The study aims to determine the concentration of Al3+, Cd2+ and Mn2+ in the soil and parts of evergreen plant species ? juniper and white pine ? at the surface mine Sastavci (Badanj) and its vicinity in order to determine the possibility of using evergreen plants as an ecological indicator or for phytoremediation. Globally, as a result of various anthropogenic activities such as traffic, agricultural activities, waste incineration, industrial production, mining, etc., it represents a serious problem leading to pollution with toxic and potentially toxic metal cations. One of the more innovative techniques used for the remediation of mining areas is phytoremediation. By applying phytoremediation, certain plant species in polluted areas have the ability to act as accumulators or hyperaccumulators, absorbing toxic metals from the soil through the plant roots and transporting them to the upper parts. This research has been conducted to determine the concentration of Al3+, Cd2+ and Mn2+ at the surface mine itself and its surroundings, as well as to monitor the distribution of metal cations in the system of roots, branches, needles, and fruits of the evergreen plant species ? white pine and juniper. The results showed that the sampled soil was contaminated with Cd in zones I and II for both plant species, since the concentrations exceeded the limit values, while the concentration of Cd in zone III, as well as in the control zone was below the determination limits for both plant species. The concentration of Mn in the soil from the white pine and juniper zone was above the world average in all three zones, as well as in the control zone itself. The soil was most enriched with the analysed elements in the surface mine of zone? I and II. According to the analysis of elements in the parts of white pine, roots, branches, needles and fruits, the highest concentration of Al was detected in the root in zone I, while the lowest concentration was recorded in the fruit (cones) in the control zone, an increased concentration of Cd was recorded in the branches in zones I and II, and the highest concentration of Mn was recorded in needles in zone II. The highest Al concentration was recorded in the juniper root in zone I and the lowest in the juniper fruit in the control zone, the Cd concentration was the highest in the juniper root zone I, and the lowest in the juniper fruit and the highest Mn concentration was recorded in the juniper needles in zone I. Based on the obtained values of the coefficient of biological absorption, it can be concluded that white pine is not suitable for phytoextraction or phytostabilization of the tested elements. The analysis of biological factors (bioconcentration, translocation and bioaccumulation factor) indicated a possible usage of juniper in phytoextraction for Cd only.

Airborne particulate matter, particularly PM10 represents a significant environmental and occupational health concern on construction sites. The research explores how different construction materials effects PM10 generation during handling activities. In the absence of field measurements, a simulation-based approach was applied using emission factors defined by authoritative sources, including the EMEP/EEA Guidebook and USEPA AP-42 methodology. Seven widely used materials were selected to represent diverse physical properties and usage profiles: Portland cement, gypsum board, sand, aerated concrete blocks, clay bricks, polystyrene insulation, and gravel. For each material, multiple simulations were performed under controlled assumptions, incorporating realistic background PM10 levels to replicate urban construction site conditions. A PM10 Emission Index was defined to normalize emission potential per unit mass of material handled. Results indicate that fine, low-density materials such as Portland cement and gypsum board exhibit the highest emission intensities, while coarse, dense materials such as gravel and clay bricks contribute significantly less to airborne particulate concentrations. The findings highlight the substantial variability in emission potential across materials and emphasize the importance of material selection in sustainable construction planning. These insights can guide policymakers and construction professionals in adopting low-emission materials and better on-site dust control strategies.