This article examines the physicochemical and nutritional characteristics of honey produced in different regions of Kosovo. The aim of this study is to investigate the physicochemical properties and nutritional characteristics of honey from various regions in Kosovo, shedding light on the factors influencing its composition and quality. It also underscores the importance of local beekeepers in sustaining honey production and environmental preservation. A total of 26 samples were gathered from various locations, and beekeepers were interviewed about their honey-production techniques and bee-feeding practices. The samples underwent analysis to determine parameters such as moisture content, total solids, pH, acidity, ash content, proteins, electrical conductivity, and dissolved solids content %. Notably, the physicochemical properties of honey differed significantly across the regions. Moisture content ranged from 15.02% to 18.80%, with the lowest found in Ferizaji and the highest in Sharri. Dissolved solids content % concentration at 20°C varied from 79.50% to 82.60%, with Sharri exhibiting the lowest and Prishtina displaying the highest value. The acidity and pH levels of all honey samples were measured between 4.97 and 5.63, and 3.56 to 5.60, respectively. Additionally, the Pfund scale was employed to evaluate the color of the honey, indicating white hues for Sharri, extremely light white or white for Prishtina and Ferizaj, and exceptionally white for Skenderaj. This study concludes that geographical location, feeding systems, nectar sources, honey age, and beekeeper processing methods significantly impact the physicochemical and nutritional properties of honey, including its color.

The concentrations of cadmium, copper, lead, zinc, nickel, and chromium in samples of sediment, water, and Typha angustifolia plants in the stream of the Drenica River were determined to assess the level of pollution. According to sediment analysis results from seven locations, the concentrations of Cu, Ni, Zn, and Cr exceeded the permitted limits according to WHO standards from 1996. In the plant samples, the concentrations of Cd and Pb were above the allowed limits according to GD161 and ECE standards, and according the WHO standard, the water quality in the Drenica River is classified into the first, second, and third quality categories. The results of this study show the bioaccumulation coefficient in Typha angustifolia plants, and it was found that the most bioaccumulated of the metals is Cd, with a bioaccumulation coefficient (BAF) greater than 1. The pollution load index (PLI), enrichment factor (EF index), Geoaccumulation index (Igeo), potential ecological risk factor (Eif), and potential ecological risk index (RI) were used in combination to assess the degree of pollution and the environmental risk presented to the freshwater ecosystem of the Drenica River. The results show that the Drenica River is mainly polluted by Ni, Cu, and Cr, reflecting substantial impacts of anthropogenic activities, including sizeable industrial effects, the development of urbanism, agricultural activities, and the deposition of waste from a ferronickel factory in the area.

The physicochemical parameters of water play an important role in determining aquatic life and its development. In this study, the water quality index is used in order to assess the water quality in river Lepenci River. For the calculations of this index, eighteen physicochemical parameters were...

The quality and authenticity of honey are of crucial importance for food safety and consumer confidence. Given the increasing interest in enriched honey and potential fraud, rapid and non-destructive analytical methods for quality assessment, such as Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS), are needed. Therefore, the aim of this work was to investigate the applicability of NIR spectroscopy coupled with chemometric methods to assess the quality change in honey from three different countries, after addition of five different aromatic plants (lavender, rosemary, oregano, sage, and white pine oil) in three different concentrations (0.5%, 0.8% and 1%). Measurements of basic physicochemical properties, color, antioxidant activity, and NIR spectra were performed for all samples (pure honey and honey with added aromatic plants). Chemometric models, such as Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Partial Least Squares (PLS) regression, were applied to analyze spectral data, correlate spectra with physicochemical properties, color and antioxidant activity measurements, and develop classification and prediction models. Spectral changes in the NIR region, as expected, showed the ability to distinguish samples depending on the type and concentration of added aromatic plants. Chemometric models enabled efficient discrimination between pure and enriched honey samples, as well as assessment of the influence of different additives on antioxidant activity and color. The results highlight the potential of NIRS as a rapid, non-destructive and environmentally friendly method for quality monitoring and detection of specific additives in honey, offering technical support for quality control and food safety regulation.

This study aimed to evaluate the discharge waters in the Nerodime River and the impact of the seasons on the quality of the surface waters of the Nerodime River. Research data were collected at six locations along the Nerodime River in three seasons of 2021. During this research, 14...

Honey is recognized as a nutritionally rich and functional option, often used as a natural sweetener due to its content of glucose, fructose, vitamins, minerals, enzymes and antioxidants. Its antioxidant, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties are well known. Recently, interest has grown in functional honey enriched with bioactive plant components, such as extracts of rosemary, lavender, oregano, and sage, which can enhance phenolic content and antioxidant capacity. However, such enrichment may alter honey’s sensory characteristics and introduce contaminants, including heavy metals, necessitating comprehensive quality assessment. This study aimed to evaluate the chemical and functional quality of honey enriched with aromatic plant extracts from Kosovo, Albania, and North Macedonia, using an integrated approach. The research included the quantification of total phenolic compounds (TPCs), analysis of heavy metal content, and the application of near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy with two devices (laboratory and portable). The results showed that geographical origin and herbal additions significantly affect TPC and heavy metal concentrations. Honey from Kosovo had the highest TPC, while Albanian honey showed higher concentrations of iron and nickel. Enrichment with oregano and rosemary significantly increased TPC and, levels of heavy metals such as lead and nickel. These findings underscore both the nutritional potential and safety considerations of enriched honey products. Accurate, non-destructive techniques like NIR spectroscopy offer valuable tools for quality control; however, further work is needed to evaluate sensory acceptance and long-term safety of enriched honey.