Andradite, variety demantoid, is a rare gem mineral. We describe gem-quality garnet crystals from serpentinized harzburgites from Dobšiná, Slovakia which were faceted. Both the andradite samples were transparent, with a vitreous luster and a vivid green color. They were isotropic with refractive indices >1.81. The measured density ranged from 3.82 to 3.84 g·cm⁻³. Andradite var. demantoid appeared red under Chelsea filter observation. Both samples contained fibrous crystalline inclusions with the typical “horsetail” arrangement. The studied garnet had a strong Fe³⁺ dominant andradite composition with 1.72–1.85 apfu Fe³⁺, Cr³⁺ up to 0.15 apfu, Al³⁺ 0.03 to 0.04 apfu, V³⁺ up to 0.006 apfu substituted for Fe³⁺, Mn²⁺ up to 0.002 apfu, and Mg up to 0.04 apfu substituted for Ca. Raman spectrum of garnet showed three spectral regions containing relatively strong bands: I—352–371 cm⁻¹, II—816–874 cm⁻¹, and III—493–516 cm⁻¹. The optical absorption spectrum as characterized by an intense band at 438 nm and two broad bands at 587 and 623 nm and last one at 861 nm, which were assigned to Fe³⁺ and Cr³⁺. Transmission was observed in the ultraviolet spectral region (<390 nm), near the infrared region (700–800 nm), and around 530 nm in the green region of visible light, resulting in the garnet’s green color.

Soil erosion, with the progressive loss of fertile topsoil and its negative impact on agricultural productivity, has become a critical global environmental problem. In the second half of the 20th century, many municipalities in Serbia experienced significant changes in land use, vegetation, and environmental conditions. The drive towards industrialization and urbanization aimed to improve the living standards of the population, but as a consequence, it led to substantial depopulation of rural areas and the adoption of inadequate agricultural practices, which, in turn, further intensified soil erosion. This study focuses on the Sokobanjska Moravica River basin (Eastern Serbia), extending to the Bovan Lake Dam and upstream, with a total area of 540.4 km². The basin is situated in a characteristic karst landscape. Changes in erosion intensity and runoff from this basin are analyzed using the Intensity of Erosion and Outflow (IntErO) model, which algorithmically integrates the widely used Erosion Potential Method (EPM) with innovative computational techniques to predict sediment production and runoff from the river basin accurately. This analysis utilizes GIS software and official statistical yearbook data, focusing on the period from the second half of the 20th century, including the analysis of the current state. According to our research, the most intensive changes in land use occurred between 1961 and 1971, marking the beginning of the period of a decline in rural population and, consequently, a decrease in erosion intensity. Key findings indicate that predominant changes in land use and vegetation led to a shift from crop farming to animal husbandry. After 1971, ongoing depopulation, particularly in rural areas, resulted in a gradual and steady decrease in erosion intensity. The primary aim of this study is to support policymakers in developing more effective soil and water conservation regulations. By making recommendations for the protection of vegetation, and thus the soil within this river basin, this research helps ensure their long-term preservation. Future research should focus on the long-term impacts of current land use practices and develop strategies to mitigate erosion in the context of changing climate conditions.

Four wild type strains of A. niger were collected from soil and stream sediments representing environments with variable level of As, Sb, Al, Fe, Cd, Cu, and Zn contamination. Banská Štiavnica-Šobov (S), Pezinok-Kolársky vrch (P) and Slovinky (Sl) represent contaminated localities. Locality Gabčíkovo (G) was as a control site. The influence of toxic elements in these substrates on fungal growth, colony size, enzymatic activity, production of organic acids and their pelletization in water suspensions with montmorillonite was studied. The aim of our study was to find out how the wild type strains from (contaminated) environment will behave in different model solutions. We also wanted to add some new information in this area of study, because that there is some gap in the available knowledge.