Javed NawabSupervisor By: Dr. Sardar Khan2026-09-212026-09-212014http://repository.uop.edu.pk/123456789/592I am thankful to Almighty Allah, most Gracious, who in His infinite mercy has guided me to complete this PhD work. May Peace and Blessings of Allah be upon His Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). I am highly indebted to all of family members specially my parents, brothers, sisters, cousins specially my uncle (Nawsherawan Khan family) and Asghar Khan for their continuous support that made every opportunity available to me throughout my life. I am thankful to my supervisor Dr. Sardar Khan Associate Professor Department of Environmental Sciences University of Peshawar who gave me the opportunity to work under his supervision and without whom I may have not been able to compile this research thesis. I would like to express my gratitude to my Co-supervisor Professor Dr Muhammad Tahir Shah (National Center for Excellence in Geology), Dr Roshan Khan, Shahid Khan and Farooq Khan (Agriculture Research Station Takhta Band Swat), Executive Director Environmental Protection Society (EPS) Mr. Akber Zeb Khan for their continuous guidance during the field and research work. This helped me to always think creatively and rationallyenThesis