This review highlights the progress made in recent years on biosensors aimed at detecting relevant analytes/markers of food peroxidation. Starting from the basic definition of biosensors and the chemical features of peroxidation, here we describe the different approaches that can be used to obtain information about the progress of peroxidation and the efficacy of antioxidants. Aptamers, metal–organic frameworks, nanomaterials, and supported enzymes, in conjunction with electrochemical methods, can provide fast and cost-effective detection of analytes related to peroxidation, like peroxides, aldehydes, and metals. The determination of (poly)phenols concentrations by biosensors, which can be easily obtained by using immobilized enzymes (like laccase), provides an indirect measure of peroxidation. The rationale for developing new biosensors, with a special focus on food applications, is also discussed.

Chromium (Cr) and vanadium (V) are micronutrients playing a role in carbohydrate and lipid metabolism but can be toxic at high concentrations, especially in specific forms. The study documents the effect of Cr and V concentrations on glucose and lipid metabolism in workers exposed to coal fly ash. We quantified selected metals (Cr, V) in the blood and serum of workers from a thermal power plant in Kosovo and compared them with the reference biological values. We determined fasting serum glucose and lipid profiles using a biochemical analyzer Synchron CX7 (Beckman Coulter). We quantified blood and serum Cr and V by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. We also evaluated the association between carbohydrate and lipid metabolism biomarkers (glucose, cholesterol, and triglycerides) and co-exposure to coal fly ash. Power plant workers had significantly higher blood Cr and V levels (p < 0.0001) and significantly lower serum Cr and V levels (p < 0.0001) than the controls. We also found statistically significant (p < 0.0001) correlations between high blood Cr levels and low glucose/blood Cr ratios as well as between high serum Cr levels and low glucose/serum Cr ratios. Finally, in power plant workers, high blood V levels significantly correlated with low triglycerides/blood V and cholesterol/blood V ratios (p < 0.0001), while high serum V levels correlated with low cholesterol/serum V ratios (p = 0.005). Based on these findings, we concluded that the glucose/Cr, triglycerides/V and cholesterol/V ratios should be considered when evaluating carbohydrate and lipid metabolism disorders in occupationally-exposed workers.

The hybrid processes potential on Pb(II) removal from wastewater effluents have been investigated. Batch test conditions were carried out to examine the effects of initial metal concentration, adsorbent dose, contact time, temperature and initial solution pH on adsorption of Pb(II) ions from aqueous solution onto wheat bran. The highest adsorption efficiency was observed at solution pH 5, contact time 30 min and temperature 25oC. The adsorption equilibrium data correlate well with both Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms. Thermodynamic studies suggested the spontaneous and exothermic nature of adsorption process. The retentate of power plants wastewater sample pretreated with wheat bran was used as feed for reverse osmosis low-pressure heterogeneous membrane treatment. The high removal efficiency of Pb(II) and co-existed ions from the above wastewater sample was achieved by hybrid processes with high preference for re-use

Southeast Europe is undergoing a dramatic energy transition, while remaining heavily reliant on coal and aging grid infrastructure. Integrating higher shares of variable renewable energy (VRE) reveals and intensifies existing vulnerabilities without substantial infrastructure upgrades. This study develops a comprehensive grid vulnerability risk assessment for twelve national power systems in the region focusing on structural integrity, operational flexibility and grid management dimensions of these power grids. Grid vulnerability is evaluated through eight key indicators: grid reliability, load profile ramping, interconnection network capacity, forecast accuracy, natural gas share, diversity of renewable energy sources, storage capacity and decentralization. Results demonstrate that Kosovo- with the highest coal share- is the most vulnerable country in Southeast Europe, due to insufficient flexible capacity, limited interconnection and the lack of storage and diversity of renewable energy sources. Albania follows with the highest second vulnerability risk to catastrophic failures in the future due to their dependence on large-scale centralized hydropower without complementary resources. Albania needs system-wide transmission resources to improve its resiliency through flexible capacity, interconnection capacity, storage and diversity of its renewable energy mix. In contrast, Turkiye and Croatia exhibit lower vulnerability risks, supported by diversified renewables and better operational flexibility. This assessment demonstrates that coal-dependent systems lacking operational, structural and grid management resources will be exposed to risks due to increasing variability and uncertainty with higher shares of VRE and external shocks such as extreme weather events and cybersecurity threats to the power grids. Findings inform tailored investment priority areas to enhance grid resilience and support a reliable renewable energy transition in coal-dependent Southeast Europe power systems.