Glauconite, a diagenetic sedimentary phyllosilicate mineral, holds significant importance in soil science, as it is commonly used in soil characterization (as in greensands) and can be identified in the field by its color and morphology. It is a potential fertilizer, rich in essential macronutrients like potassium, phosphorus, calcium, and numerous micronutrients such as manganese, zinc, copper, cobalt, and nickel. In this meticulously conducted study, we extracted five individual elements (potassium, calcium, magnesium, sodium, and zinc) from washed glauconite samples separated into five different size fractions using a suite of acids. The acids employed were nitric acid, hydrochloric acid, acetic acid, and phosphoric acid, each prepared at the same molarity of 0.1 M. Water was used as the control solubilizing medium. The extractant behavior of the acids was assessed by measuring concentrations of each element by the ICP-OES device. The results demonstrate that nitric acid consistently exhibits the highest efficacy in releasing elements, followed by hydrochloric acid and phosphoric acid, while acetic acid results in the lowest release of these nutrients. These findings support the use of acidification treatment of glauconite, enhancing elemental release and potentially reducing the amount of glauconite needed as an alternative fertilizer, thus adding economic value.

Sweet cherry (Prunus avium L.) is a rich source of phenolic compounds, including anthocyanins and polyphenols, which contribute to fruit quality and nutritional value. However, their distribution across tissues (flesh and skin) and stability under different postharvest freezing treatments remain poorly understood. This study characterized the phenolic profiles of 14 sweet cherry genotypes in different tissues (whole fruit, flesh, and skin) and assessed the effects of freezing storage conditions on compound stability using high-performance liquid chromatography. Results revealed pronounced tissue-specific patterns: most phenolic compounds, particularly total anthocyanins, neochlorogenic acid, rutin, and chlorogenic acid, were more than twofold higher in the skin than in the flesh. Substantial genotype-dependent variability was observed, with certain cultivars exhibiting markedly higher phenolic concentrations. Immediate freezing in liquid nitrogen preserved significantly higher levels of phenolics compared to delayed freezing at −70 °C, where several compounds showed considerable degradation, especially in separated flesh samples. Anthocyanin content increased strongly with pigmentation intensity, with darker-coloured genotypes showing up to a 50-fold higher concentration than lighter-coloured types. Molecular analysis identified MYB-associated polymorphisms corresponding to differences in phenolic accumulation and fruit pigmentation. These findings demonstrate that genotype and tissue type are key determinants of phenolic composition, while immediate postharvest freezing is essential for preserving bioactive compounds. The combined biochemical and molecular approach provides novel insight into the regulation and stability of phenolic compounds in sweet cherry and supports the selection of cultivars with enhanced nutritional quality and improved postharvest performance.

Munkánk célja az ércbányászat környezeti hatásainak vizsgálata volt egy észak-magyarországi mintaterületen. A gyöngyösoroszi bánya mátraszentimrei telephelyének egyik meddőkőzet-tárolóján talaj- és növénymintákat gyűjtöttünk, majd roncsolás után mértük ezek cink-, kadmium-, ólom- és rézkoncentrációját. A talajminták elemtartalma igazolta a szennyezettséget, az ólomtartalom hétszeresen meghaladta a földtani közegre vonatkozó szennyezettségi határértéket. A fás szárú növénymintákban jelentős mennyiségű ólom- és cinktartalmat mértünk, és meghatároztuk a biokoncentrációs faktort és a transzlokációs faktort. Valamennyi faj esetében jelentős mennyiségű ólom volt mérhető a gyökerekben. A vizsgált fajok közül a nyír esetében mutatkozott a legnagyobb bioakkumulációs képesség, amely jórészt a hajtásban és a levelekben képes a cinket felhalmozni, ami alkalmassá teheti bioremediációs felhasználásra.