This study aimed to determine the concentrations of ten metals (Mn, Ni, Ca, Mg, Fe, Zn, Cr, Pb, Cd, Cu) in the soil at depths of 10 and 20 cm and selected plant species (Populus nigra L., Fraxinus ornus L., Salix alba L., Salix caprea L.), as well as to assess the ability of these plants of metal bioaccumulation, translocation and phytoremediation on the location of the mine pit and flotation tailings of the selected mine (in the center of the Republic of Serbia). The concentrations of Pb and Cu in the investigated soil at a depth of 10 cm were above remediation values stated in the regulations of the Republic of Serbia. At the same time, the concentration of Cd, Cr, Pb and Cu was above the limit values in both of the examined soil depths, while Ni in the soil at a depth of 10 cm was above the limit value determined in the Directives of the European Union. The species F. ornus shows the ability to phytoextract Ca, species P. nigra Zn, Ca and Cd, while both Salix species have the capacity to phytoextract Zn and Ca. The results showed that species S. alba is an efficient bioaccumulator of Mn, Fe, Cr, Pb, Zn and Ca, S. caprea of Fe, Cu, Cr, Mg and Pb, and P. nigra of Mn and Cd. The bioaccumulation and translocation of the investigated elements depend on plant species and their organ. The selection of plant species adequate for remediation should take this into account.

This study aimed to assess the ecological status/potential of the Čemernica and Dičina rivers (Zapadna Morava basin) based on epilithic diatoms and supporting physico-chemical parameters, as well as to explore indicative properties of the detected macroalgae. The sampling and analysis of benthic algae and measurement of physico-chemical parameters were carried out in August 2023. The ecological status/potential of the Čemernica River was poor to bad at all investigated sites (ČR1, ČR2, ČR3) based on diatom indices and physico-chemical parameters. Low diatom indices values and the presence of the macroalgae Stigeoclonium tenue indicated organic pollution. In the Dičina River, good ecological status was assessed at all sites (DR1-DR4) based on the diatom indices, while poor ecological status has been assessed at almost all sites (DR1, DR2, DR3) based on the physico-chemical parameters, except at DR4, where the ecological status was good. The high coverage of Cladophora glomerata in both rivers indicated nutrient loading, which aligned with the results of the physico-chemical parameters.

Diatoms, unlike other algal groups (non-diatoms), are routinely used for ecological status assessment under the Water Framework Directive. The ecological status of the Despotovica River was assessed using epilithic diatoms (IPS, CEE index), non-diatoms (BI index) and physico-chemical parameters. At four sites in autumn 2023 and spring 2024, 99 algal taxa (76 diatoms, 23 non- diatoms) were identified. The ecological status class ranged from I to V based on the physico-chemical parameters, while it ranged from I to IV based on the diatom and BI indices. The BI index results aligned more closely with the physico-chemical data than the diatom indices, suggesting potential for further application.

Phytoremediation as a technique for cleaning soil contaminated with potentially toxic metals uses plants that can absorb them, and then translocate and accumulate them in above-ground parts. Its effectiveness depends on the selection of adequate plants. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the potential of three wild herbaceous plant species (Holcus lanatus L., Agrostis alba L., and Eupatorium cannabinum L.) growing on mine tailings for phytoremediation applications. The content of selected metals in soil and plant samples was determined by flame atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The research results indicate that the content of Pb and Cu in the soil of the rhizosphere of the studied species was higher than their remediation values, after the exploitation of polymetallic ore (lead-zinc-copper), which made the tailings an ecological hazard. The species H. lanatus proved to be a good candidate for the phytoaccumulation of Cr, and the species A. alba of Ca, while the species E. cannabinum proved to be phytoaccumulator of all tested metals in the researched mine tailings. Potential for phytoextraction applications were shown by the species H. lanatus for Cd, Cu, Mg and Ni, and A. alba for Cd and Zn.

Monitoring of the Zapadna Morava River began in the late 20th century and has consistently indicated moderate to poor water quality. This study assessed its ecological status using physico-chemical parameters, phytobenthos (epilithic diatoms), and explored the potential use of non-diatom algal indices. Sampling at four sites was conducted in spring 2024. Physico-chemical parameters indicated poor to bad, while diatom indices showed good ecological status. Non-diatom indices aligned more closely with the physico-chemical assessment. Given the limited scope of the study, further research with more extensive data is needed to assess these indices and establish national indicator taxa lists.