th day. Fertilizer efficiency was checked on Oryza sativa L. in comparison with commercial urea and results showed significantly higher yield in case of urea loaded ZnAl2Si10O24 nanocomposite.

Perpendicular magnetic anisotropy (PMA) plays a critical role in spintronics, giving rise to improvements in fundamental research and industrial production. Generally, PMA originates mainly from the spin–orbit interaction with perpendicular orbital moment. However, electron orbitals are difficult to tune once they emerge. Here, we propose a simple and effective method for preparing (001)-oriented ultrathin La0.67Sr0.33MnO3 (LSMO) films with PMA, which is induced by compressive strain and surface symmetry breaking. Moreover, PMA was effectively strengthened by means of annealing under applied magnetic field. X-ray linear dichroism spectra reveal that PMA should be attributed to the preferential occupancy of the 3z2 − r2 orbital in LSMO films. The results presented here show that PMA can be manipulated by orbital reconstruction in perovskite manganite films under compressive strain through a simple and effective strategy. These findings illustrate a new method for designing and controlling magnetic anisotropy and might advance fundamental applications of orbital physics and spintronics.

Silica doped iron oxide (SiO2 doped Fe2O3) nanoparticles (NPs) were successfully synthesized by co-precipitation method at 70 °C using different solvents (acetonitrile, n-hexane and isoamyl alcohol). The synthesized NPs were characterized by FT-IR, X-Ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), transmission electron microscope (TEM), thermal gravimetric analysis-differential scanning calorimetry (TGA-DSC) and dynamic light scattering (DLS) techniques. The size of SiO2 doped Fe2O3 NPs was in the range of 5.89 nm–19.89 nm and ellipsoidal morphology with tendency of aggregate formation due to dipole-dipole interactions. The solvents showed variable effect on physico-chemical properties of the NPs. As-synthesized NPs were also evaluated for the antimicrobial activity against set of bacterial and fungal strains i.e., Candida parapsilosis, Aspergilus niger, Bacillus subtilis and Escherichia coli. It was observed that solvents also affected the NPs antimicrobial activity. The SiO2 doped Fe2O3 NPs prepared in acetonitrile showed highest antibacterial as well as antifungal activity. The MIC values were recorded to be 0.31 mg/L and 0.21 mg/L (acetonitrile) and 0.24 mg/L and 0.18 mg/L (isoamyl alcohol) for C. parapsilosis and A. niger, respectively. NPs prepared in n-hexane showed the MIC value of 0.09 mg/L. The photocaalytic activity (PCA) was evaluated by degrading Rhodamine B (RhB) dye. The RhB degradation was 83% for Fe2O3 NPs, which was enhanced considerably in case of doping, solvents also showed variable effect on the PCA for RhB dye degradation. Results revealed that the SiO2 doped Fe2O3 NPs are efficient antimicrobial agent as well as highly active photocatalysts and could possibly be used for the degradation of dyes in textile wastewater.

CeO2-SiO2 nanoparticles were synthesized by surfactant assisted via sol-gel process at variable pH 9, 10 and 11 by keeping constant temperature of 27 ± 2 °C. However, same method was adopted for synthesis of CeO2-SiO2 nanoparticles at higher temperature 70 ± 2 °C while pH of the solution was kept constant at 9. Prepared nanoparticles were characterized using FTIR, SEM-EDX, PL spectrophotometer, UV-Vis spectrophotometer, XRD and DLS-PSA. Influence of varying pH and temperature on particle size, band gap, oxygen vacancies and catalytic activity for degradation of chlorpyrifos pesticide was studied. It was found that increase in pH increased the particle size and band gap, however decreased the catalytic activity towards chlorpyrifos pesticide. It was observed that increase in temperature at constant pH 9 showed slight effects on above mentioned properties. CeO2-SiO2 nanoparticles prepared at pH 9 and at temperature 27 ± 2 °C were found to have lowest particle size and band gap with highest catalytic activity.

Polymeric iron nano-chloroquine phosphate (PINCP) was formulated through polyol method using ferrous ammonium sulphate and polyethylene glycol (PEG) in aqueous medium. The current study was aimed to synthesize chloroquine phosphate (CP) conjugated with polymer and metal oxides at nanoscale level. TEM and XRD studies showed that nanoparticles have particle size ≈ 10 nm. Conjugation of polymer and metal with CP was confirmed through GC-MS and FTIR.

Polymeric iron nano-chloroquine phosphate (PINCP) was formulated through polyol method using iron precursor and polyethylene glycol (PEG) at nanoscale. Delayed release profile and evaluation of its toxic activity were determined. PINCP has found entrapment efficiency of 99.9% and drug contents of 27.7%. PINCP was found less toxic than commercial available chloroquine phosphate, while studying hemolytic effect. Antibacterial activity was also studied and nanodrug was observed active against gram positive bacterial agents.

Heterogeneous semiconductor photocatalyst (Ti0.85Sn0.15O2) was synthesized by addition of TiO2 solution into Sn(OH)4 solution via sol–gel method using docusate sodium salt surfactant as model controlling agent while annealing at 800 °C. The structural, morphological and crystalline features of the synthesized sample were explored by using different microscopic and spectrophotometric techniques. The quantitative phase analysis and Rietveld refinement of XRD spectra was done to confirm the formation of Ti0.85 Sn0.15O2 nanocomposite. Optical electronegativity and refractive index was determined by using band gap energy. Their photocatalytic activity was estimated by using chlorpyrifos (CP) a class of organophosphorus pesticides, as a model of organic pollutants under solar light irradiations.

Temperature dependence of the structural, thermodynamic, and optical properties of MoO3 nanoparticles synthesized using sol–gel and sonication methods were studied. MoO3 nanoparticles showed variation in crystallite shape from hexagonal to orthorhombic and crystallite size in the range 3.05–5.21 nm with bandgap in the range 4.11–4.36 eV with change in the calcination temperature and the method of synthesis. Rietveld refinement of the X-ray diffraction (XRD) data confirmed the crystallite phase transition with space group PE and Pbnm with change in the lattice parameter ratio. Activation energy was calculated using XRD and TGA–DSC (thermogravimetry–differential thermal analysis) data and was found to be close to 4 kJ/mol. The bandgap fluctuation was due to the size dependence of the blue shift, which indicates strong quantum confinement due to the Bohr radius effect. Optical parameters such as the extinction coefficient, refractive index, optical conductivity, dielectric functions, and Urbach energy were calculated and found to depend on electron–phonon interactions.

The structural, optical and catalytic properties of undoped (CuO–ZnO) and CdS doped CuO–ZnO (CdS/CuO–ZnO) nanoparticles were studied. The blue shifting of optical band gap in CuO–ZnO nanoparticles as compared to their respective bulk oxides (CuO: 1.21–1.5 eV, ZnO: 3.37 eV) was observed as 3.9 eV, while red shifting after doping of CdS was found from 3.9 to 3.7 eV. The angle of diffraction and FWHM values were used to observe crystallite phase and to calculate crystallite size (using Scherer and Williamson–Hall equations) and other parameters like strain, dislocation density and bond length of nanoparticles. The particle size of CuO–ZnO and CdS/CuO–ZnO nanoparticles using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was found 12.54 and 6.93 nm, respectively. It was concluded that decrease in particle size cause red shifting which increase the catalytic efficiency of nanoparticles.

Silica xerogel was extracted from the Rice Husk Ash (RHA) through alkaline extraction method. SnO2-SiO2 and Fe doped SnO2-SiO2 nanocomposites were synthesized via sol-gel and hydrothermal methods respectively using zwitterionic surfactant i.e., N-dodecyl-N,N-dimethyl-3-ammonio-1-propane sulfate (SB3-12). Coats-Redfern method was used to determine the activation energy, enthalpy, entropy, Gibb’s free energy and pre-exponential factor for thermal degradation of nanocomposite using TGA data. The optical properties of nanocomposites were studied and band-gap was measured using Wood and Tauc expression. The red shift was observed in Fe doped SnO2-SiO2 nanocomposite having band gap of 5.2 eV. It was found that smaller bandgap of Fe doped SnO2-SiO2 photocatalyst resulted a prominent increase in photocatalytic activity of nanocomposite against Methylene Blue (MB) under illumination of sunlight.

The recent research reports the potential of Nymphaea alba for the removal of poisonous and toxic heavy metal like chromium from industrial waste water. Chromium is one of the toxic environmental pollutants, which is a major threat not only for aquatic life but also causes various health problems like skin rashes, ulcer, respiratory problems, kidney and liver damage, mutagenic and carcinogenic. This issue needs to be resolved on priority basis. The present research for removal of chromium is based on very simple, innovative and cost effective methodology rather than expensive techniques. The selection of Nymphaea alba (Nilofar flower) for chromium removal from the industrial effluents were based on its availability in Asian countries. The samples were collected from various industries and concentration of heavy metal was examined by atomic absorption spectrometry. The concentration of chromium was higher than the limits recommended by environmental protection agency of Pakistan. The removal of chromium was studied by Nymphaea alba in order to study the absorption of metal on biomass and there was remarkable decrease in the concentration of metal. The percentage removal efficiency of chromium was observed under different parameters like change in absorbent mass, time, temperature, pH and agitation speed using UV/Visible Spectrophotometer. The percentage removal efficiency for standard solution was 84.23% and the percentage removal efficiency for industrial effluents were 94.45%.

Surfactant controlled synthesis of La/SnO2–TiO2 nanocomposite was studied by using anionic surfactant dioctyl sulfosuccinate sodium salt (DOSS) synthesized via sol–gel method followed by hydrothermal method by using different lanthanum precursors. The structural investigation, thermal degradation, kinetics, thermodynamics properties, crystallite size, morphology, surface and photocatalytic properties of synthesized samples were studied by using different characterization techniques i.e. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Particle Size Analyzer (PSA), Powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and Ultraviolet–Visible spectrophotometer (UV–VIS). Band gap calculations and optical properties of both SnO2–TiO2 and La/SnO2–TiO2 were studied by using UV–Visible spectroscopy. The performance of both SnO2–TiO2 and La/SnO2–TiO2 nanocomposites as a photocatalytic agent was also investigated for the degradation of methylene blue (MB) under the illumination of sunlight.

Nanotechnology is a growing research priority in society, having breadth of potential applications. It has the potential to revolutionize agronomical systems and many other fields. Nanotechnology is basically considering smallest particles which plays important role in encountering problems unsolved conventionally and raising the hope of improvement in agricultural productivity. The advancement in synthesis of new nanomaterial and nano-devices depict novel applications in agriculture. One of the applications of nanotechnology is formation of advanced biosensors that leads to development of miniature structures known as nanobiosensors that are more efficient and well organized in comparison to conventional biosensors. Nanobiosensors can be used efficiently for sensing soil pH, moisture and a wide variety of pathogens, insecticide, herbicide, pesticide and fertilizers. Appropriate and controlled use of nanobiosensor can support sustainable agriculture for enhancing crop productivity. It can also add to the control of pollution and controlled use of resources.

Currently, the scientific community is devoting considerable attention to developing environment-friendly polymeric materials (bionanocomposite) due to their nontoxic, nonallergenic, biodegradable, and biocompatible nature. Numerous processing technologies have been announced by researchers to overcome the shortcomings of biopolymers. In recent years, scientific researchers have been trying to develop new processing technology that can be adopted in both industrial and academic sectors. Furthermore, they have the target that the processing methods for the synthesis of bionanocomposite materials should have various advantages like safe nature, time-efficient, eco-friendly, easy to operate, sustainable, low cost with excellent mechanical and physical properties, and good environmental impact. New more advanced manufacturing methods and techniques have been introduced. The purpose of this research, development, and advancement is to produce bionanocomposites from the pilot scale to the industrial level. Simply, we can say that different bionanocomposites are prepared by various ways because the processing methods have an effect on the properties of bionanocomposites. So, our main focus is to provide an overview of the processing methods or techniques of bionanocomposites that have been widely adopted.