Search

Water quality is a necessary condition when water is planned to be used. In this sense, the assessment and recognition of its quality takes on special importance. This paper deals with the quality of well water in the city of Pristina. To achieve the goal in this work, during the months of August and September of 2022, water samples were taken in four wells to analyze the physical, chemical, and microbiological parameters of the water. The research work and the results obtained showed that; the water wells analyzed from the four samples showed no signs of turbidity and the presence of chlorine. The values for temperature, pH, total hardness, dissolved oxygen, nitrites, nitrates, sulfates, manganese, and ammonia were found to be within the limit values as determined by Administrative Instruction No. 10/2021, while iron showed higher values (above the allowed values). The high values of the parameters in the water make it unusable for use, while the use of polluted water causes health problems for the community. Therefore, permanent monitoring of the quality and quantity of water used for public consumption should be a high priority for policymakers and drinking water service providers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Kosovo, like the global trend, is experiencing a rising demand for eggs, emphasizing the necessity for stringent regulatory oversight to maintain freshness and meet increasing consumer and industrials' needs. The research aimed to evaluate the compliance of eggs in the local market with specified quality criteria outlined in the local Administrative Directive and EC Regulation. Several quality parameters were scrutinized, including egg weight, length, width, specific gravity, air cell, Haugh units (HU), yolk and egg white weights, yolk color intensity, shell weight, and shell thickness. Key parameters varied significantly among Fresh Eggs and farms F1 to F5. Most groups displayed significantly lower egg weights, yolk, and egg white weights compared to Fresh Eggs (p < 0.01). Among different groups, Fresh Eggs have the highest Haugh unit and the lowest specific gravity, indicating superior egg quality. Among groups, F4 has the lowest Haugh unit (p < 0.00001), and F3/F4 exhibited the largest air cell size (p < 0.0001), while F5/Fresh Eggs were the smallest, with no significant differences between themselves (p > 0.05). Fresh eggs outshined in all groups in relation to size and yolk color (p < 0.0001). The study found positive correlations (p < 0.01) between egg weight and internal parameters, including yolk and white weights. Eggshell weight also correlated positively with yolk and white weights (p < 0.05). Conversely, Haugh unit and air cell exhibited negative correlations (p < 0.01), indicating their influence on egg dimensions. Classification based on regulation revealed distinct categories for consumption and industrial use. These findings contribute valuable insights to Kosovo's egg market, impacting standards and promoting fair competition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The concentrations of cadmium, copper, lead, zinc, nickel, and chromium in samples of sediment, water, and Typha angustifolia plants in the stream of the Drenica River were determined to assess the level of pollution. According to sediment analysis results from seven locations, the concentrations of Cu, Ni, Zn, and Cr exceeded the permitted limits according to WHO standards from 1996. In the plant samples, the concentrations of Cd and Pb were above the allowed limits according to GD161 and ECE standards, and according the WHO standard, the water quality in the Drenica River is classified into the first, second, and third quality categories. The results of this study show the bioaccumulation coefficient in Typha angustifolia plants, and it was found that the most bioaccumulated of the metals is Cd, with a bioaccumulation coefficient (BAF) greater than 1. The pollution load index (PLI), enrichment factor (EF index), Geoaccumulation index (Igeo), potential ecological risk factor (Eif), and potential ecological risk index (RI) were used in combination to assess the degree of pollution and the environmental risk presented to the freshwater ecosystem of the Drenica River. The results show that the Drenica River is mainly polluted by Ni, Cu, and Cr, reflecting substantial impacts of anthropogenic activities, including sizeable industrial effects, the development of urbanism, agricultural activities, and the deposition of waste from a ferronickel factory in the area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Zywnosc is the property of Polish Society of Food Technologists - Scientific Publishing and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Water quality has deteriorated considerably because of urban runoff, agricultural production, and rapid industrialization. This prosecution's objective is to assess the surface water's quality in the Gjakova location. In general, surface water quality complies with the Water Framework Directive's principles. In 2019, 2020, and 2021, three distinct sampling sites--the Lumbardh River, the Derivative Channel, and the Radoniqi Lake--were used to examine the surface water intended for consumption. According to principal corresponding analysis (PCA), there was a positive association between various physicochemical parameters and total and fecal coliforms. Based on the water quality index for each sampling site and the analyzed surface water parameters, surface water belongs to the medium category. In comparison to the Waste framework directive, most parameters fall into the first category, excluding nitrites, phosphates, and manganese. However, the water treatment for drinking should be related to parameters that exceed the upper limits. Seasonal monitoring of water quality is an effective tool to evaluate treatment processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The following paper outlines a study conducted on the abundance, distribution, and diversity of butterflies in Mt. Koritnik. located in the Republic of Kosovo, during 2019-2022. This research resulted in a total of 8166 recorded specimens, which belonged to 6 butterfly families, 50 genera and 131 species. The richest family in terms of abundance was Nymphalidae with 4611 specimens (56.47%), followed by Lycaenidae 1924 specimens (23.56%), Pieridae 856 (10.48%), 561 Hesperiidae (6.87%), Papilionidae 179 specimens (2.19%) and Riodinidae with 24 specimens (0.29%). In terms of species richness, Nymphalidae were the richest with 55 species, Lycaenidae 40, followed by 15 Pieridae, 15 Hesperiidae, 5 Papilionidae and 1 Roidinidae. Among 131 registered species, 11 have Near Threatened status in Europe. Our results indicated that species richness and abundance of butterflies were significantly negatively correlated with altitude (p<0.01), whereas they showed a strong positive correlation (p<0.01) with the temperature. The highest abundance and number of species were presented in the lower altitudinal range and the numbers decreased with altitude increasing. Activities such as intensive agriculture, grazing, fires and illegal timber cutting, which were observed during our survey, may be the main threats for butterflies in Mt. Koritnik in the future, therefore, we suggest the data from this research serve as a basic information for authorities to monitor future changes in butterfly diversity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, we present a new record for moth fauna in Kosovo. The specimens of Euphyia biangulata (Haworth, 1809) (Lepidoptera, Geometridae) were collected at two localities on Mt. Koritnik. This newly recorded species increases the number of geometrid species recorded for Kosovo to 248. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Moths of the family Sphingidae are large and usually easily recognizable moths, that remain not sufficiently surveyed in some parts of Europe, including the Republic of Kosovo. From 2020 to 2022, Sphingidae diversity was surveyed in Kosovo's part of mountain Koritniku, near the border with Albania. The moths were collected with light traps in the period April-October in each year of the survey. In total 12 Sphingidae species were recorded, which compose about 30% of European fauna. Of those, 7 have been recorded in Kosovo for the first time: Daphnis nerii (Linnaeus, 1758), Deilephila elpenor (Linnaeus, 1758), Hyles livornica (Esper, 1780), Acherontia atropos (Linnaeus, 1758), Laothoe populi (Linnaeus, 1758), Mimas tiliae (Linnaeus, 1758) and Smerinthus ocellata (Linnaeus, 1758). The recorded number of Sphingidae species in our research is only a modest contribution to a better knowledge of the moth fauna of Kosovo, but still represents an update in comparison with historical records. Considering the number of species of this family in neighbouring countries, we can suppose that the number of recorded species is not a final one and further research is needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Erebia alberganus (De Prunner 1798) is European endemic and high mountain species of Nymphalidae butterfly family, with scarce and isolated records along the Balkan peninsula. Its presence for Kosovo was recently confirmed, thus the aim of this paper is to present this interesting discovery in the National park Bjeshket e Nemuna and highlight its distribution in the neighboring countries. During our surveys, five specimens of E. alberganus are observed in two locations: Mokna Mt. and Peklena Mt. Previous record of this species at the border of Kosovo and North Macedonia was not reliable, although recent data from North Macedonia suggest that the species could also be present in Sharr. Mt., in the southern part of the country. With this record, the number of butterfly species in the Republic of Kosovo riches 174. A population of E. alberganus at Peklena Mt. was destroyed by habitat alteration, which highlights the need for better conservation practices on one side and species vulnerability to such habitat changes on the other. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Today, environmental water degradation all over the world comes about due to the growth of urban, industrial and agricultural activities. As a result of these discharges without any prior treatment, the quality of river waters in Kosovo has deteriorated greatly. On the basis of the research that has been done so far in the rivers of Kosovo, it was shown that Drenica is one of the rivers that are constantly exposed to the discharge of industrial waters. Therefore, the purpose of this research was to analyze the impact of water discharged from Feronikeli on the water quality of the Drenica River and the possibility of its protection. The realization of this study is focused on the evaluation of physico-chemical parameters of the water of the Drenica River, the content of heavy metals in the water, the analysis and comparison of the results obtained using the standard for the assessment of the ecological status of surface waters of Romania (GD 161). Laboratory assays were developed according to standard analysis methods (APHA). The results obtained, analyzed and compared with the values of the parameters according to the standard referred to in this research, confirm that the water of the Drenica River belongs to the class of water with "good quality" only in the source area, while in other flow stations river, especially in the third station S3 (Ferronikel industrial zone), water has "poor quality", passing into the category of "very poor quality". Therefore, in order to improve the current situation, it is recommended to apply the best environmental practices and proper management of industrial waste. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The first record of the Large Chequered Skipper butterfly Heteropterus morpheus (Pallas, 1771) from the Republic of Kosovo is presented. This species was recorded in two localities during our butterfly surveys in "Bjeshket e nemuna" National Park in 2019-2021. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Determination of elemental nitrogen in food products packaged under the influence of the temperature is very important for the preservation of their freshness and safety. Packaged potato products if exposed to high temperatures, the concentration of elemental nitrogen can change and the possibility of growth of microorganisms is very high. The paper aims to analyze elemental nitrogen and elemental oxygen under the influence of temperature to maintain the quality and longevity of packaged potato products. A total of 35 samples were taken for analysis. All samples are potato chips such as: Papyrus chips (35 g and 140 g), Ketchup chips (35 g and 140 g) and Classic Chips (35 g). Samples for analysis were taken at Vipa Chips Company - Kosovo from the storage. The level of elemental nitrogen concentration is determined by the indirect method, determining the level of oxygen concentration by the methods whith OxyBaby apparatus. Samples were kept at 20 0C and 40 0C in the incubator, and monitored for 8 days. The percentage of nitrogen and oxygen is measured after 4 and after 8 days. Temperature is a very important parameter maintaining the freshness of processed potatoes. From the results achieved at 20 0C the percentage of nitrogen element was 98.81%, while at temperature of 40 0C, monitoring after 8 days showed that the percentage of nitrogen has decreased by about 1%, or more exactly 97.8%. From the obtained results we can conclude that the percentage of nitrogen element decreases under the influence of temperature, therefore special care should be taken regarding the exposure of these products to sunlight i.e. temperatures up to 40 0C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The major impacts on aquatic ecosystems worldwide caused by land use lead to changes in their natural conditions and limitation of water use for various needs. This paper presents the results of the study of the physical and chemical parameters and macroinvertebrate assemblage in the White Drin River (or: the Drim River, Alb. the Drini i Bardhë River) basin, the largest in Kosovo. Macroinvertebrate sampled at 11 sites in the river resulted in 5946 collected benthic organisms, which in taxonomic terms belong to 12 orders and 51 families. Of the total number of organisms, 72.28% were Insects, 25.39% Amphipoda crustaceans and 2.33% were Annelide worms and Mollusk. The used biotic indices Biological Monitoring Working Party (BMWP), Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera, and Trichoptera (EPT), average score per taxon (ASPT) and Stroud Water Research Center (SWRC) classify water quality in excellent category in the sampling site S1 near the source of the White Drin River, whereas in other sampling sites, as a result of pollution, water quality varies on category II–IV. The Pearson's correlation analyses shown that the physical and chemical parameters affect the water quality and the composition of macroinvertebrates. Our results show that the parameters that adversely affect the BMWP, EPT and ASPT biotic indices as well as the Shannon–Wiener, Mergalef and Menhinik diversity indices are: pH, electrical conductivity (EC), total suspended solids (TSS), nitrates (NO3–) and chlorides (Cl–). We can conclude that the anthropogenic impact on White Drin basin affects the physical, chemical and biological parameters of the water therefore these parameters should be constantly included in Biomonitoring and Management plans for water resources in Kosovo. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main river of the Kosovo valley is the Sitnica River, which collects a large number of streams, recipients of wastewaterfrom various urban and industrial centers. The blockage of Sitnica river with waste and non-regulation of the bedding of this river makes this river flood tens of acres of worked ground surface through its course, causing great damage every spring and autumn. Uncontrolled discharge of heavy metals into the contaminated terrestrial environments ensures their transfer to plants, animals and humans and results in an impact on the environment and public health. Determination of the heavy metals concentration level for the assessment of soil pollution along the Sitnica River course was also the main purpose of this study, which was carried out in 2016. For analysis, 8 soil samples were taken at depths of 30-50 cm. From the analysis of the data it was noticed that the content of heavy metals such as Zn, Cd, Pb, Cr in some analyzed samples exceeds the maximum allowed values. The findings indicate high values of metal pollution in the samples taken in meadows as well as the agricultural lands stretching around the river. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the results of the heavy metals accumulation (Cd, Cr, Pb, Cu, Zn, Mn, and Fe) in soils and plants (Typha angustifolia L., Urtica dioica L., Ranunculus sardous Crantz and Rumex Crispus L.) collected along the banks of the Sitnica River, which flows through various cities of Kosovo and is quite stressed due to the discharges of urban, industrial, and agricultural pollutants. The aim of this research was to verify the accumulation of heavy metals in water, soil and plants, since vegetables that used as food are cultivated in the vicinity of sample collection. The analyses were conducted with applied methodology in the analytic laboratory of Kosovo Agriculture Institute by using MP-AES 4200 for Cd and Cr, ASS-Scientific for Zn, Cu, Fe, Mn and Pb in plant samples, whereas 4100 MP-AES was used for determination of metals in soil. The results show variations in different metal values found in the samples of the analyzed soils and plants. The lowest values accumulation of the metals analyzed were recorded at A1 (Devetak Station) near the river source and did not contain anthropogenic influences, whereas the highest values were recorded at A3 (Kuzmin Station), which belongs to the middle flow of the Sitnica River that is polluted by wastewater (urban) discharges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]