Metal-oxide functionalized carbon nanotube (CNT) nanocomposites (Ce2O3@A-MWCNTs and Nb2O5@A-MWCNTs) were prepared by the hydrothermal technique and analyzed as sunlight-active photocatalysts for degradation of methylene blue (MB) and crystal violet (CV). The combination of a CNT conductive network (for increased electron transport and charge separation properties) and redox active oxide domains (for reactive oxygen species formation, such as production of hydroxyl radicals (OH⋅) and superoxide radical (O2−) in the hybrid architecture inhibits electron–hole recombination and promotes substantial dye mineralization at the oxide-CNT interface through improved interfacial charge transfer and reactive oxygen species generation. In the presence of direct sunlight (UV index 8–10) and alkaline environment (pH 8–10), degradation of CV (76.75–79.13
Groundwater depletion poses a critical threat to sustainable wheat production in Pakistan’s semi-arid regions. Improving water productivity through water-saving interventions is essential to address this challenge. Although surface drip irrigation (SDI) and sprinkler irrigation (SI) improve water use efficiency (WUE) and grain yield, however these irrigation techniques are limited to static irrigation and lack dynamic response towards crop water requirement. In this regard, the current study evaluates the performance of responsive drip irrigation (RDI), a sub-surface irrigation technique, to improve the WUE of wheat. A split-plot randomized complete block design with three replications was carried out. Field experiments were conducted over the course of two years (2022–23 and 2023–24). Irrigation was scheduled at 50 The graphical abstract summarizes a two-year field evaluation of four irrigation interventions namely responsive drip irrigation (RDI), surface drip irrigation (SDI), sprinkler irrigation (SI), and furrow irrigation (FI) for winter wheat under semi-arid conditions in Pakistan. A split-plot randomized complete block design was used to evaluate the performance of these interventions with irrigation scheduled at 50
The study aims to evaluate a novel mist based indirect evaporative cooling (M-IEC) system for energy-efficient and sustainable air-conditioning in future. In this regard, the study fabricated the novel M-IEC system of 500 W cooling capacity. Detailed experiments are conducted at different outdoor air conditions for performance evaluation of the M-IEC system from viewpoints of temperature drop (Delta T), wet-bulb efficiency (epsilon WB), cooling capacity (Qcool), and coefficient of performance (COP). After that the CFD simulation is performed in ANSYS by employing finite volume method incorporating energy and mass conservation concepts for validation of the experiments. As per results, the M-IEC system observed maximum Delta T of 24.94 degrees C and epsilon WB of 0.97 at outdoor air temperature of 45 degrees C. Consequently, the Qcool and COP is observed of 499.81 W and 34.50 which shows extraordinary performance of the proposed M-IEC system as compared to existing IEC systems. The superior performance is mainly due to utilizing a dedicated humidifier for creating fine water mist to achieve 100% relative humidity (dry-bulb and wet-bulb temperature becomes equal) before introducing to wet channels. Furthermore, the CFD simulation results showed good agreement with experiments in terms of supply air temperature and Delta T with percentage deviation of +/- 10% which depicts its importance in scalability of proposed MIEC technology.
The study aims to evaluate hybrid mist based indirect evaporative cooling (MIEC) and mechanical vapor compression (MVC) system for future sustainability in air-conditioning applications. In this regard, a dedicated simulation model for the proposed hybrid system is developed and executed using engineering equation solver. Performance of the hybrid MIEC + MVC system is evaluated under various outdoor air temperatures (TOA) and humidity (ωOA) conditions. Key performance parameters including temperature drop (ΔTMIEC+MVC), cooling load handled (∅MIEC) by MIEC, and energy saving potential (ΔCOP) via proposed hybrid system are evaluated. Water consumption via MIEC and condensate collected via MVC system is computed for evaluating applicability of the proposed hybrid system in arid or water stressed regions. Additionally, coefficient of performance (COP) for standalone MIEC and MVC systems is evaluated and compared. As per results, the proposed system observed ΔTMIEC+MVC of 25 °C at TOA = 50 °C. Likewise, the maximum ∅MIEC (MIEC as a pre-cooler) is observed of 88 %. In contrast, the COP for standalone MVC system is observed of 3.40 i.e., ∼5.3 % less compared to proposed hybrid system at TOA = 50 °C and ωOA of 10 g/kg. Consequently, the ΔCOP by the hybrid system is computed as 81 % as compared to standalone MVC. At higher ωOA of 15 g/kg, the hybrid system can compensate ∼ 74 % of water consumption by MIEC which shows its applicability in regions facing water scarcity.
Textile industry in Pakistan is a major economic contributor but also a significant source of environmental pollution. It discharges substantial portion of untreated wastewater containing hazardous organic and inorganic pollutants and synthetic dyes into natural water bodies. Conventional biological treatment methods used in Pakistan have proven inadequate in complete removal of these complex and toxic chemical effluents. Therefore, this study explored the application of molecular distortion techniques (MDTs) for effective treatment of textile wastewater at molecular level. In this study MDTs, refer to the utilization of some physical energy via extreme localized conditions like high temperature, applying electric filed, radiations and high pressure and sometimes produced free radical to break and alter molecular structure of pollutant for easy removal. Such techniques include processes like ultrasonic irradiation, photocatalysis, microwave-assisted oxidation, Fenton’s oxidation, photolysis, ozonation, and plasma treatment, etc. These methods have shown a great potential in degrading recalcitrant organic compounds, reducing toxicity, and improving the overall quality of treated water. Literature survey revealed that the MDTs are effective in breaking down pollutants at the molecular level, offering a more comprehensive solution than conventional methods. However, challenges such as requirements of specialized equipment, high operational costs, energy requirements, and the limit these large-scale applications. Despite these challenges, the integration of MDTs into Pakistan's wastewater treatment infrastructure could significantly reduce the impact of the textile industry on environment. Present study emphasized the need for further research to optimize these techniques for cost-effectiveness and scalability.
ABSTRACT Polyvinylidene Flouride (PVDF)‐based hybrid metal oxides have emerged as significant materials in the domain of wastewater treatment. This review article provides a comprehensive outline of the synthesis, properties, and applications of PVDF‐based hybrid metal oxide composites with a focus on their enhanced performance in wastewater treatment applications through photocatalysis. The insertion of metal oxide into the PVDF matrix alters its physicochemical properties, improves the mobility of charge carriers, and reduces its bandgap, thereby facilitating its activation under sunlight. Additionally, the role of structural modifications and interface engineering in optimizing the properties of these composites was discussed. The challenges and future perspectives in producing PVDF‐based hybrid metal oxide systems for environmental solutions are also highlighted. The goal of this review is to provide insights into the potential of PVDF‐based hybrid metal oxide composites in addressing global wastewater treatment challenges.
The industrial sector is one of the world’s largest energy consumers and a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions and environmental degradation. The transition to sustainable industrial systems requires a comprehensive transformation of energy consumption, resource flows, waste management, and process intelligence. This perspective study argues that future-ready industrial systems are structured around three interrelated foundational elements: (i) energy and resource efficiency enabled by clean technologies, electrification, and process optimisation; (ii) waste and emissions minimisation through circular, recovery-oriented strategies; and (iii) digital and lifecycle intelligence that supports continuous monitoring, informed decision-making, and system-level optimization. The study synthesizes advances in energy-efficient manufacturing, industrial electrification, circular material flows, waste heat recovery, industrial co-processing, low-carbon process innovations, and Industry 4.0 digitalization to highlight integrated pathways toward industrial sustainability. Persistent implementation challenges are identified, including high capital requirements, retrofit constraints, limited adoption of lifecycle-based decision tools, and weak regulatory and market incentives particularly in developing and emerging economies. To address these barriers, a forward-looking research and deployment agenda is proposed which emphasizes digitally enabled industrial infrastructures, circular and symbiotic industrial ecosystems, integrated pilot and demonstration projects, and energy-economy-environment (3 E) systems modelling. By demonstrating how efficiency, electrification, circularity, and digital intelligence interact within a lifecycle-oriented framework, this perspective provides a roadmap for scalable, resource-efficient, economically viable, and climate-neutral industrial systems.
The study aims to evaluate evaporative cooling and/or desiccant based solution(s) for energy-efficient control of greenhouse temperature (T) and relative humidity (RH). In this regard, a lab-scale greenhouse alongside experimental apparatus for three kinds of T/RH control systems (i.e. standalone M-cycle evaporative cooling, standalone desiccant air-conditioning (DAC), and M-cycle assisted DAC) are developed and thermodynamically evaluated. The standalone M-cycle evaporative cooling system showed potential to reduce ambient air T up to 13 degrees C, however, it was not able to maintain greenhouse humidity during humid conditions. The M-cycle assisted DAC system is outperformed for maintaining optimum greenhouse T and RH conditions as compared to standalone DAC with maximum moisture removal rate of 1.73 kg/h, cooling potential of 25.66 kJ/kg, and COP of 1.50 at regeneration T of 60 degrees C. The cooling potential and COP of the M-cycle assisted DAC system is similar to 2 and similar to 3.7 times higher as compared to standalone DAC system with maximum energy efficiency ratio of 3.52. Payback period and levelized cost of energy for M-cycle assisted DAC system is found 3.70 years and 0.07 USD/kWh, respectively. Moisture removal cost of solar PV operated M-cycle assisted DAC system is similar to 2.6 times lower than grid electricity operated system. Integrating solar PV electricity into M-cycle assisted DAC system reduced CO2 emissions to 7.98, 4.02, and 7.73 tons CO(2)e/year than electricity from coal, natural gas, and oil, respectively. The study concludes that the M-cycle assisted DAC system has the potential to efficiently control greenhouse T/RH conditions.