The accumulation of heavy metals in plants is a serious environmental and health problem, especially in regions near industrial facilities, smelters, and mines. The aim of this study is to assess the environmental risks of cadmium (Cd), nickel (Ni), and lead (Pb) contamination in different types of vegetables. For this purpose, the bioconcentration factor (BCf), contamination factor (Cf), and ecological risk factor (Erf) were analyzed in vegetable samples collected from regions close (Zvecan and Frasher) and further (Polac) from the smelter. Heavy metal analysis was performed with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) in onion, garlic, and potatoes from these areas. The concentration of Cd and Pb in the analyzed vegetables from the Zvecan and Frasher is high and above the allowable limit, while in the Polac region, Cd and Pb were not detected. The highest concentrations of Cd and Ni were determined in garlic, fresh weight (0.134 mg/kg; 14.32 mg/kg; 5.982 mg/kg and 32.951 mg/kg, respectively), and for Pb in potatoes, fresh weight (0.555 mg/kg). According to BCf, onion accumulates the most Cd, garlic accumulates the most Ni, and potatoes accumulate the most Pb. According to the contamination factor (Cf) in the areas of Zvecan and Frasher, there is a very high level of contamination by Cd and Pb. Significantly, very high ecological risk for Cd is in the regions of Frasher and Zvecan, and for Pb in the region of Zvecan. The results of the concentration of the analyzed metals in vegetables correspond to the results of contamination from environmental risks.

Objective: This study investigates the antioxidative potential of Satureja hortensis L. in enhancing the stability of refined and cold-pressed sunflower oils by evaluating peroxide values, fatty acid composition, and antioxidant capacity over time, thereby contributing to Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3 - Good Health and Well-being. Theoretical Framework: Sunflower oil is among the most widely used plant-based oils, valued for its nutritional properties. However, its susceptibility to oxidation reduces shelf life. The use of natural antioxidants such as Satureja hortensis L. (savory) provides a promising solution to enhance oxidative stability. Method: The study involved the storage of refined and cold-pressed sunflower oils for 2 and 6 weeks at different volumes (250, 500, and 750 mL in a 1L bottle), with and without the addition of Satureja hortensis L. Analytical methods included peroxide value determination (Wheeler method, AOCS Cd 8-53), fatty acid profiling (gas chromatography), and antioxidant activity assessment (DPPH radical scavenging assay). Statistical analysis was conducted using Pearson’s correlation and Student’s t-test. Results and Discussion: The presence of Satureja hortensis L. significantly reduced oxidation, particularly in cold-pressed oils. Smaller oil volumes exhibited higher peroxide values due to increased oxygen exposure. Fatty acid composition remained stable in refined oil, while cold-pressed oil showed minor oxidation-related variations. Antioxidant activity was markedly higher in samples with Satureja hortensis L. Research Implications: These findings highlight the efficacy of natural antioxidants such as savory in improving the oxidative stability of edible oils, thereby directly supporting SDG 3 by reducing health risks associated with consumption of oxidized products, enhancing food safety, and promoting overall health and nutritional quality. Originality/Value: This study provides empirical support for the use of Satureja hortensis L. in improving the oxidative stability of sunflower oils, presenting a natural alternative to synthetic preservatives.

Physicochemical and microbiological parameters are important indicators of drinking water quality. This study assessed the quality of groundwater used for drinking in four regions of Kosovo at 16 locations using an integrated assessment framework that combined physicochemical, microbiological, and Water Quality Index (WQI) approaches. The results reveal substantial spatial variability in water quality. While most physicochemical parameters remained within recommended limits, elevated values of total dissolved solids (up to 2792.5 mg/L), electrical conductivity (up to 2768.5 µS/cm), nitrate (up to 60.75 mg/L), and phosphate (up to 0.875 mg/L) were observed at several locations, indicating localized hydrogeochemical and anthropogenic influences. Dissolved oxygen levels were generally low (0.68–5.49 mg/L), reflecting limited aeration conditions in groundwater systems. Microbiological analysis revealed critical contamination, with Escherichia coli concentrations up to 299.9 CFU/100 mL, and all sampling sites exceeded permissible limits, indicating widespread fecal pollution and rendering the groundwater unsafe for direct consumption. WQI assessment further confirmed this condition, where 93.75% of locations were classified as medium quality using the NSF-WQI method, whereas the WA-WQI method categorized 68.75% of samples as poor and 6.25% as very poor. The novelty of this study lies in the integrated evaluation of hydrogeochemical processes and microbiological contamination using dual WQI methods and multivariate statistical analysis, providing a comprehensive understanding of groundwater degradation pathways. The findings are significant for policymakers, environmental managers, and public health authorities, highlighting the urgent need for groundwater treatment, improved sanitation infrastructure, and sustainable water resource management strategies in vulnerable regions.

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.

Background. Heavy metal pollution is a significant risk to human, animal and plant health due to their toxicity and their accumulation in biological tissues. The aim of this study is to determine the concentra tions of nickel (Ni) and manganese (Mn) in cherries, sour cherries, raspberries and blackberries grown in three different regions near a lead-zinc ore smelter. Nickel and manganese was determined by Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS). The bioconcentration factor of nickel and manganese, which provides information on the intake and accumulation of metals in plant tissues, was also deter mined. Results and conclusions. The highest concentration of Ni was measured in sour cherries (48.2 mg/kg d.w. or 7.04 mg/kg w.w.), and of Mn in raspberries (72.7 mg/kg d.w. or 12.5 mg/kg w.w.). In addition, in the region that was the furthest from the smelter, measurements showed the lowest Mn concentration in cherries and the lowest Ni concentration in raspberries. Furthermore, the daily intake rates (DIR) for Mn and Ni were higher in berries, but lower than tolerable daily limits. The bioconcentration factor (BCF) for manganese in stone fruits is lower than that of berries and much lower than that for Ni for both types of fruit. Stone fruits showed a greater ability to accumulate nickel, and berries displayed a greater ability to accumulate manganese. Statistical analysis of the results showed that the differences in the concentration of manganese between stone and berry fruits are statistically significant, while those of nickel are not statistically significant.

Lead (Pb) is a toxic element that easily accumulates in vegetables grown in contaminated areas, posing significant human health risks. In this study, spinach (Spinacia oleracea), lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.), tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum), cucumbers (Cucumis sativus), carrots (Daucus carota subsp. sativus), and potatoes (Solanum tuberosum) collected from private gardens across 6 locations in North Macedonia (36 biological samples in total) were analyzed. Three independent analytical replicates were prepared from each biological sample throughout all preparation steps (108 analytical replicates). Lead determination was performed using ICP-OES. Dietary intake was estimated using the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) DietEx tool across four scenarios, and the margin of exposure (MoE) was calculated for cardiovascular effects, nephrotoxicity, and developmental neurotoxicity, covering ten population groups. Spinach exhibited the highest total Pb concentrations, while maximum levels (MLs) were exceeded only in cucumbers at site S4. MoE values for developmental neurotoxicity in children and nephrotoxicity in adults indicated that the daily intakes exceeded the toxicological reference points (BMDL₀₁ and BMDL₁₀, respectively). Potatoes, carrots, and spinach were identified as the primary contributors to exposure. Overall, this study demonstrates that regulatory compliance does not guarantee safety, as significant health concerns remain for children in these regions despite Pb concentrations being below legal limits.