Ibuprofen removal from aqueous solution by in situ electrochemically generated ferrate(VI): proof-of-principle.

The possibility of removing pharmaceuticals from aqueous solutions was examined using ibuprofen (Ibu) oxidation as an example, using in situ electrochemically synthesized ferrate(VI), a strong oxidant and coagulant, with forming of non-harmful byproducts. A solution of ibuprofen of 206 mg/L in 0.1 M phosphate buffer solution was treated with different amounts of fresh, electrochemically synthesized ferrate(VI). The changes of ibuprofen concentration in samples were determined using a UV-Vis spectrophotometer. The extent of mineralization was estimated using the changes in chemical oxygen demand (COD) values and total organic carbon (TOC) values of test samples. The largest reduction of the concentration of Ibu (41.75%) was obtained by adding 69.2 mg/L ferrate(VI) as Fe (Ibu: Fe = 1: 0.34). An effective removal of ibuprofen from aqueous solutions was recorded up to 68% and it can be done by using ferrate(VI) in the ratio Ibu: Fe = 1:3 as Fe. The possibility of ibuprofen removal by ferrate(VI) was confirmed by COD and TOC results, which demonstrated reduction up to 65% and 63.6%, respectively.

Statistical characteristics of selected elements in vegetables from Kosovo.

Zinc, copper, iron, chromium and cobalt are essential elements for human health, showing toxicity only in high concentrations, while lead and cadmium are extremely toxic even as traces. Therefore, it is important to monitor the contents of toxic metals in vegetables. Large number of vegetables is grown and used in nutrition, in Kosovo. The concentrations of selected elements in vegetables (radish, onion, garlic and spinach) from Kosovo were determined using ICP-OES method. Oral intake of metals and health risk index were calculated. Statistical analysis indicated numerous positive correlations between concentrations of selected elements in vegetables. As a result of principal component analysis, 15 new variables were obtained which were characterized by eigenvalues. The sequence of health quotients for the heavy metals followed the decreasing order Zn = Mn > Pb > Cu > Ni > Fe > Cd > Co > Cr. The health quotients for all investigated heavy metals were below 1 (one), which is considered safe. The vegetables from Kosovo are mainly safe for use in everyday diet.

RADON IN DRINKING WATER FROM ALTERNATIVE SOURCES OF WATER SUPPLY IN THE NORTH OF KOSOVO.

In this study, the results of research on radon activity concentrations in natural mineral waters, traditionally used for drinking but also for other needs, in rural and urban households in northern Kosovo are presented. Radon activity concentration in water was measured by the alpha spectrometric method with a RAD7 device. Radon activity concentrations in the 24 waters studied ranged from 1.6 ± 0.5 to 46.3 ± 6.3 Bq l-1, with an average activity concentration of 12.4 ± 2.0 Bq l-1, which was somewhat higher than the EPA recommended maximum activity concentration, but below the WHO recommended maximum. The contribution of radon activity concentrations in water was determined in relation to the total radon activity in air and enclosed space. The estimated annual effective doses of inhalation and ingestion radon from water were 109.4 ± 16.7 and 2.6 ± 0.4 µSv y-1, respectively.

In vitro activity of antimicrobial agents against Pseudomonas tolaasii, pathogen of cultivated button mushroom.

In vitro antibacterial activity tests of seven biofungicides (Ekstrasol, Bisolbisan, Bisolbifit, Serenade, Sonata, Timorex, F-Stop) and two disinfectants (colloidal silver alone and in combination with hydrogen peroxide) against the Pseudomonas tolaasii strain (NS3B6) were carried out by the disc-diffusion, broth microdilution and broth macrodilution method. Biofungicides tested in this study did not exhibit any antimicrobial activity in neither one of the methods used. Disc diffusion method revealed high sensitivity of the tested P. tolaasii strain to Ecocute based on colloidal silver and hydrogen peroxide. Both microdilution and macrodilution methods identified the same MICs and MBCs of Ecocute (0.19 mg/L) for P. tolaasii strain. MICs and MBCs values of silver alone were much higher (10 mg/L) compared to silver in combination with hydrogen peroxide.

Heavy metals and radon content in spring water of Kosovo.

Paper presents results of researches carried out on various locations and immediate vicinity of mining and industrial activities of the northern and south-eastern part of Kosovo. Concentrations of As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, Zn, Rn-222, as well as temperature and pH values of natural spring water were measured at 15 measuring sites (that belong to Zvecan, Leposavic and Novo Brdo municipalities), in April-May and September-October 2019. The quantification of heavy metals' content was performed by applying ICP-OES method. In analysed samples a high content of As, Pb, Fe and Ni was found. Carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks due to the content of heavy metals in water were evaluated. Concentration of radon in water was measured by the alpha spectrometric method, and measured values range in the interval from 0.34 ± 0.12 to 341 ± 35 Bq/L. The yearly doses of inhalation and ingestion were determined for the measured concentrations of radon. Mutual correlation by the Pearson correlation coefficient, principal component analysis, cluster analysis and spatial distribution analysis of the researched parameters of sampled water were done. The most expressed mutual dependence of some heavy metals leads to the conclusion that they have the same anthropogenic origin.