The Ferronikeli smelter, as one of the most well-known industrial areas in Kosovo, poses a very serious concern for the living world. The objective of this research study in this area is the evluate of environmental pollution through the quantifying of the concentration of heavy metals (Ni, Pb,...

In this research project, we measured the impact of the activity of “Ferronikel” factory on the concentrations of heavy metals (Pb, Zn, Ni) in soil, plant (Urtica dioica,L) and shell of snail (Helix pomatia) in the locality of Drenas. Introdiction: Large quantities of these metals come from...

This study investigates the long-term effects of pine (Pinus nigra) afforestation on soil characteristics in comparison to adjacent pastureland in central Kosovo. Soil samples (n = 24) were collected from two land-use types, pine plantations and grassland, over three topographic positions (lower, medium, upper) and two depths (0-10 cm and 10-20 cm). Standard laboratory techniques were used to determine soil organic matter (SOM), organic carbon (SOC), total nitrogen (TN), pH (H 2 O and CaCl 2), available phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), and bulk density (BD). The data were analysed using principal component analysis (PCA) and correlation matrices. The top soils (0-10 cm) beneath pine had higher soil organic matter (mean 2.45%) compared to the pasture lane (1.59%). The SOC and TN levels increased by 43% and 36%, respectively. Soil pH was lower under pine (mean pH_H 2 O = 6.3) than under pasture land (pH_H 2 O = 6.81), particularly on middle and lower slopes. Exchangeable calcium and magnesium declined by up to 20% under pine plantations, and bulk density also decreased (for example, 1.15 g•cm-3 under pine land compared to 1.29 g•cm-3 under pasture land), signifying reduced compaction. Phosphorus concentrations were slightly higher under pasture at a depth of 0-10 cm (mean 12.4 mg•100 g-1), but under pine, they increased at a depth of 10-20 cm on top slopes. PCA showed differentiation based on land use, with the initial two components representing 70.1% of the overall variance.

Environmental pollution is a global issue, and Kosovo is no exception, grappling with extensive mining activities. The research aims to assess the influence of industrial pollution in Drenas and Mitrovica using oxidative stress biomarkers (malondialdehyde MDA and the amount of glutathione...

This study examines the potential of agricultural by-products such as residues from tomatoes, peppers, potatoes, watermelons, melons, and apples as a sustainable feed source for insect farming, contributing to circular bio-economy efforts in Kosovo. By assessing the availability of these by-products in two key agricultural regions, Dukagjini and Kosovo Plain, the research identifies significant variations in yield, with tomatoes plants producing the highest amount (8.1 t/ha), followed by watermelon, apple, potato, and melon. The findings suggest that these often-discarded agricultural residues, typically overlooked due to market constraints, can be repurposed as insect feed, providing an eco-friendly approach to waste reduction and nutrient recycling. This approach not only addresses the environmental challenges posed by organic waste, but also supports the production of value-added products like insect-based proteins. The study underscores the feasibility of integrating agricultural side-streams into insect farming, contributing to a closed-loop system that aligns with circular bio-economy goals. This research is novel in its focus on Kosovo’s agricultural context, providing localized data and insights that can inform sustainable practices in similar regions. By transforming agricultural waste into valuable resources, the study offers a pathway to enhance sustainability, reduce environmental impact, and promote economic resilience in the agricultural sector.