The aim of this paper was to quantify individual oils in binary oil blends. Oil samples were prepared by blending different mass proportions of olive oil and high-oleic sunflower oil (Blend I), as well as flaxseed oil and sunflower oil (Blend II). The pure oil samples and simulated blends were analyzed by gas chromatography – mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Peak surface areas of prominent fatty acids were used to create a numerical matrix for further data processing. In order to estimate the exact content of individual oils in each blend, a novel mathematical model was developed and applied, without the application of multivariate statistics. The results of mathematical estimations were compared with theoretical values. Linear dependences were observed in both oil blends, with the R² > 0.993 and p < 10⁻⁸. In general, the employed GC-MS method coupled to the proposed mathematical model gave accurate and reliable results. This study represents a meaningful approach for the authentication of vegetable oils in terms to quantify the individual oils in adulterated oil blends.

The phytoremediation capacity of three common poplar species, white poplar (Populus alba L.), Lombardy poplar (Populus nigra ’Italica’), and Euro-American hybrid poplar (Populus × euramericana (Dode) Guinier cl. I-214), grown in a middle-sized city with a continental climate in Serbia was analyzed. For this purpose, 15 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), 10 polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and 6 heavy metals (HMs) were tracked in leaves and one-year-old branches. P. × euramericana showed the highest PAH uptake capacity, with concentrations of 821.40 ng g⁻¹ dry weight (DW) and 453.64 ng g⁻¹ DW in leaves and branches, respectively. Likewise, P. euramericana accumulated the highest levels of PCBs in leaves (364.53 ng g⁻¹ DW). Additionally, P. nigra ‘Italica’ demonstrated the greatest accumulation potential for HMs, particularly zinc, with 310.10 µg g⁻¹ DW in leaves. Leaves accumulated ~30% more pollutants compared with branches. Significant differences in pollutant uptake capacities were found among species and plant organs. These findings highlight the importance of species selection in phytoremediation and clarify the role of poplar species in accumulating pollutants to mitigate urban pollution. Finally, this study provides valuable insights for future phytoremediation strategies using poplars, especially in urban environments with similar conditions.

The retention behavior, lipophilicity of 16,17-secoestrone derivatives and efficiency in the separation of halogenated derivatives by HPLC with pentafluorophenyl-propyl stationary phase (F5) were studied. Methanol-water (MeOH-W) and acetonitrile-water (ACN-W) were used as mobile phases in proportions according to nomograph of iso-eluotropic binary solvent mixtures. Since mobile phase ACN-W was more effective eluent, the retention behavior of 16,17-secoesterone derivatives has further been evaluated, with water content increasing in increments of 5%. The retention constants log k for mobile phases MeOH-W and ACN-W, have been compared by applying Student’s paired t-test and Fisher’s F-test to determine the applicability of the nomograph to this column. Linear correlations were obtained between parameters log k₀ and log P, as well as φ₀ and log P, for both MeOH-W and ACN-W eluents. Compared with log k₀, the hydrophobicity index φ₀ proved to be better parameter for lipophylicity estimation of these compounds. According to the separation efficacy of individual components, as well as mixtures of halogenated secoestone compounds, chromatographic columns can be placed in the following order: C18> F5> C8. This result is of huge importance for the field of synthesis, purification and characterization of novel biologically and pharmacologically active compounds and steroids among them.

Forests provide a wide range of ecosystem services essential for human well-being, including provisioning, regulating, and cultural benefits. Among these, the emission of biogenic volatile organic compounds (BVOCs) by trees has emerged as a key factor mediating physiological and psychological health effects. BVOCs, particularly terpenes and phytoncides, influence immune function, reduce stress, support cardiovascular and respiratory health, and contribute to mental well-being. Forest-based therapeutic practices, such as Shinrin-Yoku (forest bathing): capitalize on these natural compounds, demonstrating measurable improvements in mood, stress hormone levels, and immune parameters. Beyond direct health benefits, BVOCs interact with atmospheric chemistry, affecting air quality and urban environmental conditions. Despite growing evidence, the mechanisms linking specific tree species and BVOC profiles to health outcomes remain insufficiently understood, and interdisciplinary collaboration between forestry, medical sciences, and urban planning is limited. This review synthesizes current knowledge on forest ecosystem services and BVOCs in the context of human health, highlighting chemical ecology, therapeutic applications, and potential risks in urban environments. It further identifies knowledge gaps and outlines future research directions to guide forest management, urban green space design, and public health strategies. By integrating ecological, physiological, and environmental perspectives, forests and their volatile compounds can be effectively leveraged as nature-based tools to promote sustainable health and well-being.