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Aquaponics is a novel system for the simultaneous cultivation of plants and fish, developed in response to the uncontrolled use of chemical fertilizers in plant production and the waste generated by aquaculture. In this closed-loop system, ammonia-rich fish waste is converted into nutrients by nitrifying bacteria, serving as fertilizer for plants, while the plants help purify water for the fish by removing waste products and excess nutrients. Through waste reduction and maximized resource efficiency, aquaponics exemplifies the circular economy in agriculture and food production. Microgreens and sprouts are young seedlings that only need a few weeks to grow in different substrates and systems. They are appreciated for their appearance, flavor, and higher concentrations of bioactive compounds compared to mature plants. Their short growing time and low nutrient requirements make them ideal for cultivation in all modern agricultural practises, including aquaponics. This review focuses on the application of aquaponics for cultivating microgreens and sprouts. So far, only one study has investigated the cultivation of microgreens in aquaponics, compared to more extensive research on hydroponics and sprouts. Growing arugula microgreens in an aquaponics system with goldfish positively impacted microgreens’ growth rates, while sprout production exhibited higher levels of vitamin C, protein, and soluble sugars, as well as improved germination rates, weight, and height. Lettuce and rocket were successfully grown using trout wastewater as a nutrient source, enhancing yield and quality while promoting water efficiency and fertilizer savings compared to conventional production. The main limitation of the aquaponics system for growing small plants such as microgreens, sprouts, and baby leaves is the potential microbial contamination from the recirculating nutrient water. Overall, the aquaponics system is an emerging technology for growing microgreens with reduced use of natural res

The aim of this study was to analyze in detail the phytochemical composition of amaranth (AMJ), red beet (RBJ), and broccoli (BCJ) microgreens and cold-pressed juices and to evaluate the antioxidant and sensory properties of the juices. The results showed the presence of various phenolic compounds in all samples, namely betalains in amaranth and red beet microgreens, while glucosinolates were only detected in broccoli microgreens. Phenolic acids and derivatives dominated in amaranth and broccoli microgreens, while apigenin C-glycosides were most abundant in red beet microgreens. Cold-pressing of microgreens into juice significantly altered the profiles of bioactive compounds. Various isothiocyanates were detected in BCJ, while more phenolic acid aglycones and their derivatives with organic acids (quinic acid and malic acid) were identified in all juices. Microgreen juices exhibited good antioxidant properties, especially ABTS•+ scavenging activity and ferric reducing antioxidant power. Microgreen juices had mild acidity, low sugar content, and good sensory acceptability and quality with the typical flavors of the respective microgreen species. Cold-pressed microgreen juices from AMJ, RBJ, and BCJ represent a rich source of bioactive compounds and can be characterized as novel functional products.

The aim of this study was to analyze in detail the phytochemical composition of amaranth (AMJ), red beet (RBJ), and broccoli (BCJ) microgreens and cold-pressed juices and to evaluate the antioxidant and sensory properties of the juices. The results showed the presence of various phenolic compounds in all samples, namely betalains in amaranth and red beet microgreens, while glucosinolates were only detected in broccoli microgreens. Phenolic acids and derivatives dominated in amaranth and broccoli microgreens, while apigenin C-glycosides were most abundant in red beet microgreens. Cold-pressing of microgreens into juice significantly altered the profiles of bioactive compounds. Various isothiocyanates were detected in BCJ, while more phenolic acid aglycones and their derivatives with organic acids (quinic acid and malic acid) were identified in all juices. Microgreen juices exhibited good antioxidant properties, especially ABTS•+ scavenging activity and ferric reducing antioxidant power. Microgreen juices had mild acidity, low sugar content, and good sensory acceptability and quality with the typical flavors of the respective microgreen species. Cold-pressed microgreen juices from AMJ, RBJ, and BCJ represent a rich source of bioactive compounds and can be characterized as novel functional products.

Exploring alternative options to address the impending global energy crisis while taking environmental concerns and climate change mitigation into account and addressing the skyrocketing energy demand has become urgently essential. This need is further highlighted by the Republic of Serbia's significant reliance on imported energy sources and its energy sector's strategy focus, which implies the rational use of energy resources, use of RES, and waste management with satisfying environmental regulations. The use of low-calorific and waste materials in conjunction with fluidized bed combustion (FBC) technology is the method to achieve all of the above goals synergistically. This paper presents experimental results of the combustion of several solid wastes (Kolubara's coal mining waste, paper sludge and hazelnut shells), conducted in an industrial demonstration and experimental bubbling FB boiler (capacity up to 500 kW). Burning these wastes has a variety of advantages, including recovering substantial energy remaining in them and minimizing overall waste volumes. The furnace temperature distribution, the flue gas composition at the furnace exit, and other combustion parameters of the tested fuels are given. Based on these results, an evaluation of FB combustion of waste fuels and the possibility of utilization of their energy potential is given., Istraživanje alternativnih opcija za rešavanje aktuelne globalne energetske krize uzimajući u obzir zabrinutost za životnu sredinu i klimatske promene, kao i rešavanje naglo rastuće potražnje za energijom postaje suštinska neophodnost. Ova potreba je dodatno naglašena značajnim oslanjanjem Republike Srbije na uvozne energente i strateškim fokusom njenog energetskog sektora, koji podrazumeva racionalno korišćenje energetskih resursa, korišćenje obnovljivih izvora energije i upravljanje otpadom uz zadovoljavanje ekoloških propisa. Upotreba niskokaloričnih i otpadnih materijala u kombinaciji sa tehnologijom sagorevanja u fluidizovanom sloju je metod za sinergijsko postizanje svih gore navedenih ciljeva. U radu su prikazani eksperimentalni rezultati sagorevanja više vrsta čvrstog otpada (kolubarski otpadni ugalj, papirni mulj i ljuske lešnika), sprovedeni u industrijsko-demonstracionom i eksperi-mentalnom kotlu sa fluidizovanim slojem (kapaciteta do 500 kW). Spaljivanje ovog otpada ima niz prednosti, uključujući iskorišćenje značajne preostale energije u otpadu i minimiziranje ukupne količine otpada. U radu su određeni temperaturni profili u fluidizovanom sloju u ložištu, sastav dimnih gasova na izlazu iz ložišta, kao i protoci vazduha za fluidizaciju i goriva, minimalna brzina fluidizacije, stepen fluidizacije, maksimalna snaga ložišta i predata toplota, za ispitivana goriva. Na osnovu ovih rezultata data je procena kvaliteta sagorevanja otpadnih goriva u fluidizovanom sloju i mogućnosti iskorišćenja njihovog energetskog potencijala.

Horseradish is a plant grown for its succulent and spicy root, which presents a rich source of antioxidants such as phenolic compounds, vitamin C, and isothiocyanates. Due to its antioxidant properties, cold-pressed horseradish root juice could be an active ingredient in functional foods. However, fresh juices undergo enzymatic and microbiological changes, so it is necessary to preserve them. One of the approaches commonly used for this purpose is encapsulation by spray-drying, which involves the entrapping of bioactive components within carrier agents. This ensures the protection of the bioactive component from undesirable external factors and its controlled release. Many studies have shown that the use of a combination of maltodextrin and hydrocolloids as encapsulation carriers results in highquality encapsulates. So, the aim of this study was the encapsulation of horseradish root juice and the characterization of the obtained encapsulates as potential antioxidants in food production. Maltodextrin/guar gum (MD/GG) and maltodextrin/gum Arabic (MD/GA) were used as carriers to encapsulate horseradish root juice by spray-drying. Total phenolic, flavonoid, and phenolic acid contents (TPC, TFC, and TPAC, respectively) and antioxidant activity (DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP methods) were determined by standard spectrophotometric methods. MD/GG and MD/GA with encapsulated horseradish root juice contained 1628 and 1568 mg gallic acid equivalents/100 g, respectively, of TPC; 264 and 253 mg catechin equivalents/100 g, respectively, of TFC; and 3272 and 3397 mg caffeic acid equivalents/100 g, respectively, of TPAC. Results for the antioxidant activity (expressed as mmol Trolox equivalents/100 g) of MD/GG and MD/GA were 0.8 and 0.7, respectively (DPPH); 6.9 and 7.6, respectively (ABTS); and 8.8 and 8.6, respectively (FRAP). In conclusion, horseradish root juice encapsulated within carbohydrate biopolymers contained significant amounts of phenolic compounds and high antioxidant activity

Horseradish is a plant that belongs to the Brassicaceae family and is native to southeastern Europe and western Asia. It is cultivated for its succulent and spicy root, which is used as a seasoning for meat, soups, seafood, etc. The horseradish root has a much higher culinary value than the horseradish leaf, which is usually discarded with the rest of the aboveground biomass and has no use in the food industry. However, the horseradish leaf can be used in the diet in the form of salad or in the preparation of various dishes, to which it gives a characteristic spicy flavor. The biological activity of horseradish is expressed as antimicrobial, insecticidal, anticoagulant, and gastro-protective effects of isothiocyanates, compounds formed by the hydrolysis of glucosinolates under the action of the enzyme myrosinase. In addition, the horseradish leaf is rich in vitamin C, polyphenols, and flavonoids, which is why it is desirable to press it to obtain juice that can be used in the food industry. Moreover, pressing leaves behind a pomace that could also potentially be used in the food industry. Therefore, this research aimed to analyze the content of phenolic compounds and the antioxidant potential of the horseradish leaves pomace, to achieve the full utilization of the plant and reduce biomass loss. Total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), total phenolic acid content (TPAC), and antioxidant activity (DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP methods) were determined by standard spectrophotometric methods. The results showed that the quantitative content of total phenolic compounds, flavonoids, and phenolic acids in horseradish leaves pomace, after pressing and obtaining juice, was 7825.50 ± 749.20 mg GAE/kg FW (fresh weight - FW), 9460.00 ± 138.60 mg CE/ kg FW and 8905.50 ± 336.90 mg CAE/kg FW, respectively. In the analysis of antioxidant activity, it was found that all three methods indicate the presence of antioxidant potential of horseradish leaves pomace, namely: 9.00

Spray-drying is one of the widely used techniques to extend the shelf-life and easier handling of vegetable juices. However, the high temperatures in the spray-drying chamber may cause the degradation of the bioactive components of the juices. Also, the enzyme activity and sugar content of fresh juices can lead to difficulties in drying and resulting in powders with unfavorable physicochemical properties. To overcome these problems, juices can be encapsulated within various biopolymers. Carbohydrates, maltodextrin, and alginate were used as carriers for the spray-drying encapsulation of bioactive components of various plant juices and extracts. To our knowledge, there are no reported studies on the encapsulation of horseradish root juice within these carriers. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the influence of the maltodextrin/alginate carrier mixture on the physicochemical properties of the horseradish root juice preserved by the spray-drying encapsulation technique. Root juice powder without a carrier (C, control sample) and maltodextrin/alginate encapsulates of root juice (MD/AL) were prepared by spray-drying. The powders were analyzed using standard analytical methods to determine the moisture content, water activity, hygroscopicity, oil holding capacity, bulk, and tapped density. Moisture content, water activity, and hygroscopicity were lower in MD/AL (7.8%, 0.28, 22.9 g/100 g) than in C (10.2%, 0.32, 24.4 g/100 g). MD/AL had a higher oil holding capacity (1.4 g oil/g) compared to C (1.1 g oil/g). The values for bulk and tapped density were for MD/AL 0.5 and 0.7 g/cm3 and C 0.6 and 0.7 g/cm3, respectively. Finally, the encapsulation of horseradish root juice in maltodextrin/alginate resulted in powders with significantly better physicochemical properties than spray-dried horseradish root juice without carrier. Based on this study, it can be concluded that the encapsulation process has great potential for the preservation of vegetable juices and provide

Introduction: A quality voice contributes a lot to communication between people, and is especially important for vocal professionals, among them kindergarten teachers.Many vocal professionals who are less present in public are also exposed to the risk of developing a laryngeal disorder that causes social or emotional anxiety, as well as anxiety due to possible job loss. Objective: The goal of the research is to determine to what extent are kindergarten teachers informed about vocal hygiene and voice and speech disorders with a special reference to the examination of differences in information in relation to gender, age, smoking status, education, work experience, work shift as well as age group of children led by a kindergarten teacher. Method: 46 respondents participated in the research. For the purpose of anylizing the level of awareness of kindergarten teachers about vocal hygiene, the method of non-experimental research was applied, based on a sample- surveying respondents. Vocal hygiene questionnaire was used in the research. Respondents had a task to answer 33 questions about vocal hygiene by marking one of the three answers offered (correct, I don’t know and not correct). Aside from Vocal hygiene questionnaire respondents filled out a questionnaire about sociodemographic characteristics of the general population (gender, age, smoking status, education, work experience, work shift, age group of children led by a kindergarten teacher). Results: The results of the research determined the extent to which kindergarten teachers were informed about vocal hygiene. Descriptive statistics measures were used to display the results. Based on the results shown and by using appropriate statistical methods, the set hypotheses are either accepted or rejected. The research results showed that kindergarten teachers awareness about vocal hygiene and voice disorders was not on satisfactory level. Conclusion: Because of the lack of awareness and informasion about vocal hygiene, i

Lignite and coal waste used as feed fuels in thermal power plants (TPPs) and semi-industrial fluidized bed boiler (FBB), as well as their representative fly ashes (FAs), were examined. Fly ashes were compared employing anions and cations content in correspondent water extracts, trace elements and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon concentrations, as well as health risk assessments of substances known to be of concern for public health. Fluoride and sulfate contents in water extracted FAs are far below the legislation limits for waste, classifying all investigated FAs as non-hazardous. Among investigated trace elements, Cd content is the lowest, while Mn content is the highest. The highest enrichment ratios are noticed for As, Pb, Hg, Cu, V and Cr. The results indicate that total PAHs content is elevated in FA from the combustion of coal waste (AFB), with fluoranthene prevailing. The cancer risk of As and the non-cancer risk of As and Ni in some FAs surpass their respective permissible limits. The incremental lifetime cancer risk of an adult population indicates a potential PAHs risk in AFB, whereas all other fly ashes are within safe limits.

Amaranth microgreens represent a rich source of betalains and phenolic compounds, which show a broad range of positive effects on human health. However, these biocompounds are very sensitive and easily degraded, which often limits their application and bioaccessibility. For the above reasons, natural extracts and juices are most often encapsulated using different carriers, which protect and control the release of bioactive compounds. The aim of this study was to encapsulate cold-pressed amaranth (Amaranthus tricolor L.) microgreens juice using maltodextrin (AMD) and inulin (AIN) as carriers and to investigate total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC) and antioxidant properties (ABTS•+ and FRAP) of obtained spray-dried powders. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on the encapsulation of amaranth microgreens juice. Before analysis, both powders were reconstituted in Milli-Q water (5% solutions) and analyzed using well-known spectrophotometric methods. The results are expressed in mg equivalents (gallic acid, quercetin, Trolox) per 100 g encapsulates. The obtained values for TPC and TFC for AMD were 291.7 ± 3.0 mg GAE/100 g and 291.3 ± 2.5 mg QE/100 g, while values for AIN were 356.9 ± 1.0 mg GAE/100 g and 289.6 ± 3.8 mg QE/100 g. The results of antioxidant activity were as follows: 546.3 ± 12.6 mg TE/100 g (AMD) and 745.2 ± 3.1 mg TE/100 g (AIN) for ABTS•+ and 713.3 ± 8.4 mg TE/100 g (AMD) and 905.1 ± 4.5 mg TE/100 g (AIN) for FRAP. Finally, maltodextrin and inulin can be successfully used for the encapsulation of bioactive compounds of amaranth microgreens. In addition, both powders show good antioxidant properties and can be used in the food industry as potentially novel additives or supplements.

Recently, microgreens have been recognized as a potential food of the future, and their application in the formulation of new products has been scarcely investigated. Only a few studies promote the use of microgreens and sprouts in the formulation of novel products, primarily beverages. The most often cultivated, analyzed and used microgreens are from the Brassicaceae family, because they present a good source of bioactive compounds, primarily glucosinolates, isothiocyanates and phenolic compounds. However, products from these microgreens species have a typical flavor, with herbaceous, grassy and sulphurous notes, often repulsive to consumers. Therefore, this study aims to examine total phenolic (TPC) and flavonoids (TFC) content, as well as antioxidant properties (ABTS•+ and FRAP) of novel sensorially acceptable broccoli microgreens-apple juice (BC-AJ). Previously produced coldpressed broccoli microgreens and apple juices were mixed in the ratios 51% and 49% respectively, and further analyzed by well-known spectrophotometric methods such as Folin- Ciocalteu's (TPC) and aluminum chloride (TFC) methods, as well as methods based on radical scavenging (ABTS•+) and ion reducing (FRAP) activities for evaluation of antioxidant properties. Results for the TPC and TFC of BC-AJ were 109.78 ± 1.08 mg GAE/100 mL and 64.68 ± 2.25 mg QE/100 mL, respectively. Furthermore, novel BC-AJ had a good ability to scavenge ABTS•+ radicals (162.90 ± 4.42 mg TE/100 mL) and a tendency to reduce [Fe3+- (TPTZ)2]3+ complexes (258.50 ± 3.26 mg TE/100 mL), probably due to the most diverse of phenolic compounds originated from broccoli and apple. Finally, broccoli microgreens-apple juice has a high content of phenolic compounds and good antioxidant properties, so it can be considered as a potentially functional beverage, but future research that includes additional in vitro and in vivo studies is necessary.

Lignite and coal waste used as feed fuels in thermal power plants (TPPs) and semi-industrial fluidized bed boiler (FBB), as well as their representative fly ashes (FAs), were examined. Fly ashes were compared employing anions and cations content in correspondent water extracts, trace elements and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon concentrations, as well as health risk assessments of substances known to be of concern for public health. Fluoride and sulfate contents in water extracted FAs are far below the legislation limits for waste, classifying all investigated FAs as non-hazardous. Among investigated trace elements, Cd content is the lowest, while Mn content is the highest. The highest enrichment ratios are noticed for As, Pb, Hg, Cu, V and Cr. The results indicate that total PAHs content is elevated in FA from the combustion of coal waste (AFB), with fluoranthene prevailing. The cancer risk of As and the non- -cancer risk of As and Ni in some FAs surpass their respective permissible limits. The incremental lifetime cancer risk of an adult population indicates a potential PAHs risk in AFB, whereas all other fly ashes are within safe limits., U ovom radu, ispitivana su goriva (lignit i otpadni ugalj) koja se koriste u termoelektranama i poluindustrijskom postrojenju sa fluidizovanim slojem, kao i leteći pepeli dobijeni njihovim sagorevanjem. Leteći pepeli su upoređeni na osnovu: sadržaja anjona i katjona u njihovim vodenim ekstraktima, koncentracije elemenata u tragovima i policikličnih aromatičnih ugljovodonika (PAH), kao i procene zdravstvenog rizika koji potiče od prethodno pomenutih potencijalno opasnih supstanci. Sadržaj fluorida i sulfata u vodenim ekstraktima letećih pepela daleko je ispod zakonski dozvoljenih granica za otpad, na osnovu čega se mogu svrstati u bezopasne. Od ispitivanih elemenata u tragovima, sadržaj Cd je najniži, dok je koncentracija Mn najviša. Najveće obogaćenje pepela u odnosu na odgovarajući ugalj, primećeno je za As, Pb, Hg, Cu, V i Cr. Na osnovu dobijenih rezultata pokazano je da je ukupni sadržaj PAH najveći za leteći pepeo dobijen sagorevanjem otpadnog uglja. Među ispitivanim PAH, najvišu koncentraciju ima fluoranten. Rizici koji potiču od arsena (među kancerogenim elementima), kao i arsena i nikla (među nekancerogenim elementima), premašuju dozvoljene granične vrednosti. Vrednost procenjenog rizika od raka kod odrasle populacije u slučaju PAH, pokazuje da za leteći pepeo dobijen sagorevanjem otpadnog uglja postoji potencijalni rizik, dok su vrednosti za ostale pepele unutar dozvoljenih granica.

Despite many benefits of agricultural biomass utilization as an energy source, there are certain disadvantages such as the possible high emission of NOx. The NOx emission represents one of the key challenges for agricultural biomass use as a fuel. The experimental denitrification chamber was used to evaluate the impact of initial NO content, NH3:NO molar ratio, flue gas temperature, and the temperature difference between two denitrification chamber sections on NOx reduction using ammonia aqueous solution. The optimization of experimental conditions was done in the NO concentration range from 200-800 ppm, NH3:NO molar ratios from 0.31-3 and second chamber section temperature range from 770-67°C. The denitrification process under controlled conditions is the starting point for the optimization of the secondary denitrification technique of selective non-catalytic reduction SNCR process on real-scale plants combusting biomass or any other fuels with increased NOx emission.

Emission factors (EFs) of gaseous pollutants, particulate matter, certain harmful trace elements, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) from three thermal power plants (TPPs) and semi-industrial fluidized bed boiler (FBB) were compared. EFs of particulate matter, trace elements (except Cd and Pb), benzo[a]pyrene, and benzo[b]fluoranthene exceed the upper limits specified in the EMEP inventory guidebook for all combustion facilities. The comparison of trace elements and PAHs content in fly ashes (FAs) from lignite and coal waste combustion in TPPs and FBB, respectively, as well as the potential environmental impact of FAs disposal, was performed by employing a set of ecological indicators such as crustal enrichment factor, risk assessment code, risk indices for trace elements, and benzo[a]pyrene equivalent concentration for PAHs. Sequential analysis shows that the trace elements portion is the lowest for water-soluble and exchangeable fractions. The highest enrichment levels in FAs are noticed for As and Hg. Based on toxic trace elements content, FAs from TPPs represent a very high ecological risk, whereas fly ash from FBB poses a moderate ecological risk but has the highest benzo[a]pyrene equivalent concentration, indicating its increased carcinogenic potential. Lead isotope ratios for Serbian coals and FAs can contribute to a lead pollution global database.

Emission factors (EFs) of gaseous pollutants, particulate matter, certain harmful trace elements, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) from three thermal power plants (TPPs) and semi-industrial fluidized bed boiler (FBB) were compared. EFs of particulate matter, trace elements (except Cd and Pb), benzo[a]pyrene, and benzo[b]fluoranthene exceed the upper limits specified in the EMEP inventory guidebook for all combustion facilities. The comparison of trace elements and PAHs content in fly ashes (FAs) from lignite and coal waste combustion in TPPs and FBB, respectively, as well as the potential environmental impact of FAs disposal, was performed by employing a set of ecological indicators such as crustal enrichment factor, risk assessment code, risk indices for trace elements, and benzo[a]pyrene equivalent concentration for PAHs. Sequential analysis shows that the trace elements portion is the lowest for water-soluble and exchangeable fractions. The highest enrichment levels in FAs are noticed for As and Hg. Based on toxic trace elements content, FAs from TPPs represent a very high ecological risk, whereas fly ash from FBB poses a moderate ecological risk but has the highest benzo[a]pyrene equivalent concentration, indicating its increased carcinogenic potential. Lead isotope ratios for Serbian coals and FAs can contribute to a lead pollution global database.

Predmet ovog istraživanja je formiranje modela preliminarne procjene rizika za proces građenja postrojenja za prečišćavanje otpadnih voda (u daljem tekstu PPOV). To podrazumijeva identifikaciju, analizu i evaluaciju, tj procjenu i ocjenu značaja pojedinih rizika građenja PPOV. Na osnovu dobijenih podataka formira se model preliminarne procjene rizika za proces građenja. Da bi se došlo do neophodnih podataka za formiranje modela koristi se Delfi metoda (metoda ekspertske ocjene). Eksperti predstavljaju tim formiran od grupe eminentnih stručnjaka iz različitih oblasti značajnih za izgradnju objekata za prečišćavanja otpadnih voda. Ovi stručnjaci su birani na osnovu definisanih kriterijuma i klasifikovani kao eksperti. Eksperti u Delfi metodi treba da postignu konsenzus i nakon toga je potrebno verifikovati predloženi model prelimarne procjene rizika za proces građenja PPOV. Takav verifikovani model može da se uvrsti u procedure upravljanja rizicima u okviru upravljanja projektima izgradnje PPOV., The subject of this research is proposing of a new model of preliminary risk assessment of wastewater treatment plants construction (hereinafter WWTP). This implies identification, analysis and evaluation, ie. assessing and evaluating the importance of the risks during construction of WWTP. Based on the data obtained, a model of preliminary risk assessment for construction is formed. In order to get the necessary data to form a model, the Delphi method is used (the method of expert assessment). Expert team is formed as a group of eminent experts from different fields important for the construction of wastewater treatment facilities. These experts were elected based on defined criteria and classified as experts. Experts in the Delphi method should reach a consensus and after that it is necessary to verify the model of proposed preliminary risk assessment of WWTP construction. Such a verified model can be included in risk management procedures as part of the management of WWTP construction projects.

Agricultural biomass is considered a preferred RES in Serbia because of its availability and suitability to limit the use of fossil fuel resources and reduce GHG emissions. Therefore, constant work has been done to develop technologies that enable its utilization for energy purposes. As an example of these efforts, in the Agricultural Corporation PKB, the soybean straw cigarette-type combustion system has been applied for greenhouse heating for over a decade. However, many volatile and semivolatile organic compounds are emitted directly into the atmosphere or concentrated in ash particles during agricultural biomass combustion. Since some of the emitted compounds, such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), are toxic, monitoring their concentrations in fly ash is recommended. Literature data regarding PAHs content in agricultural biomass ashes are insubstantial, especially in Serbia. For that purpose, PAHs contents in the cyclone and stack fly ashes of soybean straw were investigated and compared. In addition, the emission factors, toxicity, carcinogenicity and benzo[a]pyrene equivalence concentrations were determined and used to estimate the potential environmental impact of these ashes. As a result, stack ash has been shown to have a higher potential environmental risk than cyclone ash. Hence, an assessment of using soybean straw as a feed fuel in a real cigarette-type combustion plant regarding PAHs emission is given. These results provide important information for optimizing combustion conditions and assisting the local entities in managing air pollution and control policies in Serbia.

Povrće predstavlja bogat izvor vitamina, mineralnih materija i dijetnih vlakana, a leguminoze sadrže i značajne količine proteina visoke biološke vrednosti. Konzumiranjem svežeg povrća obezbeđen je unos brojnih bioaktivnih komponenti koje imaju pozitivan efekat na ljudsko zdravlje. Međutim, većina povrća se mora na neki način preraditi, s ciljem povećanja iskoristivosti i svarljivosti, kao i dobijanja potrebnih tehnoloških karakteristika. Pri toplotnoj obradi dolazi do degradacije termolabilnih komponenti, što u osnovi znači da će se pri operacijama blanširanja i kuvanja, usled ekstrakcije, smanjiti sadržaj hidrosolubilnih vitamina (C, B-kompleks), a da će se pri operacijama prženja smanjiti sadržaj liposolubilnih vitamina (A, D, E, K). Na stabilnost vitamina pri preradi, osim temperature, utiču i pH vrednost, sadržaj mineralnih materija, prisustvo kiseonika i dejstvo UV zračenja. Karotenoidi su grupa hemijskih jedinjenja koja predstavljaju bojene pigmente povrća i voća (mrkva, paradajz, tikva, paprika i dr). U ovu grupu spadaju i jedinjenja koja imaju provitaminsku aktivnost, od kojih je najznačajniji ß-karoten, provitamin vitamina A. Utvrđeno je da se sadržaj ukupnih karotenoida u tikvi, podvrgnutoj različitim načinima toplotne obrade, značajno smanjio u odnosu na sirovu (za 61,5 – 68,5%), a da je pri operaciji kuvanja gubitak iznosio 7 – 10% više u odnosu na toplotnu obradu u konvencionalnoj i mikrotalasnoj pećnici. Tokom toplotne obrade povrća dešavaju se određene promene i na dijetnim vlaknima. Utvrđeno je da se kuvano povrće lakše i brže vari u odnosu na sirovo. Pri kuvanju kupusa i mrkve, lignin i hemiceluloza ostaju nepromenjeni, dok se značajna promena dešava na celulozi i pektinu. Toplotnom obradom povrća u vlažnoj sredini, dolazi do delimične hidrolize molekula protopektina, nastaje pektin, koji povećava viskozitet rastvora. Vlakna, koja su nerastvorljiva u vodi, delimično se razlažu, a posledica ovih promena je omekšavanje plodova. Pored promene konziste

INTRODUCTION: The quest for foods that have a health-promoting impact began many years ago as a functional food. Nowadays, the varieties of food products and food ingredients are more about how they impact the health and well-being of consumers. Throughout history, herbs have been used to add taste and/or preservation to foods. The creative use of herbs can make food much more enjoyable, and not less healthy. Various herbal infusions can be added to beverage compositions to increase nutritional qualities and health benefits while maintaining a sensory and pleasant balance throughout the fortification process. OBJECTIVES: The primary objective of the study was to develop and manufacture specialty drinks made from fruit juices and extracts of medicinal and aromatic plants that had a high concentration of biologically active chemicals and a high antioxidant activity. Three types of soft drinks have been developed: those with potentially targeted physiologically beneficial effects on metabolism, cardiovascular system, and body resistance, as well as those with medicinal and aromatic herbs whose positive healing effects have already been documented in previous research. METHOD / DESIGN: Fruit juices were made by mechanically processing mature fruits, that have not been fermented and have been preserved only via physical methods. The plant material was dried in ambient conditions and ground shortly before extraction. A single percolation method was used to create liquid plant extracts. Extracts of medicinal and aromatic herbs were mixed in combinations with specific functional characteristics sensory acceptable and compatible with fruit blends. Total flavonoid content, polyphenols, and antioxidant capacity were determined. RESULTS: Plant extracts and fruit juices were first classified in terms of total phenols, and their antioxidant activity was assessed using the FRAP and DPPH tests. The total antioxidant activity determined by the FRAP assay and the antioxidant activity

The pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) is vegetables commonly used in the human diet. Due to its exceptional sensory and nutritional properties, it is readily consumed both fresh and processed into various ready meals, pickling, salads, dried spices, etc. There are a large number of cultivars of peppers that differ in shape, size, color, aroma, degree of hotness, etc. The pepper is rich source of carotenoids, vitamins, mineral matter, carbohydrates, organic acids and aromatic components. Numerous bioactive compounds found in pepper, such as vitamin C (ascorbic acid), contribute to its high antioxidant activity. The aim of this study was to determine the vitamin C content after different heat treatments commonly used in industrial processing of peppers, as well as in the household. The domestic cultivar “Elephant ear” was subjected to tree different thermal treatments: 1) cooked in closed and opened dish, 2) roasting in microwave oven and on the hob, and 3) frying in sunflower oil, during 15 minutes. The content of vitamin C was determined using indirect iodimetry method. The results were expressed in mg/100 g dry basis (d.b.) and compared with the fresh pepper used as a control. The content of vitamin C in the fresh sample was 1295.38 mg/100 g d.b., while in the peppers cooked in closed and opened dish its value was 1007.58 and 615.17 mg/100 g d.b., respectively. In the pepper threated in microwave oven and on the hob, the content of vitamin C was 494.51 and 1201.40 mg/100 g d.b., respectively, while its value in the fried sample was 443.65 mg/100 g d.b. The highest loss of vitamin C was observed after frying treatment (65.75%), while the lowest loss was recorded in the sample roasting on the hob (7.26%), in relation to the initial amount in unprocessed pepper. Also, the results of vitamin C content indicate that its loss was higher when the thermal treatment was performed in an opened then in the closed dish probably due to the increased presence of oxygen that may intens