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The paper deals with the characteristics of synthesized glass-ceramics obtained by sintering a mixture of final flotation waste (FFW) with tuff at 1260?C for 7 h, followed by the annealing of pressed samples at 1080oC for 36 h. The experiments were done in order to find the possibility for the valorization of waste material (FFW). By thermal treatment of mixtures of T20 (20 % tuff, 80 % FFW) and T40 (40 % tuff, 60 % FFW) to a temperature of 1260oC over a period of 7 hours, is obtained glass-ceramics with dendritic structure. The synthesized glass-ceramics consists of two phases: iron oxide crystals (maghemite, magnetite, and hematite) and glass with an approximate ratio of phases 32/68 (T20) and 23/77 (T40), respectively. The relatively small shrinkage of the synthesized material (up to 7 %) enables reliable control when designing a given shape indicating that such glass-ceramics can be used as a basis for obtaining construction material. The synthesis of pressed samples of mixtures (T20 and T40) at 1080oC for 36 h produces glass-ceramics that have a high coefficient of sound attenuation, which indicates good acoustic insulating properties.

Numerous studies have reported that particulate matter and its specific chemical constituents were linked to the incidence of respiratory diseases and mortality and lung function. The main aim of this study is to determine metallic content in PM10 and PM2.5 samples taken simultaneously at several locations in the close vicinity of the copper smelter in Bor and the influence of outdoor PM pollution on indoor PM levels. The measurement campaign was conducted, during the non-heating season of 2020. PM samples were collected at all sampling sites with low-volume samplers (Sven/Leckel LVS3) on quartz fiber filters (Whatman QMA, 47mm). All samples were analyzed by Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP MS). In this way, the mass concentrations of 4 priority elements (As, Cd, Pb, and Ni) in PM samples were identified and quantified. It has been determined that average indoor PM levels in the laboratory were higher than outdoors. A strong correlation was found between PM10 and PM2.5 particle levels inside the laboratory and in the outdoor air. Also, a very strong correlation was found between the levels of Pb, Ni, As, and Cd determined in PM10 and PM2.5 samples inside the laboratory and in the outdoor air. This confirms that mentioned elements originate from the same sources located in the copper smelter complex.

The European initiatives for citizens? inclusion in the air quality monitoring process have impacted the participants? knowledge, and attitudes towards air pollution and have led to a higher sense of community toward activities and measures against air pollution. In the Republic of Serbia, an experiment with self-made sensor kits "Klimerko - Air to the Citizens" started in 2018. In this paper, we have presented the level of agreement of the PM readings from selected Klimerko devices to the PM readings of the reference equivalent PM monitors from the National Air Quality Monitoring Network in the cities of Bor and Belgrade. The Klimerko devices that we tested showed excellent stability and reliability during the comparison period. The conclusion of our investigation is that the properly calibrated Klimerko devices could be applied for indicative measurements of PM mass concentrations in the ambient air.

National systems of automatic air quality monitoring are based on automatic measuring instruments that are installed in stationary air quality monitoring stations. Substantial financial resources are required for the procurement, installation, calibration, and maintenance of such measuring devices. For this reason, existing national and local air quality monitoring networks are not able to provide a high temporal and spatial resolution of measurement results. In the last decade, as a possible alternative to the conventional approach to air quality monitoring, real-time monitoring systems using low cost sensors and sensor platforms have begun to be applied. This paper describes the basic characteristics of a portable air quality monitor PAQMAN 2020 based on low-cost sensors. Part of the results of comparative measurements of this device with the reference instruments is presented in the paper.

The concentrations of four cancerogenic elements (Pb, Cd, Ni, and As) determined in PM10 at three locations in the urban areas near the copper smelter in Bor (Serbia) were analyzed in the period from January 2017 to May 2020. The aim of this research was to examine the correlations between the selected elements and to compare them with those obtained previously. The reason for this is the fact that the new copper smelter started operating in Bor in 2016. The results presented here showed that the average content of As in PM10 was over the annual national limit at all sampling points for the total period of observation, as well the contents of Cd in PM10 at the sampling point Jugopetrol. The content of Pb in PM10 was over the annual limit only at sampling point Jugoperol. The correlations between the As-Pb, As-Cd, and Cd-Pb, at all sampling points, mostly vary from very strong (r>0.8) and strong (0.8>r>0.6) to moderate (0.6>r>0.4). Also, compared to previously obtained results, these correlations are generally stronger. Such results indicate that As, Cd, and Pb determined in PM10 mostly originate from the same source, the copper smelter in Bor. Opposite to that, correlations of Ni with other selected elements are mostly very weak (r

This paper presents the PM10 and PM2.5 concentrations and results of chemical analyses of PM samples collected at the public library in Bor town, Serbia. Two sampling campaigns were carried out during six consecutive working days in June 2015 and in March 2016. The results show that PM10 and PM2.5 concentrations in the library were strongly connected with the respective PM concentrations in ambient air. So, most PM particles in the library originate from the outdoor air. High PM2.5/PM10 ratios in both indoor and outdoor environments indicate the considerable influence of anthropogenic air pollution sources, in this case, metallurgical processes in copper smelting plants. Because the new copper smelting plant started operating in 2016, it is necessary to conduct a new measurement campaign to determine whether there are changes in the concentration levels and chemical composition of PM in the indoor air of public and residential buildings in Bor

Besides the evident harmful impact to human health, black carbon (BC) is considered as second important contributor to climate change due to its sunlight absorption and warming effects. It is a major component of fine atmospheric particulate matter emitted during the incomplete combustion of fossil fuels and biomass burning emissions from both natural and anthropogenic sources. Atmospheric carbon was recognized in forms of soot, black carbon, elemental carbon, inorganic carbon, organic carbon, brown carbon, etc, depending on the origin and absorption characteristics. Measurement methodologies for BC analysis in aerosol samples are mostly based on optical and thermal properties of carbon species. Here are presented results of the application of the optical analytical technique which relies on the multi-wavelenght light attenuation by black carbon component of fine particulate matter deposited on filter media. For that purpose, standard polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), quartz and carbon nanotube filters with different qualitative features and pore diameters were exposed to fine aerosol fraction at urban background monitoring site in heating and non heating seasons, using low-volume air samplers with 2.3 m3/h air flow. A multi wavelength absorption black carbon instrument (MABI) with 405 nm, 465 nm, 525 nm, 639 nm, 870 nm, 940 nm and 1050 nm LEDs was used for blank and exposed filters analysis and black carbon evaluation. Differences in obtained BC values are discussed in relation to various absorption potential of different filter media, taking into account absorption coefficients dependence on the wavelength and density. Main advantage of this method is simplicity and complementarity with nondestructive nuclear analytical techniques (EDXRF, PIXE) for elemental analysis of fine aerosol fraction on specific filter media. Differentiation between black carbon coming from fossil fuels combustion and from biomass burning sources would be additional information valuable for source apportionment analysis using positive matrix factorization and reliable discussion of air pollution observed at selected receptor site. IX International Conference on Radiation in Various Fields of Research : RAD 2021 : book of abstracts; June 14-18, 2021; Herceg Novi, Montenegro

This extensive study considered the air pollution data after the flash smelting technology for copper production had become fully operational. The assessment of the air quality after the implementation was significantly important, since the modernisation was necessary for reducing the environmental contamination in one of the most polluted regions in South-Eastern Europe. The concentrations of SO2, PM10 and toxic elements (As, Pb, Cd, Ni) in PM10 samples were monitored at different sites, with respect to the copper smelter, in the period 2016–2019. The air quality evaluation was performed concerning the corresponding limit and target values defined by the Serbian and European legislation, as well as the World Health Organization Air Quality Guidelines (WHO AQG). The measured SO2 concentrations indicated frequent exceedances of the defined daily and annual limit values, at both national and European level. Although exceedances were not as pronounced as in the period before the implementation of the new technology, the episodes of extreme air pollution with SO2 persisted on the daily basis. The maximum daily SO2 concentration of 2125 μg m−3 was more than 100 times higher compared to the WHO AQG, but lower compared to the period before the implementation of the flash smelting technology. The air quality considering PM10 and especially As levels in PM10 samples was notably poorer after the modernisation. The annual target value for As, defined by the European and Serbian Regulation, was exceeded at all the measuring sites, with maximum exceedance of more than 90 times at the suburban site during 2019. The frequent exceedances of the corresponding annual limit and target values were also denoted for Pb and Cd in PM10 samples. The analysed data emphasised that the Bor area could still be characterised as an environmental hotspot in Serbia and beyond.

This work describes the investigation of the final flotation waste (FFW), originating from the RTB Bor Company (Serbia), as the main component for the production of glass-ceramic materials. The glass-ceramics was synthesized by the sintering of FFW, mixtures of FFW with basalt (10%, 20%, and 40%), and mixtures of FFW with tuff (20% and 40%). The sintering was conducted at the different temperatures and with the different time duration in order to find the optimal composition and conditions for crystallization. The increase of temperature, from 1100 to 1480°C, and sintering time, from 4 to 6h resulted in a higher content of hematite crystal in the obtained glass-ceramic (up to 44%). The glass-ceramics sintered from pure FFW (1080°C/36h) has good mechanical properties, such as high propagation speed (4500 m/s) and hardness (10800 MPa), as well as very good thermal stability. The glass-ceramics obtained from mixtures shows weaker mechanical properties compared to that obtained from pure FFW. The mixtures of FFW with tuff have a significantly lower bulk density compared to other obtained glass-ceramics. Our results indicate that FFW can be applied as a basis for obtaining the construction materials. [Project of the Serbian Ministry of Education, Science and Technological Development, Grant no. 176010: Composition, genesis, application, and contribution to the environmental sustainability]

In this study, the behavior of glass-ceramics synthesized from a glass frit of FFW (Final Flotation Waste) originated from the RTB Bor Company was investigated. Thermal shock resistance was monitored in order to assess the possibility of application of such waste material. Thermal shock of the samples was conducted using water quench test. Image analysis and ultrasonic measurements were used as nondestructive methods for quantification of thermal shock damage at the surface and in the bulk of the specimens. Phase composition of samples was determined by X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD). The degradation level of samples was about 43 % after 20 cycles of water quench tests. The results pointed out that glass-ceramic material exhibited good thermal shock resistance. [Project of the Serbian Ministry of Education, Science and Technological Development, Grant no. OI176010 and Grant no. III45012]

In this paper the analysis of atmospheric deposition fluxes of Pb, Cd, Ni, and As in the Bor town (Serbia) is presented for the period 2011-2020. The results of measurements from the period of operation of the old smelter (2011-2015) were compared with the results of measurements during the period of operation of the new smelter (2016-2020). As a result of changes in the copper smelting technology and the better treatment of waste gases in the smelter, the average level of the total atmospheric depositon (TAD) was reduced by 63% in the period 2016-2020. The reduction of atmospheric deposition fluxes of Pb (59%), Cd (34%), and As (65%) are detected at all sampling points in the period 2016-2020. In contrast, the fluxes of Ni were increased (211%). Also, pH values of TAD have been changed at all sampling points from acidic (5.7 pH), during the period of operation of the old smelter, to alkaline (7.7 pH) in the period of operation of the new smelter.The presence of a very strong (r>0.8) and strong (0.8>r>0.6) Pearson correlation between the atmospheric deposition fluxes of cancerogenic elements were determined at all sampling points during the period 2016-2020, as opposed to the period 2011-2015 where these correlations were weak (r

In this paper, the analysis of SO2 concentrations in the Bor town (Serbia) is presented for the period 2011-2020. The results of measurements from the period of operation of the old copper smelter (2011-2015) were compared with the results of measurements during the period of operation of the new copper smelter (2016-2020). As a result of changes in the copper smelting technology and the better treatment of waste gases in the smelter, on average, the level of SO2 was reduced by 67% in the period 2016-2020 compared with the SO2 level in the period 2011-2015. The presence of a weak (r

Urban airborne particles contain a wide spectrum of components, known to have harmful effects on human health. This study reports a detailed investigation of fine particulate matter (PM2.5), chemical content and oxidative potential derived from two different urban environments. During summer and winter, 20-day campaigns were conducted at Belgrade city center (urban-background site – UB) and Bor (urban-industrial site – UI). Using various analytical techniques, carbonaceous compounds, water-soluble inorganic ions, major and trace elements were determined, while the oxidative potential of PM2.5 was estimated by dichloro-dihydro-fluorescein diacetate (DCFH-DA) assay (OPDCFH values). The mean PM2.5 concentrations in both urban environments were above the recommended daily value, and the dominant PM2.5 mass contributor was organic matter (29–55%). The OC/EC ratio was significantly higher at UB site during winter, which was an indication of a considerable contribution of secondary organic carbon to the overall organic carbon (OC). Water-soluble organic carbon (WSOC) was also higher at UB than at UI site, and it probably came from the same sources as OC. In general, the different partition of secondary organic aerosol (SOA) in warm and cold periods affected the number of organic components. Sulfates and nitrates were the most abundant ions at both sites and they counted approximately 40% (summer) and 50% (winter) of total ions. Further, the concentrations of the most elements, particularly some potentially carcinogenic elements such as As, Cd and Pb were significantly higher at UI, due to the emissions from the copper smelter complex in the vicinity. The mean OPDCFH values were similar during the summer at both sampling sites, whereas a statistically significant difference between sites was noticed in favor of UB environment in winter.

The influence of a new smelting technology in the Copper Smelter Bor on the content and chemical composition (As, Cd, Ni, Pb) of the total atmospheric deposition (TAD) in the Bor town urban areas was analyzed in this paper. The results of measurements the TAD in the period 2014-2015 (old smelting technology) were compared with the results for the period 2016-2017 (new smelting technology). The analysis was carried out for three locations in the Bor town (Technical Faculty - TF, Town Park - TP, and Mining and Metallurgy Institute Bor - IN). As a result of changes in the smelting technology and better treatment of waste gases, predominantly SO2, the pH values of the TAD have changed at all sampling points from acid (5.8 pH) to base (7.8 pH). The increase in the As content as well as the reduction of Cd content in the TAD was also detected at all sampling points while the Ni and Pb contents in the TAD have been slightly changed in the observed period. At the sampling points of the TF and TP, the maximum permissible concentration of the TAD (200 mg·m-2·day-1) for the annual averaging period is exceeded, during the old smelter operation. As a result of better treatment of the smelter waste gases in 2017, only one exceeding of the maximum allowed concentration of the TAD (450 mg·m-2·day-1) in monthly samples was recorded (at the sampling point TF). Only at the TF, the maximum permissible concentration for the annual averaging period is exceeded in 2017. The presence of a very strong (r> 0.8) and strong (0.8 >r>0.6) Pearson correlation between the heavy metals determined in the TAD was observed at all sampling points during the new smelter working period, as opposed to the old smelter working period when these correlations were weaker.

In the copper extraction, especially during the process of flotation enrichment and the pyrometallurgical processing, the waste materials that represent huge polluters of environment are being generated. In order to examine the application of Final flotation waste (FFW) in the manufacturing of new materials from the glass-ceramic group phase and mineral composition were examined as well as thermal properties. FFW kinetics of sintering has been tested at different dyamics (1°C/min, 29°C/min and 43°C/min), in order to find the optimum conditions for sintering with a minimum amount of energy and time consumption. The samples were examined using: X-ray diffraction, X-ray fluorescence analysis, SEM (Scanning Electron Microscopy) and thermal microscopy. The best results for the production of glass ceramic materials were obtained during the sintering at heating regime of 29°C/min. [Projekat Ministarstva nauke Republike Srbije, br. 176010]

The most of previously realized and implemented Distributed Control Systems (DCS) for the electricity consumption control are based on a control at the transformer substations level (transformer output cells level). In order to make such DCS systems, applicable to a wide variety of consumers, the new components are added into the existed DCS (transducers, controllers, communication modules, etc.). In that way, the realized DCS becomes easily applicable to almost all types of electricity consumers. Also, the DCS should be low-cost, to be available to the targeted customer groups. This paper presents the characteristics of recently realized transducer (AC current to DC voltage). The application of such device in the realized DCS enables measurement the electricity consumption of almost all electrical consumers in the industrial facilities, as well as in the households.

Mass concentrations of particulate matter (PM) fractions were measured in educational buildings in the city of Nis, Serbia. Two sampling campaigns were conducted in winter periods. The first campaign was in the period from 21 February to 15 April 2010 at the Faculty of Occupational Safety (FOS) and the second campaign was from 20 March to 4 April 2013 at the primary school Void Karadorde (VK). PM measurements were carried out with low volume samplers Sven/Leckel LVS3. The average daily PM10 concentration inside the FOS (47.0 +/- 21.8 mu g/m(3)) was lower than PM10 concentration in outdoor air (50.7 +/- 28.1 mu g/m(3)). The average daily PM10 concentration inside the VK (54.6 +/- 17.6 mu g/m(3)) was higher than in outdoor air (47.9 +/- 22.8 mu g/m(3)). The 24-hours, average PM10 concentrations at FOS exceeded the EU limit value (50 mu g/m(3)) during 34% of days outdoors and 39% of days indoors. The 24-hours average PM10 concentrations at VK exceeded the limit value during 35% of days outdoors and 53% of days indoors. The 24-hours average PM2.5 concentrations at VK exceeded the WHO daily mean guideline value (25 mu g/m(3)) during 71% of days outdoors and 88% of days indoors. The average PM10 I/O ratio at VK was 1.57 during teaching hours, and 1.00 during no teaching hours. Similarly, average PM2.5 I/O ratio at VK was 1.11 during teaching hours and 0.90 during no teaching hours. Average daily PM2.5/PM10 ratio in the ambient air at VK was 0.87 and 0.82 at FOS. Very strong correlations between the indoor and outdoor PM concentrations were observed at VK during no teaching hours (r gt 0.8). Moderate to strong negative correlations were found between the wind speed and PM at both schools. High outdoor PM concentrations and resuspension of particles are possible reasons for the elevated indoor PM concentrations found in the study. U radu su prikazani rezultati merenja suspendovanih čestica frakcija PM10 i PM2.5 u dve izabrane obrazovne ustanove u Nišu. Kampanje merenja sprovedene su u zimskom periodu. Prva u periodu od 21.02. do 15.04.2010. na Fakultetu zaštite na radu (FOS), a druga u periodu od 20.03. do 04.04.2013. u osnovnoj školi Vožd Karađorđe (VK). Uzorkovanje suspendovanih čestica vršeno je uzorkivačima Sven/Leckel LVS3, simultano, unutar i izvan odabranih ustanova. Prosečna dnevna koncentracija čestica PM10 unutar objekta FOS (47,0±21,8 μg/m3) bila je niža u odnosu na prosečnu dnevnu koncentraciju PM10 u ambijentalnom vazduhu (50,7±28,1 μg/m3). Prosečna dnevna koncentracija čestica PM10 unutar objekta VK (54.6±17.6 μg/m3) bila je viša u odnosu na prosečnu dnevnu koncentraciju PM10 u ambijentalnom vazduhu (47.9±22.8 μg/m3). Srednje dnevne koncentracije čestica PM10 izmerene na lokaciji FOS u ambijentalnom vazduhu prelazile su dnevnu graničnu vrednost (50 ìg/m3) tokom 34% dana trajanja kampanje merenja. Srednje dnevne koncentracije čestica PM10 izmerene unutar objekta FOS prelazile su dnevnu graničnu vrednost tokom 39% dana trajanja kampanje merenja. Srednje dnevne koncentracije čestica PM10 izmerene na lokaciji VK u ambijentalnom vazduhu prelazile su dnevnu graničnu vrednost tokom 35% dana trajanja kampanje merenja, odnosno tokom 53% dana trajanja kampanje u unutrašnjosti objekta VK. Srednje dnevne koncentracije čestica PM2,5 izmerene na lokaciji VK u ambijentalnom vazduhu prelazile su dnevnu graničnu vrednost (25 ìg/m3) tokom 71% dana trajanja kampanje, odnosno tokom 88% dana u unutrašnjosti objekta VK. Prosečan dnevni odnos unutra/spolja čestica frakcije PM10 na lokaciji VK iznosio je 1,57 u vreme nastave, odnosno 1,00 kada nije bilo nastave. Prosečan dnevni odnos unutra/spolja čestica frakcije PM2,5 na lokaciji VK iznosio je 1.11 u vreme nastave, odnosno 0.90 kada nije bilo nastave. Prosečan dnevni odnos PM2,5/PM10 u ambijentalnom vazduhu na lokaciji VK bio je 0,87, odnosno 0,82 na lokaciji FOS. Detektovana je veoma jaka korelacija između koncentracija suspendovanih čestica unutar i izvan objekta VK u periodu kada nije bilo nastave (r gt 0.8). Umerena do jaka korelacija detektovana je između brzine vetra i koncentracija suspendovanih čestica na obe lokacije (FOS i VK). Visoke koncentracije suspendovanih čestica u ambijentalnom vazduhu i resuspenzija čestica najverovatniji su razlog koji utiče na povećane koncentracije suspendovanih čestica u unutrašnjem prostoru posmatranih obrazovnih ustanova.

Indoor air quality (IAQ) is very important for children health and well-being, since children are particularly vulnerable and sensitive on presence of air pollutants. This study was performed in two naturally ventilated schools located in the same municipality. First school is located in urban area, at residential - industrial site, while the other school is situated in rural area. School buildings were chosen based on their urban environment features. The measurements were carried out in heating as well as in non-heating period in duration of five consecutive working days. The objective of the study was to analyze IAQ in the classrooms with special emphasis on levels and diurnal variations of particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), carbon dioxide (CO2) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) in occupied and unoccupied school classrooms. In this paper, the CO2 concentrations were measured at both indoor and outdoor environments. Concentrations of CO2 higher than 1000 ppm were regularly detected in the classrooms during teaching hours. Indoor concentrations of PM10 were not exceeded the guideline, daily average, value of 50 μg/m3. Concentrations of PM2.5 were exceeded the guideline, daily average, value of 25 μg/m3 in both school during heating period. Concentrations NO2 were not exceeded the guideline value of 200 μg/m3. Ventilation rates were calculated and compared with the prescribed limits. In both occupied and unoccupied periods high correlation between CO2 and PM concentrations was determined. [Projekat Ministarstva nauke Republike Srbije, br. III42008]

This study investigated seasonal variation of PAHs and their partition between gas and particulate-bounded phases in indoor and outdoor air in 4 schools In Serbia located at different locations. The sampling campaigns were conducted during one workweek at each school successively. Campaigns were conducted in schools during heating and non-heating seasons in December 2011 and June 2012. Seasonal variations of gas and particle-bounded PAHs concentrations were observed with higher levels during heating season. The highest total PAH values were associated with the gas phase in both sampling periods. The total PAHs concentration at indoor and at the outdoor sites, during heating season, ranged from 88.45 to 447.72 ng/m(3) and 201.69 to 1017.15 ng/m(3), respectively. During non-heating season, the total PAHs concentration ranged from 36.91 to 271.57 ng/m(3) in Indoor environment and 27.00 to 132.32 ng/m(3) in outdoor environment. Most of the I/O ratios were less than 1, which indicated that the indoor PAHs were mostly from outdoor sources. The use of diagnostic ratio showed that traffic emission and coal combustion are the major sources of PAHs. Only the diagnostic ratios for the school located near the industrial area showed significant deviation compared to other schools. U ovom radu su istraživane sezonske promene PAH i njihova raspodela, u gasnoj fazi i respirabilnim česticama u vazduhu unutrašnjeg prostora i spoljašnje sredine u 4 škole u Srbiji koje se nalaze na različitim lokacijama. Kampanja uzorkovanja je sprovedena tokom jedne radne nedelje u toku grejnog i negrejnog perioda (od decembra 2011. do juna 2012.) u svakoj školi. Uočene su sezonske promene nivoa PAH u gasnoj fazi i česticama, sa višim koncentracijama tokom grejnog perioda. Izmerena je veća vrednost zbira ukupnih PAH tokom oba perioda u gasnoj fazi nego PAH u česticama. Ukupna koncentracija PAH tokom grejnog perioda u unutrašnjem prostoru se kretala u opsegu od 88,45 do 447,72 ng/m3, a u spoljašnjoj sredini od 201,69 do 1017,15 ng/m3. Tokom negrejnog perioda, ukupna koncentracija PAH-ova je bila 36,91-271,57 ng/m3 u unutrašnjem prostoru, dok je u spoljašnjoj sredini bila 27,00-132,32 ng/m3. Većina I/O odnosa je bila manja od 1, što ukazuje da PAH u unutrašnjem prostoru uglavnom potiču iz spoljašnjeg vazduha. Na osnovu dijagnostičkih odnosa zaključeno je da su saobraćaj i sagorevanje uglja glavni izvori PAH. Jedino dijagnostički odnosi za školu koja se nalazi u blizini industrijske zone pokazuju značajno odstupanje u poređenju sa drugim školama.

The aim of this paper was to determine the applicability of the automatic monitors for measuring the indoor air pollution with suspended particles, PM10 fraction. The measurement results of the automatic monitor were compared with the results obtained by the reference gravimetric method. Comparative measurements over a period of 50 days were carried out during the winter of 2012 in the Laboratory of Applied Electronics in the Mining and Metallurgy Institute Bor. The analysis showed that there is a strong correlation (R2 = 0.61) between the mean hourly PM10 concentrations, measured by the automatic monitors. The OSIRIS monitor underestimates the 24-h mean PM10 concentrations (the average of 30%) compared to the reference gravimetric method. Contrary to that, the EPAM-5000 monitor overestimates the 24-h mean PM10 concentrations (the average of 40%) compared to the reference gravimetric method. Calibration of the automatic monitors was made on the basis of the results obtained by the gravimetric method. It was determined that both examined automatic monitors are applicable for indicative measurements of PM10 concentrations in the indoor environment. In order to use these automatic monitors in the air pollution health impact studies, it is necessary to calibrate them, on daily basis, with the reference gravimetric method.

The content of As and heavy metals (Pb, Cd, Ni, and Cu) in total suspended particulate (TSP) and PM10 at 3 locations (Park, Institute, and Jugopetrol) near the copper smelter in Bor (Serbia) has been analyzed within the period 2004 to 2015 with the aim of investigating the seasonal and spatial changes of those pollutants in the suspended particles. The content of As in TSP and PM10 was over the annual EU limit value at all measuring points during the entire period of observation, while contents of Cd and Pb were periodically above the annual EU limits. There were no statistically significant seasonal changes between mean levels of the observed elements in the cold (October–March) and warm (April–September) periods during the year. A strong and moderate positive correlation was detected between the concentrations of each particular element (except Ni) at all measuring points. Additionally, Cd was the most enriched element followed by Pb, As, and Cu, while Ni was low-enriched. The constant air pollution with As particles, sometimes in concentrations even 20 times higher than the permitted annual value, requires urgent undertaking of concrete actions in order to reduce anthropogenic emission of suspended particles in Bor.

Sick Building Syndrome (SBS) is a diseases associated with indoor air quality accompanied with various nonspecific symptoms that occur in the occupants of a building. This syndrome has been the subject of serious scientific investigation in the past years, but there are not enough studies in transition countries.The aim of this study was to investigate the symptoms of the syndrome among employees in the commercial centers in Niš, Serbia.MethodsThe cross-sectional study was conducted amongst employees of two commercial centers in the city of Niš, Serbia. In this study the MM-040EA questionnaire was used with two additional questions and 1152 employed were interviewed during the period of three years. Data extracted from the questionnaires were analyzed using the chi-square test and binary logistic regression.ResultsThe prevalence of SBS was high. The most common symptoms reported by employees included high room temperature (74.9%), stuffy air (73.5%), and dry air (75.7%), while rare complaints were towards static electricity (47.3%) and low room temperature (45.2%). Binary logistic regression showed that too low room temperature (p=0.002), dry air (p=0.015), static electricity (p=0.007) and noise (p=0. 024) were the most important factors for the high symptoms score. A relatively small number of sick absence (13.4%) was found among subjects working in the investigated commercial centers.ConclusionThe high prevalence of SBS symptoms in the environment of commercial centers was almost associated with factors of unpleasant microclimate. So improvement of environmental conditions such as increasing the efficiency of the ventilation system, increasing fresh air flow in the sector and noise prevention , as well as enhancing the quality of working life will motivate the employees and increase productivity in the workplace. The occupational health care workers play an important role in educating of workers and their employers.

Air pollution is one of the most important environmental problems in the town of Bor, situated in the eastern of Serbia. The main source of air pollution with sulphur dioxide, heavy metals and other toxic and carcinogenic elements present in particulate matter (PM) and aero sediments is the Copper Mining and Smelting Complex Bor. The distribution of air pollutants is mainly determined by the copper smelter operation mode, as well as by meteorological parameters such as wind speed and direction. While information on air pollution with heavy metals and carcinogenic elements in the form of PM has been monitored and reported for longer period, availability of data related to the relationship between air pollutants and meteorological parameters in the Republic of Serbia is still limited. In the present study, the relationships between daily mean concentrations of SO2 and the speed and wind direction were analysed. The analysis includes data collected in 2011 from the four monitoring stations (Park, Jugopetrol, Institute, and Brezonik) situated in a wider town area. Pearson correlation coefficients between daily average SO2 and daily average speed and direction of winds are calculated. High wind speed reduces SO2 concentration due to the dilution effect. Hence, correlations between SO2 and the speed and direction of winds at almost all monitoring stations were negative, with one exception (Jugopetrol). This could be explained by the fact that winds, blowing from the north-west (NW) direction, carry polluted air towards this station. Moderate negative correlation found between SO2 and wind direction at monitoring station Park. Generally, the observed correlations between SO2 and wind speed and direction are weak, due to frequent changes in SO2 emissions, wind speed and direction during the day.

Accurate monitoring of indoor mass concentrations of particulate matter is very important for health risk assessment as people in developed countries spend approximately 90% of their time indoors. The direct reading, aerosol monitoring device, Turnkey, OSIRIS Particle Monitor (Model 2315) and the European reference low volume sampler, LVS3 (Sven/Leckel LVS3) with size-selective inlets for PM10 and PM2.5 fractions were used to assess the comparability of available optical and gravimetric methods for particulate matter characterization in indoor air. Simultaneous 24-hour samples were collected in an indoor environment for 60 sampling periods in the town of Bor, Serbia. The 24-hour mean PM10 levels from the OSIRIS monitor were well correlated with the LVS3 levels (R-2=0.87) and did not show statistically significant bias. The 24-hour mean PM2.5 levels from the OSIRIS monitor were moderately correlated with the LVS3 levels (R-2=0.71), but show statistically significant bias. The results suggest that the OSIRIS monitor provides sufficiently accurate measurements for PM10. The OSIRIS monitor under-estimated the indoor PM10 concentrations by approximately 12%, relative to the reference LVS3 sampler. The accuracy of PM10 measurements could be further improved through empirical adjustment. For the fine fraction of particulate matter, PM2.5, it was found that the OSIRIS monitor underestimated indoor concentrations by approximately 63%, relative to the reference LVS3 sampler. This could lead to exposure misclassification in health effects studies relying on PM2.5 measurements collected with this instrument in indoor environments. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

In this paper, there are presented levels of twenty one elements (Ag, Al, As, B, Ba, Ca, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Mo, Na, Ni, Pb, S, Se, Sr, and Zn) in PM10 and SO2 concentration measured at the sampling site in an urban area of the town of Bor (40000 inhabitants) in eastern Serbia. Sampling site was located in densely populated city center about 0.65 km far from one of the largest copper mine and cooper smelter in Europe. For the first time PM10 was collected using Europen standard sampler, during preliminar campaing in duration of 7 days in early spring 2009. PM10 were sampled on PTFE memebrane filters and element concentrations quantified by GF AAS and ICP AES. A concentration level and correlations within trace elements, PM10 and SO2 indicated that industrial activates underpinned with metrological conditions of slow wind speed (calm), are the main factors that influence air pollution in densely populated area. It was evident that both, PM10 mass concentration and SO2 concentration once exceeded daily limit values during measuring period of seven days. Strong relationship was found between PM10 and Mn, Mg, Ca and B daily average concentrations. On the other side, SO2 correlated strongly with As, Pb, Cd, Cu and S daily average concentrations. These results confirm relationship between emissions of SO2 from the Copper Smelter Bor, calm meteorological conditions (wind speed less than 0.5 m/sec) with concentration level of carcinogenic substances of arsenic, lead and cadmium in ambient air.

The main aim of this paper is to present the analyses of temporal variations of particulate matter in Bor (Serbia) influenced by the copper production at the Copper Smelter Complex Bor. Particulate emissions are of concern because the presence of fine particles (PM2.5 - particles with diameter less than 2.5 μm) and ultra fine particles (PM0.1 - particles with diameter less than 0.1 μm) assume higher risk for human health. Such particles can penetrate deeper into respiratory organs and, at the same time, a probability for such penetration and deposition in the respiratory system is greater. The analysis is based on the comparison of SO2 and PM measurements at several locations in the area of Bor town in the close vicinity of Copper Smelter. PM concentrations were highly correlated with sulfur dioxide and inversely correlated with local wind speed during pollution episodes. The results presented indicate that the dominant source of coarse and fine particles in Bor town is the Copper Smelting Complex Bor. The most significant factors for particulate matter distribution are meteorological parameters of the wind speed and direction. It was found that the daily limit values exceed of concentrations of PM10 (50 ig/m3) usually occurs due to very high concentrations in a period of several hours during the day.

This paper describes the application of Internet and wireless communications in the monitoring and control of production processes in the metallurgical company RTB Bor, Serbia. A special attention is paid to the presentation of the software solutions. Implemented distributed control systems have shown remarkable reliability in practical work, low cost of maintenance and investment in their expansion. The described solution is applicable for monitoring and control of processes with the control system response time of about a minute or longer.

Background: Numerous epidemiological studies have associated exposure to PM in the outdoor environment to adverse health effects. Nowadays, the attention is paid to indoor air pollution, since peop...

While information on air pollution in the form of particulate matter (PM) has been monitored for longer period for EU countries, availability of PM data sets in the Western Balkan countries including the Republic of Serbia are still limited. Studies, related to the particulate pollution research, have been only carried out in the past several years. The main objective of this paper is to present PM levels measured in the ambient air in the surrounding settlements of the Copper Smelter Complex Bor. Also, one of the goals is a comparison of PM levels in the surrounding settlements with those measured in Bor town. The ambient levels of PM particles (PM10, PM2.5) were measured by automatic PM monitors at 4 nearby settlements: Slatina, Ostrelj, Krivelj and Brezonik in the time interval from 2005 to 2010. According to the measurement results, PM10 and PM2.5 levels in the ambient air were higher in the cold, heating, (October-March) than in the warm no heating period (April-September). The exceeding of the daily limit of PM10 and PM2.5 mass concentration levels was observed at all measuring points. A higher number of exceedances were detected in the cold period. The results indicate that there is a significant seasonal change in the level of fine particles at all measuring places in surroundings. In addition, the PM levels in Bor town are more influenced by the air pollution from the Copper Smelter Complex than settlements in the vicinity, where the PM concentrations were greatly influenced by the presence of domestic heating in the cold period. [Projekat Ministarstva nauka Republike Srbije, br. III42008: Evaluation of Energy Performances and Indoor Environment Quality of Educational Buildings in Serbia with Impact to Health i br. III41028: “An Integral Study to Identify the Regional Genetic and Environmental Risk Factors for the Common Noncommunicable Diseases in the Human Population of Serbia]

In this paper the influence of pyrometallurgical treatment of copper sulphide minerals and pyrite on the environment from the aspect of ambient air pollutions is considered. Results of emission of SO2 and particulate matter from the location with the most pollution are presented. According to the results it could be seen that the Bor’s citizen were exposed to the high concentration of SO2 and arsenic which were found to be multiple over the Serbian legislative limits during 2007. Also, the reasons and consequences of this pollution were analysed. © 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

One of activities of the Mining and Metallurgy Institute is production of thermocouple elements made of precious metals. Since this is a complex technological process and the quality control of produced elements is performed by other institutions, sometimes the whole series of products can happen to be bad and not useful. This is increasing costs and time of production, as well. To prevent wasting of time and money, the special measuring system is developed. The kernel of the system is already existing microprocessor measuring station - MMS. The MMS’s hardware configuration, initially designed for industrial process control requirements with suitable input channel characteristics and adequate response time is adapted for the purpose of thermocouple calibration. Appropriate software solution is developed, as well. This article describes the practical solution for thermocouple testing and calibration. Hardware interface, principles of system integration and developed software are also included.