The atmospheric depositions of heavy metals and other elements on the territory of Crimean Mountains in 2015 was assessed using the moss biomonitoring technique. The neutron activation analysis performed at the installation REGATA of the IBR-2 reactor was used for the determination of the mass fractions of 34 elements (Na, Mg, Al, Cl, K, Ca, Sc, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Zn, As, Se, Br, Rb, Sr, Sb, I, Cs, Ba, La, Ce, Nd, Sm, Eu, Tb, Yb, Ta, Th, and U). Factor analysis, concentration factors, and enrichment factors were used to reveal possible sources of elements in the mosses. The main contributor to the deposition of elements on the mosses was the weathering of rock materials. The second group of elements included Br and I. The agriculture and marine sources of emissions were found to be important factors of atmospheric Br and I, respectively. The representing maps of the distribution of heavy metals and other elements revealed high levels of elements at the South coast of Crimea and near the city of Simferopol. The comparison of the obtained data with the data of biomonitoring studies performed for other mountain regions showed higher levels of Al, V, Cr, Fe, Ni, and As than in the mosses from Bulgaria, Macedonia, and Norway, but lower than in the mosses from Georgia, Turkey, Romania, and Northern Serbia. The presented results could serve as a basis for future monitoring research.

For the first time the concentration of 26 macro- and microelements (Na, Mg, Al, Cl, K, Ca, Sc, V, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Zn, As, Br, Rb, Sr, Sb, I, Cs, Ba, Sm, Nd, Ag, Au, and U) in the thalli of brown algae Cystoseira barbata C. Ag. and Cystoseira crinita (Desf.) Bory was determined by instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA), Sevastopol region, south-western Crimea, the Black Sea. The observed peculiarities of the elemental accumulation showed that Cystoseira spp. can be used as a biomonitor of coastal waters pollution in the study area.

In the Tver region (Russia), the moss biomonitoring technique was applied to investigate the atmospheric deposition of potentially harmful elements. Using inductively coupled plasma–optical emission spectroscopy and a direct mercury analyzer, a total of 15 elements were identified in 144 moss samples collected in the region. To assess the degree of environmental pollution, ecological indices (pollution load index, enrichment factor, geochemical index, and contamination factor) were computed. The sources of the identified elements were characterized across the territory under investigation using multivariate statistical analysis. The results obtained were compared with the information from other Central Russian regions. GIS technologies were used to create distribution maps for the surveyed territory. Transport and power plants are the primary sources of air pollution in the region, while the influence of industry is suggested to be negligible. Compared to other Russian regions, the area under investigation can be considered relatively clean.

Background/Objectives: This study investigates the biocompatibility and physiological impacts of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) functionalized with Spirulina protein extract (SPE) on laboratory rats. The objective was to assess and compare the systemic distribution, organ accumulation, and changes in hematological and biochemical parameters between biofunctionalized and non-functionalized silver nanoparticles. Methods: AgNPs were functionalized with SPE. Adult Wistar rats were administered these nanoparticles to assess their distribution across various organs using ICP-MS analysis. Hematological and biochemical markers were measured to evaluate systemic effects. Results: Functionalized silver nanoparticles demonstrated preferential accumulation in the brain, liver, and testicles, with significant clearance observed post-administration. The persistence of AgNPs SPE in reproductive organs was established. Hematological analysis revealed moderate changes, suggesting mild immune activation. Biochemical tests indicated transient increases in liver enzymes, signaling reversible hepatic stress. Conclusions: The biofunctionalization of AgNPs with Spirulina protein extract modifies the nanoparticles’ systemic behavior and organ distribution, enhancing their biocompatibility while inducing minimal physiological stress. These findings support the potential of Spirulina-based coatings to mitigate the toxicity and enhance the therapeutic efficacy of nanomedical agents.

The concentrations of 29 elements in the soft tissues and of 24 elements in the shells of mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis) collected in one selected recreational and two relatively polluted zones were determined and are presented. The high levels of elements in the mussels from a relatively polluted zone of the harbor (Kamyshovaya Bay) could be associated with phytoplankton, terrigenous matter and anthropogenic sources, but did not harm the mussel population, according to the calculated average condition factors. The low levels of the studied elements and condition factors in the mussels from another harbor (Sevastopol Bay) can be explained by the high circulation and influence of submarine desalinated waters in this zone. The mussels from a recreational site in the South coast of Crimea (Foros) showed high levels of the examined elements, commonly due to the coastal weathering of typical local rocks. The found levels of the radionuclides ⁴⁰K, ¹³⁷Cs, ²³²Th, ²²⁶Ra and ²³⁵U in mussel soft tissues were below the minimum detectable concentrations. The calculated enrichment factors and soft tissue/shells ratios demonstrated differences between groups of elements among the studied sites.