Search

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are considered as the pollutants of highest priority, and their remediation is of a global concern. The purpose of this study was to investigate the phytoremediation potential of Hedera helix (Hh) determining the content of 16 priority PAHs in its soil and root samples collected from the rural and industrial zones of the Bor's municipality (Serbia). The content of Ʃ16 PAHs in the soils was: 326.49 mg/kg at the site Borsko jezero to maximal 1937.64 mg/kg at the site Slatinsko naselje. The level of soil pollution (depending on the concentration of S16 PAHs), was high at many tested sites and it was under the significant influence of anthropogenic activities. The concentration for S16 PAHs in the samples of roots ranged from 480.71 mg/kg at the site Krivelj to 1748.32 mg/kg at the site Naselje Sunce. Interestingly, the extremely toxic benzo(a)pyrene, was not detected in the roots of Hh. Bioconcentration factors (BCFs) were applied to determine the capacity of Hh for PAH accumulation in the root, and consequently, for determination of its phytostabilization potential. In most cases, BCF values were higher at the locations from UI zone. The calculated BCFs were higher for LMW PAHs than for HMW PAHs. At the majority of the investigated locations, the tested plant species was especially successful in the root accumulation of the compounds such as acenaphthene, fluorene, anthracene, dibenzo(a,h)anthracene, and the sum of benzo(k)fluoranthene and benzo(b)fluoranthene. These findings showed that Hh can be successfully used in phytostabilization of many PAHs.

The pandemic of the COVID-19 virus disease has resulted in significant changes in everyday life. As a result, two-thirds of the urban population has been forced to alter previously established travel habits. With this in mind, the international scientific community wonders if the newly formed travel habits could be maintained after the pandemic is over. This paper presents the findings of a survey conducted among students in Kragujevac prior to and during the COVID-19 virus pandemic. Furthermore, the citizens' expectations regarding the change in travel habits following the end of the pandemic are presented. For a period of five years, the survey was conducted once a year on students at the Faculty of Engineering in Kragujevac (Serbia). According to the survey results, during the pandemic, the car was considered a more comfortable mode of transportation than before. When compared to before the pandemic, the share of student families with two cars increased by 15%. The number of cyclists has also increased, making the lack of bike paths during the pandemic a more visible issue than previously. The students polled believe that once the pandemic is over, they will walk more and continue to rely on public transportation as before.