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The Horehronie region belongs to the oldest industrial areas in Slovakia. It is contaminated by residual acid tar dumps from times of Petrochema Dubová factory production since 1964. In the presented study, heavy metals (Cu, Cd, Ni, Zn, Pb) were determined in soils and forest fruits (Vaccinium myrtillus L., Vaccinium vitis-idaea L., Fragaria vesca L., Rosa canina L., Rubus idaeus L.) collected over two years from five locations in the Horehronie using Flame AAS method (Zn, Cu, Ni) and Graphite Furnace AAS method (Cd, Pb). The cadmium content, which was higher than its limit value in all analysed soils, poses the biggest threat. We determined more than 20 times the limit value for cadmium in the sample Veľká Smrekovica (9.17 mg/kg).The contamination factor (Cf) values and the geoaccumulation index (Igeo) indicate that this hazardous metal is involved in soil contamination to a large extent. The highest values of the degree of contamination (Cdeg) and the pollution load index (PLI) were determined in samples from the Ždiarska dolina and the Veľká Smrekovica. The contents of nickel and zinc were higher than the limit values only in the 1st sampling year in the Ždiarska dolina sample (46.30 mg/kg; 138.30 mg/kg). The results showed that soil monitoring and remediation of old environmental burdens are important in the territory of the Horehronie region. The highest permissible amounts for cadmium were exceeded in all types of forest fruits (0.03-0.18 mg/kg FW). The contents of nickel and lead were exceeded only in the sample of rosehips (Rosa canina). The contents of zinc and copper were lower than the permissible amounts in all samples. The estimated daily intake (EDI) was lower than the acceptable daily intake of all heavy metals. The bioaccumulation factor (BAF), total hazardous quotient and hazard index of the analysed samples was < 1, which means that the consumption of forest fruits from the Horehronie does not pose a health risk for the consumer.

This study aims to determine the vitamin C content and antioxidant activity in different types of fruit: cornelian cherry (Cornus mas L.), service tree (Sorbus domestica), medlar (Mespilus germanica L.), pawpaw (Asimina triloba L.), persimmon (Diospyros kaki L.). The aim of the work was to compare these used methods. The fruit’s vitamin C content was determined by HPLC system Waters Separations Module 2695 with UV detector 2996. The content of vitamin C reached values from 72.238 µg. g-1 (Diospyros kaki L.) to 1114.61 µg.g-1 (Sorbus domestica). The antioxidant activity (DPPH) was determined spectrophotometrically. DPPH radical scavenging activity values were 2.28 (Mespilus germanica L.) – 12.34 μmol TE.g-1 DW (Cornus mas L.). Spearman's test showed a positive relationship between both monitored parameters. The content of vitamin C in the studied species showed a positive relationship with antioxidant activity. Due to the high content of vitamin C and antioxidant activity, future analyses should focus on the determination of other bioactive substances in these fruits.

Garlic (Allium sativum L.) is used as both a food and traditional medicine for several illnesses throughout the world. 7 garlic cultivars (Novozamocky, Lumir, Mojmir, Havran, Garpel, Eden Rose, and Bjetin) were analyzed in this study. Since modern consumer demands encourage the consumption of foods with positive effects on human health, research into the nutritional properties and chemical composition of traditional crops, like garlic, is important. Knowledge of these properties could support the cultivation of cultivars with the highest content of bioactive compounds. Total polyphenol content (TPC) determined by Folin – Ciocalteau method ranged from 797.11 to 1183.98 mg GAE.kg-1 DM. Total flavonoid content (TFC) determined by the aluminum chloride method ranged from 15.96 to 28.18 mg CE.kg-1 DM. Antioxidant activity (AA) determined by the ABTS method ranged from 1.97 to 4.42 mmol TE.kg-1 DM. Antioxidant activity (AA) determined by the FRAP method ranged from 1.12 to 2.64 mmol TE.kg-1 DM. Statistical evaluation of results showed a difference between garlic cultivars. The highest antioxidant activity and the highest content of bioactive substances were determined in the cultivar Garpel. High positive correlations (p < 0.001) were determined between TPC and TFC (r = 0.746), TPC and AA ABTS (r = 0.862), TPC and AA FRAP (r = 0.922), TFC and AA ABTS (r = 0.792), TFC and AA FRAP (r = 0.808), and AA ABTS and AA FRAP (r = 0.896). Garlic is confirmed to be a natural source of antioxidants, polyphenols, and flavonoids.

Nowadays, legume production is increasing as the world population but its consumption is declining due to dietary habit changes. Industry is finding new uses of legumes and creating new foods with a positive effect on health and well-being of humans. Key components in legume (like protein, soluble and insoluble fibre, resistant starch, and bioactive polyphenols) make beans suitable for a wide range of food product applications. The main phenolic compounds present in legume flours are flavonoids. The study is focused on determination of bioactive compounds content in seeds of four varieties of common bean. The samples of plant material were collected from the area of Piesťany (Slovakia). The samples of common bean seeds were homogenized and a methanolic extract was prepared. These extracts were used for analyses. The total content of polyphenols was determined spectrophotometrically and the content of individual phenolic by using the RP-HPLC/DAD method. The content of risky metals in samples was determined using the AAS method. TPC in studied varieties of common bean were determined in the range from 2156.87 mg.kg-1 (NEGRA) to 1362.70 mg. kg-1 (ZENIT). Highest concentration of phenolic acids was determined in ellagic acid, where the average value was 0.21845 mg.kg-1 DM (dry matter) and the lowest in trans- caffeic acid, with the average value 0.02380 mg.kg-1 DM. Highest concentration of flavonoids was determined in vitexin, where the average value was 0.02480 mg.kg-1 DM and the lowest in kaempferol, with the average value 0.00545 mg.kg-1 DM. Highest macro elements amount was determined in white beans. For potassium it was 12277 mg.kg-1 (ZENIT) and the lowest was in manganese, and it was 10.70 mg.kg-1 (RUBIN) in red beans. From the analyzed varieties we have found that they are important source of polyphenol substances with a demonstrable bioactive effect.

Wild growing mushrooms have been a popular delicacy in many countries. Some species, especially from genus Boletus accumulate high levels of risk elements. Boletus reticulatus is one of the favorite and most consumed mushrooms in Slovak republic. Fruiting bodies of B. reticulatus (48 samples) and forest underlying soil substrates (48 samples) were collected and analyzed for Cd, Pb and Hg contents in pine stands of 8 different locations in eastern and central Slovak republic. ICP-OES (Optical emission spectrometry with inductively coupled plasma) analysis revealed the presence of 22 macro- and micro elements in mushroom and soil samples, of which we evaluated cadmium and lead in this research. Mercury was determined by Advanced Mercury Analyzer (AMA-254). Subject to mushroom samples, caps and stems were analyzed separately. In mushroom stems, pursuant to the supreme average value, highest amount of Cd was 2.63 mg.kg-1 DW, Pb: 6.04 mg.kg-1 DW and Hg 0.72 mg.kg-1 DW. In mushroom caps the highest average concentration was for Cd: 6.45 mg.kg-1 DW, for Pb: 3.73 mg.kg-1 DW and for Hg: 1.39 mg.kg-1 DW. Comparing the results with the limits of the European Union (EU) (Cd: 0.50 mg.kg-1 DW, Pb: 1.00 mg.kg-1 DW and Hg: 0.75 mg.kg-1 DW) for edible mushrooms, 50% (Pb), 40% (Hg) and 100% (Cd) of mushroom caps samples exceeded the limits. In case of mushroom stems, 75% (Cd) and 38% (Pb) of the samples exceeded the EU limits, while regard to Hg none of the mushroom stem samples exceeded the limit. The results showed that the values of the studied elements in soil underlying substrate increased in the order: Hg (ND-0.14 mg.kg-1 DW) < Cd (2.09-33.5 mg.kg-1 DW) < Pb (12.5-57.5 mg.kg-1 DW). Based on this, it can be stated that the monitored areas of 8 locations in Slovak republic represent an increased risk of selected elements into the above ground parts of mushrooms and as such pose a risk to human health.

Fertilization and soil tillage have an important position in agriculture, because the modification and availability of nutrients from the soil to plants, as well as heavy metals are related to these mentioned treatments. The main negative impact of heavy metals on the environment is their non-degradability. In our study, the samples of barley grits were analysed, where chromium and nickel contents were determined depending on different agrotechnical methods of growing cereal plants. The field trials were based on a plot of land in the cadastral territory of Dolná Malanta near the city of Nitra in the Slovak Republic. The plot area was 14 m2. In the experiment, three different dosages of macroelements into the soil were applied, and two methods of soil treatment by ploughing were also performed. Barley grits were obtained by grinding of grains of four varieties of spring barley: KM2084, Lédi, Xanadu and Marthe. The lowest content of chromium and nickel in barley grits was determined in the KM2084 variety. The amounts of chromium in the barley grits of our tested samples were in the range 0.17-0.77 mg.kg-1 dry matter and nickel 0.05-0.76 mg.kg-1 dry matter, respectively. According to the Food Code of the Slovak Republic, the maximum permissible amount of chromium (0.77 mg.kg-1) was exceeded, mainly in the Lédi variety, in the case of nickel, its exceeding of the maximum permissible amounts (0,76 mg.kg-1) was not determined in any variety. NPK fertilization in the ratio 16:1:4 (70 kg N ha-1) in combination with minimization ploughing, as well as fertilization in the ratio 2.5:1:1.5 (60 kg N ha-1) in combination with conventional ploughing had an effect on an increase in chromium contents in barley grain in all varieties, but at the same time caused a decrease in nickel contents, except for the Xanadu variety. The same values were determined in the fertilized variant with the addition of limestone after the application of conventional ploughing. The application of conventional ploughing on unfertilized areas had an effect on the increase of nickel contents in all varieties and the decrease of chromium contents in three varieties of spring barley.

The samples of 4 mushroom species from the genus Leccinum ((Leccinum pseudoscabrum (Kallenb.) Šutara, Leccinum scabrum (Bull.) Gray, Leccinum duriusculum (Schulzer ex Kalchbr.) Singer, and Leccinum albostipitatum den Bakker & Noordel) were picked from 6 forested areas of Slovakia in 2020 (Čačín – Jelšovec, Hliník and Hronom, Kurima – Taraš, Mníšek nad Popradom, Snina – Štefekovo, Žákylské pleso). Total mercury content in soil and mushroom parts was determined by cold-vapor AAS analyzer AMA 254. Mercury content in monitored soil samples ranged from 0.07 to 0.18 mg.kg-1 DM. The limit value for Hg in soil ( 0.50 mg.kg-1) was not exceeded. Mercury content in analyzed cap samples ranged from 0.41 to 7.52 mg.kg-1 DM. Mercury content in analyzed stem samples ranged from 0.40 to 2.91 mg.kg-1 DM. The EU limit value in edible mushrooms for Hg (0.75 mg kg-1 FW) was exceeded in caps from Mníšek nad Popradom. Values of the bioconcentration factor indicate that Leccinum mushrooms are accumulators of Hg. The PTWI of Hg was not exceeded. The THQ of all samples was lower than 1. This means that the average consumption of mushrooms from this localities should not cause a serious risk to human health. However, the intake of Hg from other sources must also be taken into account.

The main chemical parameters such as content of sugar (glucose and fructose), organic acid (total acids, malic and tartaric acids), total phenolics and the antioxidant activity in 9 dry white wines with PDO of 3 varieties (Pinot Blanc, Riesling, Sauvignon blanc) from 3 countries (Slovakia, Hungary, Austria) were studied in this work in order to identify possible differences in their quality affected by geographical origin. The wine samples were examined by the FTIR and spectrophotometry methods (TPC and DPPH). As supporting parameters, alcohol and glycerol content were used and sensory evaluation of wines was performed. For the statistical evaluation were used ANOVA and PCA methods. Austrian wines in general, were characterized by high glucose and fructose content, high TPC and antioxidant activity. Higher results of these parameters are characteristic especially for the Austrian varieties Pinot blanc and Sauvignon blanc which originated from the same wine-region in Austria. Sauvignon variety from Slovakia was characterized by higher total acid content, especially in the case of tartaric acid. Statistical evaluation was helpful to show several differences, especially in the case of PCA application. Just Riesling variety from all countries of origin was so similar that it was not possible to be strictly distinguished using PCA. Wines from Hungary (Sauvignon and Pinot blanc) showed higher content of alcohol and glycerol, as they are produced by the sugar fermentation. Wines from Slovakia were evaluated as the best samples among selected ones within their sensory evaluation.

The paper is focused on monitoring of the content of selected elements (Al, Cd, Cu, Hg, Pb, Se and Zn) in three species of edible mushrooms: Cantharellus cibarius Fr., Suillus luteus (L.) Roussel and Imleria badia (Fr.) Vizzini from three areas in Slovakia (Prašice, Bobrov and Dobroč). Qualitative and quantitative determination of the observed elements was performed by ICP-OES and/or CV-AAS. All results were statistically evaluated at both descriptive and differential analysis level. Due to the fact that picking and subsequent consumption of edible wild mushrooms is popular in Slovakia, the data obtained were evaluated and compared to tolerable weekly intakes defined by WHO. Based on the content of the monitored elements, PTWI values were not exceeded in any of the species from the studied sites. In some cases, however, specific content values, especially Al, but also Cd and Hg were exceeded compared to the average concentrations of elements in mushrooms from uncontaminated areas. In general, it can be stated that regular and long-term consumption of the mushrooms does not pose any health risk to the consumers.

Eighteen wine samples (varieties - Lindenblaetrige, Yellow Muscat and Furmint), originated from Slovak and Hungarian part of Tokaj wine region, were analyzed for the content of total polyphenols, content of total flavonoids and antiradical activity by UV-VIS spectrometry. Our results showed that Slovak Tokaj wines had higher content of healthy useful phenolic and flavonoid compounds (all three varieties) and higher value of antiradical activity (two varieties) than Hungarian Tokaj wines. The highest total phenolic and total flavonoid contents we found out in wines variety Yellow Muscat. The highest value of antiradical activity was found out in wines variety Lindenblaetrige. Our results confirmed very strong linear correlations between all three analysed parameters (TPC, TFC and AA): TPC and TFC (r=0.867), AA and TPC (r=0.836), resp. TFC and AA (r= 0.766).

Sweet potatoes are reported to be a good source of bioactive compounds. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of different heat treatment methods (microwaving, steaming, and baking) and variety on the total polyphenol content and antioxidant activity of three sweet potato varieties – Beauregard (orange-fleshed), O’Henry (white-fleshed), and 414-purple (purple-fleshed). All investigated parameters were determined spectrophotometrically. The total polyphenol content was in the range of 0.53 (O’Henry) – 5.60 mg GAE.g-1 DW (414-purple) for raw flesh and 1.68 (O’Henry) – 7.03 mg GAE.g-1 DW (414-purple) for raw peel of sweet potatoes. Heat treatments caused an increase of total polyphenol content in sweet potatoes (0.98 (steamed O’Henry) – 28.04 mg GAE.g-1 DW (baked 414-purple)). In terms of antioxidant activity, the steamed samples of variety 414-purple showed the highest values of DPPH radical scavenging activity (4.51 µmol TE.g-1 DW) and Ferric reducing antioxidant power assay (19.57 µmol TE.g-1 DW) compared to the other treatment methods. Spearman´s test showed a strong positive relationship between both used methods for evaluation of antioxidant activity. All studied processing methods positively affected the total polyphenol content and antioxidant activity in sweet potatoes.

Hazardous (heavy) metals are widely spreaded in our environment, which is endangered by these hazardous metals that infiltrate water, air, soil, plants and subsequently in the food chain. This has a major impact on human health and animal health, because these metals can cause serious health problems. For this reason, it is very important to control the occurrence of heavy metals in the environment, water, air and soil, and then eliminate them to the permissible limit values. Spices have been used in the past as natural flavors, used to highlight or create flavor. Nowadays, spices are commonly found in different trade chains and different brands. Consumer information is a very important decision-making factor when purchasing, but there are not always, on the packaging, all the information on harmful substances. For this reason, it is important to clarify the content of the risk metals, as it can prevent health problems and difficulties, and consumers can choose a healthy food (spice). Regarding this fact, the aim of this study was to closely determine the amount of hazardous (heavy) metals in selected kinds of spices (basil, black pepper, marjoram, sweet red paprika) that can cause serious health issues, if the limited levels of these heavy metals described in the Codex Alimentarius of Slovak republic are overstepped. The analyzed spices were purchased from three local markets. The amount of lead (5.59 mg.kg-1) and cadmium (1.38 mg.kg-1) were exceeding the highest acceptable limits stated in the Codex Alimentarius SR (Cd 0,50 mg.kg-1, Pb 5 mg.kg-1) in all three samples of basil. The content of cuprum and zinc was under the highest acceptable limits stated in the Codex Alimentarius of the Slovak Republic. According to these findings, we would recommend more inspections focused on the level of heavy metals in spices.

In this study, the content of As, Cd and Hg in fruiting bodies was determined. These three elements were determined in 94 Macrolepiota procera (Scop.) Singer samples (separately for caps and stems) and their corresponding soils/substrates collected from 8 different localities in Slovakia. Arsenic and cadmium were analyzed by Optical Emission Spectrometry with Inductively Coupled Plasma (OES-ICP), and mercury by Advanced Mercury Analyzer (AMA-254). In the soil/substrate As content varied from ND (not detected) to 11.9, Cd from 0.66 to 22.9 and Hg from 0.02 to 0.28 mg kg-1 DW (dry weight), respectively. In fruiting body stems arsenic content varied from ND to 4.77, cadmium from ND to 5.96 and mercury from 0.03 to 2.83 mg kg-1 DW. In the caps, As content varied from ND to 13.0, Cd from ND to 19.8 and Hg from 0.04 to 4.00 mg kg-1 DW. After comparing obtained results with the EU limits, for As in mushrooms 6.6% (cap) of analyzed samples exceeded the limit value, while for Cd, 4.7% (cap), 2.0% (stem) of analyzed samples exceeded the limit value. Regarding the background values in the soils/substrates of selected elements in Slovakia only Cd exceeded the limits (though almost 82% of samples). Regarding Hg content, all analyzed samples (fruiting bodies and soils/substrates) did not exceed the limit value. The selected monitored localities in Slovakia have been contaminated with trace elements. Some of the analyzed mushroom samples exceeded EU limits, and as such, they can pose a risk to human health.

Grapes and wine are important sources of antioxidants in human diet. Phenolic substances contained in grapevine berries belong to an important group of natural substances that get into wine in the process of wine making. Polyphenols and flavonoids are primarily accountable for the colour and taste of the wine, they affect the perception of bitterness and acerbity. They also have antioxidant properties, thus have a positive effect on human health. Health benefits of polyphenolic substances from wine may be associated with a wide range of biological processes. Thanks to the development of modern analytical methods, wine is constantly being researched in terms of the content of antioxidants, and its importance to human health. Sixteen Slovak white wines of Muscat type produced in different geographical regions were analysed in this study. The object of this work was to determine total polyphenol content and total flavonoid content, and to evaluate antioxidant effects of quality wines of Muscat varieties produced in Slovakia. Antioxidant activity, total polyphenol content, and total flavonoid content of particular wines is described in the study. Studied characteristics were analysed by UV-VIS spectrometry method. Muscat wines showed weak to high antioxidant activity, ranging from 25.2% inhibition of DPPH to 67.7% inhibition of DPPH. Average antioxidant activity was 38.7% inhibition of DPPH. Total polyphenol content in the Muscat type varietal wines varied from 262.1 GAE.L-1 to 568.3 GAE.L-1. Average total polyphenol content was 382.13 GAE.L-1. The content of total flavonoids in Muscat type varietal wines ranged from 24.8 mg CE.L-1 to 169.1 mg CE.L-1. Average total flavonoid content was 100.5 mg CE.L-1.