Impact of landfill leachate on the environment

Odlagališta otpada su neizbježna posljedica nacionalne ekonomije, a totalno recikliranje krutog (čvrstog) otpada nije moguće. Količina i kvaliteta krutog otpada koji se odlaže u prvom redu ovisi o ekonomskom i kulturnom stupnju razvoja društva. Strategije odlaganja otpada određene su politikom, dok su iza primijenjenog načina odlaganja otpada svjesno ili nesvjesno prikrivena etička, socijalna i ekonomska načela društva. Strategija odlaganja otpada presudno utječe na cjelokupni sustav postupanja s otpadom. Što je odlagalište bolje definirano s aspekta geokemijskih graničnih uvjeta u prostoru i vremenu, potrebna je bolja obrada otpada koji se odlaže. Tako visokorazvijene zemlje imaju koncept integralnog zbrinjavanja otpada i zakonske propise za izgradnju sanitarnih deponija i za sanaciju postojećih. Procjedne vode sada su prepoznate kao jedan od najvećih problema povezanih s radom odlagališta. Taj tekući otpad uzrokuje znatne probleme zagađenja u kontaktu s tlom, podzemnom ili površinskom vodom. Studija pokazuje da rizik zagađenja okoliša koju predstavljaju odlagališta otpada treba biti ocijenjen od strane integriranog kemijskog, mikrobiološkog i ekotoksikološkog praćenja programa. Konačni je cilj zaštita ljudskog zdravlja, ali i okoliša, a o inženjerima, znanju i iskustvu ovisi izbor načina i tehnika kojima se cilj nastoji postići.Landfills are an inevitable consequence of the national economy, and the total recycling of rigid (solid) waste is not possible. Quantity and quality of solid waste disposed in the first place depends on the degree of economic and cultural development of society. Strategy for waste disposal are determined by the politics, while behind the applied methods of waste disposal, consciously or unconsciously concealed ethical, social and economic principles of society. Waste management strategy is crucial to the overall system of waste management. What a dump better defined in terms of geochemical boundary conditions in space and time, needed a better treatment of waste deposited. Thus, developed countries have the concept of integrated waste management and legislation for the construction of sanitary landfill and rehabilitation of existing ones. Leachate is now recognized as one of the biggest problems associated with landfill operations. The liquid waste is causing significant pollution problems in contact with the soil, groundwater or surface water. The study shows that environmental risk posed by waste disposal should be evaluated by an integrated chemical, microbiological and ecotoxicological monitoring programs. The ultimate goal is to protect human health and the environment, about engineers, knowledge and experience dependent selection methods and techniques that are trying to achieve a goal

Impact of landfill leachate on the environment

Odlagališta otpada su neizbježna posljedica nacionalne ekonomije, a totalno recikliranje krutog (čvrstog) otpada nije moguće. Količina i kvaliteta krutog otpada koji se odlaže u prvom redu ovisi o ekonomskom i kulturnom stupnju razvoja društva. Strategije odlaganja otpada određene su politikom, dok su iza primijenjenog načina odlaganja otpada svjesno ili nesvjesno prikrivena etička, socijalna i ekonomska načela društva. Strategija odlaganja otpada presudno utječe na cjelokupni sustav postupanja s otpadom. Što je odlagalište bolje definirano s aspekta geokemijskih graničnih uvjeta u prostoru i vremenu, potrebna je bolja obrada otpada koji se odlaže. Tako visokorazvijene zemlje imaju koncept integralnog zbrinjavanja otpada i zakonske propise za izgradnju sanitarnih deponija i za sanaciju postojećih. Procjedne vode sada su prepoznate kao jedan od najvećih problema povezanih s radom odlagališta. Taj tekući otpad uzrokuje znatne probleme zagađenja u kontaktu s tlom, podzemnom ili površinskom vodom. Studija pokazuje da rizik zagađenja okoliša koju predstavljaju odlagališta otpada treba biti ocijenjen od strane integriranog kemijskog, mikrobiološkog i ekotoksikološkog praćenja programa. Konačni je cilj zaštita ljudskog zdravlja, ali i okoliša, a o inženjerima, znanju i iskustvu ovisi izbor načina i tehnika kojima se cilj nastoji postići.Landfills are an inevitable consequence of the national economy, and the total recycling of rigid (solid) waste is not possible. Quantity and quality of solid waste disposed in the first place depends on the degree of economic and cultural development of society. Strategy for waste disposal are determined by the politics, while behind the applied methods of waste disposal, consciously or unconsciously concealed ethical, social and economic principles of society. Waste management strategy is crucial to the overall system of waste management. What a dump better defined in terms of geochemical boundary conditions in space and time, needed a better treatment of waste deposited. Thus, developed countries have the concept of integrated waste management and legislation for the construction of sanitary landfill and rehabilitation of existing ones. Leachate is now recognized as one of the biggest problems associated with landfill operations. The liquid waste is causing significant pollution problems in contact with the soil, groundwater or surface water. The study shows that environmental risk posed by waste disposal should be evaluated by an integrated chemical, microbiological and ecotoxicological monitoring programs. The ultimate goal is to protect human health and the environment, about engineers, knowledge and experience dependent selection methods and techniques that are trying to achieve a goal

Impact of landfill leachate on the environment

Odlagališta otpada su neizbježna posljedica nacionalne ekonomije, a totalno recikliranje krutog (čvrstog) otpada nije moguće. Količina i kvaliteta krutog otpada koji se odlaže u prvom redu ovisi o ekonomskom i kulturnom stupnju razvoja društva. Strategije odlaganja otpada određene su politikom, dok su iza primijenjenog načina odlaganja otpada svjesno ili nesvjesno prikrivena etička, socijalna i ekonomska načela društva. Strategija odlaganja otpada presudno utječe na cjelokupni sustav postupanja s otpadom. Što je odlagalište bolje definirano s aspekta geokemijskih graničnih uvjeta u prostoru i vremenu, potrebna je bolja obrada otpada koji se odlaže. Tako visokorazvijene zemlje imaju koncept integralnog zbrinjavanja otpada i zakonske propise za izgradnju sanitarnih deponija i za sanaciju postojećih. Procjedne vode sada su prepoznate kao jedan od najvećih problema povezanih s radom odlagališta. Taj tekući otpad uzrokuje znatne probleme zagađenja u kontaktu s tlom, podzemnom ili površinskom vodom. Studija pokazuje da rizik zagađenja okoliša koju predstavljaju odlagališta otpada treba biti ocijenjen od strane integriranog kemijskog, mikrobiološkog i ekotoksikološkog praćenja programa. Konačni je cilj zaštita ljudskog zdravlja, ali i okoliša, a o inženjerima, znanju i iskustvu ovisi izbor načina i tehnika kojima se cilj nastoji postići.Landfills are an inevitable consequence of the national economy, and the total recycling of rigid (solid) waste is not possible. Quantity and quality of solid waste disposed in the first place depends on the degree of economic and cultural development of society. Strategy for waste disposal are determined by the politics, while behind the applied methods of waste disposal, consciously or unconsciously concealed ethical, social and economic principles of society. Waste management strategy is crucial to the overall system of waste management. What a dump better defined in terms of geochemical boundary conditions in space and time, needed a better treatment of waste deposited. Thus, developed countries have the concept of integrated waste management and legislation for the construction of sanitary landfill and rehabilitation of existing ones. Leachate is now recognized as one of the biggest problems associated with landfill operations. The liquid waste is causing significant pollution problems in contact with the soil, groundwater or surface water. The study shows that environmental risk posed by waste disposal should be evaluated by an integrated chemical, microbiological and ecotoxicological monitoring programs. The ultimate goal is to protect human health and the environment, about engineers, knowledge and experience dependent selection methods and techniques that are trying to achieve a goal

Trace Metals in the Environment and Population as Possible Long Term Consequence of War in Osijek-Baranja County, Croatia

War in Croatia resulted with a significant release of contaminants into the environment as a result of the use of combat assets, mainly conventional, mostly aimed at civilian targets. The aim of the study was to investigate the concentration of metals and metalloids in the soils, water, plants (Taraxacum officinale), serum, urine and hair of the inhabitants in eastern Croatia. Overall results show minor abnormalities in presence of some trace metals in soil (As, Hg, Pb, Sb), water (As, Fe) and dandelion leaves (As) in some locations. Compared with soil samples from areas exposed to low intensity combat activity soil samples from areas exposed to heavy fighting had higher concentrations of As, Hg and Pb than allowed by national legislation for ecologic farming. Drinking water with the exceptions of the concentrations of Fe, As and Mn was in accordance with national legislation. Examinees from Dalj had mean hair Sb level 10-19x higher then examinees from any other location. However, when these data are correlated through methods of Principal Component Analysis, presence of trace metals in some war affected areas can be followed from soil, through plants up to population proving that intense combat activities over small area leave metal presence that can be followed even 15 years after the war

AFLATOXIN CONTAMINATION IN EDIBLE NUTS IN CROATIA

Cilj ovog istraživanja bio je utvrditi prisutnost te količinu prisutnih ukupnih aflatoksina u različitim vrstama koštunjičavog voća koje se konzumira na području Republike Hrvatske. Tijekom 2007. godine s hrvatskog je tržišta prikupljeno ukupno 106 uzoraka različitog koštunjičavog voća (badema, lješnjaka, pistacija i oraha). U svim je uzorcima pomoću imunoenzimskog testa (ELISA testa) utvrđena prisutnost te količina prisutnih ukupnih aflatoksina. Istraživanje je pokazalo da su u 91,5% (97/106) analiziranih uzoraka koštunjičavog voća utvrđene razine ukupnih aflatoksina bile unutar, dok su u 8,5% (9/106) analiziranih uzoraka koštunjičavog voća utvrđene razine ukupnih aflatoksina bile iznad, maksimalno dopuštenih vrijednosti u Europskoj Uniji od 4,0 μgkg-1. Sukladno preporukama nutricionista, posljednjih je godina zamijećena povećana konzumacija koštunjičavog voća u svakodnevnoj prehrani opće populacije u Republici Hrvatskoj zbog čega kontinuirano praćenje te nadzor nad prisutnosti aflatoksina u spomenutim namirnicama ima veliko javnozdravstveno značenje.The aim of the study was to analyze the presence and the quantity of aflatoxin levels in various types of commonly consumed nuts in Croatia. The total amount of 106 nut samples (almonds, hazelnuts, pistachios and walnuts) were collected on the Croatian market during the year 2007, after which the total aflatoxin content was determined using the enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) test. The results showed that 91.5% (97/106) of the analyzed samples contained the total aflatoxin levels within the permitted range, while in 8.5% (9/106) of nut samples the aflatoxin levels were above the maximum permitted level of 4.0 μgkg-1, set by the European Union. Following nutritionists\u27 recommendation, the nut consumption in daily nutrition in the Croatian general population has recently increased, thus continuous monitoring and control of aflatoxin levels in nuts is of great public health importance

AFLATOXIN CONTAMINATION IN EDIBLE NUTS IN CROATIA

Cilj ovog istraživanja bio je utvrditi prisutnost te količinu prisutnih ukupnih aflatoksina u različitim vrstama koštunjičavog voća koje se konzumira na području Republike Hrvatske. Tijekom 2007. godine s hrvatskog je tržišta prikupljeno ukupno 106 uzoraka različitog koštunjičavog voća (badema, lješnjaka, pistacija i oraha). U svim je uzorcima pomoću imunoenzimskog testa (ELISA testa) utvrđena prisutnost te količina prisutnih ukupnih aflatoksina. Istraživanje je pokazalo da su u 91,5% (97/106) analiziranih uzoraka koštunjičavog voća utvrđene razine ukupnih aflatoksina bile unutar, dok su u 8,5% (9/106) analiziranih uzoraka koštunjičavog voća utvrđene razine ukupnih aflatoksina bile iznad, maksimalno dopuštenih vrijednosti u Europskoj Uniji od 4,0 μgkg-1. Sukladno preporukama nutricionista, posljednjih je godina zamijećena povećana konzumacija koštunjičavog voća u svakodnevnoj prehrani opće populacije u Republici Hrvatskoj zbog čega kontinuirano praćenje te nadzor nad prisutnosti aflatoksina u spomenutim namirnicama ima veliko javnozdravstveno značenje.The aim of the study was to analyze the presence and the quantity of aflatoxin levels in various types of commonly consumed nuts in Croatia. The total amount of 106 nut samples (almonds, hazelnuts, pistachios and walnuts) were collected on the Croatian market during the year 2007, after which the total aflatoxin content was determined using the enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) test. The results showed that 91.5% (97/106) of the analyzed samples contained the total aflatoxin levels within the permitted range, while in 8.5% (9/106) of nut samples the aflatoxin levels were above the maximum permitted level of 4.0 μgkg-1, set by the European Union. Following nutritionists\u27 recommendation, the nut consumption in daily nutrition in the Croatian general population has recently increased, thus continuous monitoring and control of aflatoxin levels in nuts is of great public health importance

CHARACTERISTICS AND INCIDENCE OF HEAD AND NECK SKIN MALIGNANT NEOPLASMS IN THE POPULATION OF THE OSIJEK-BARANYA COUNTY 2004-2012

Cilj studije bio je istražiti učestalost i karakteristike malignih neoplazmi kože glave i vrata područja Osječko-baranjske županije u razdoblju od 2004. do 2012, u odnosu na spol, dob, mjesto boravka, radno mjesto, zanimanje, tip i lokaciju neoplazme te fenotipske odlike oboljelih. Istraživanje je obuhvatilo sve ispitanike kojima je PHD nalazom potvrđena dijagnoza, a stanovnici su Osječko-baranjske županije. Obrađena su ukupno 2.952 oboljela od kojih je bilo 1.487 (50,4 %) muškaraca i 1.465 (49,6 %) žena, što čini približnu godišnju incidenciju od 104/100 000. Srednja dob ispitanika bila je 72 godine. Ispitanici su većinom sa sela, 1952 (66,2 %). Na otvorenom je radilo 2.137 (72,4 %) ispitanika. Najčešće su to poljoprivrednici, 907 (42,4 %) i građevinski radnici (889 ili 41,6 %). S obzirom na tip neoplazme, najčešći je bio bazocelularni tip (2.160 - 73,2 %) oboljelih. Maligni melanom imala su 93 (3,1 %) ispitanika. Lokalizacija maligne neoplazme je najčešće lice (839 - 28,7 %) i nos (643 - 22,0%) ispitanika. Muškaraci su imali značajno više (341 - 56,6 %) planocelularih malignih neoplazmi od žena (262 - 43,4 %) (p=0,005). Značajno su bili mlađi ispitanici s malignim melanomom (medijan dobi 67 godina). Nema značajne razlike vrste maligne neoplazme i mjesta stanovanja, radnog mjesta i zanimanja s obzirom na rad na otvorenom ili zatvorenom prostoru. Dokazano je, s obzirom na lokalizaciju, na uhu i na usni značajno više planocelularnih malignih neoplazmi (p=0,039; p<0,001), na vratu, oku i na glavi malignih melanoma (p=0,004; p<0,001; p=0,026), a na nosu bazocelularih neoplazmi (p=0,002). Nema značajne razlike u vrsti i učestalosti malignih neoplazmi povezano s bojom kose i očiju ispitanika. Očito je da bolest nastaje nakon višedesetljetne inkubacije te kumulativnog učinka izloženosti rizičnim faktorima, pri čemu direktna izloženost suncu, čini se, ima značajnu ulogu. Potrebna su daljnja istraživanja.The aim of this study was to investigate the incidence and characteristics of malignant neoplasms of the skin of the head and neck region in the Osijek-Baranya County during the 2004-2012 period according to gender, age, place of residence, place of work, occupation, type and location of the neoplasm, and phenotypic characteristics of patients. Subjects: The study included all subjects with the diagnosis confirmed by histopathology finding and residents of the Osijek-Baranya County. The study included a total of 2952 persons, 1487 (50.4%) male and 1465 (49.6%) female, yielding an approximate annual incidence of 104/100,000. Mean age was 72 years. Respondents were mostly from rural areas (n=1952, 66.2%). There were 2137 (72.4%) of respondents mostly working outdoors, mainly farmers (n=907, 42.4%) and construction workers (n=889, 41.6%). Results: According to the type of neoplasm, the basal cell type was most common with 2160 (73.2%) patients. Ninety-three (3.1%) patients had malignant melanoma. According to localization, face was the most common site of malignant neoplasms with 839 (28.7%) and nose with 643 (22.0%) patients. Squamous cell carcinoma was significantly more common in men (n=341, 56.6%) as compared with women (n=262, (43.4%; p=0.005). Subjects with malignant melanoma were significantly younger, with median age of 67 years. There were no signifi cant differences according to the type of malignant neoplasms and place of residence, place of business, and occupation with regard to working outdoors or indoors. According to localization, significantly more squamous cell malignancies were found on the ears and lips (p=0.039 and p<0.001, respectively), malignant melanomas on the neck, head and eyes (p=0.004, p<0.001 and p=0.026, respectively), and basal cell neoplasms on the nose (p=0.002). There were no significant differences in the type and frequency of malignant neoplasms according to hair and eye color. Conclusion: It is obvious that the disease occurs after a decades-long incubation period and the cumulative effect of exposure to risk factors, with direct sun exposure, seems to have a significant role. Additional research is needed

Cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. Capitata) as one of the indicators of possible environmental pollution by metals and metalloids in Eastern Croatia

Svrha: Nakon biomonitoringa (serum, kosa, urin) lokalnog stanovništva, te okolišnog monitoringa putem uzoraka tla, vode i jestivog samoniklog bilja istočne Hrvatske, u okviru istraživanja opeterećenosti metalima i metaloidima, kao mogućoj posljedici ratnih zbivanja, s područja gdje je poljoprivredna djelatnost ponovo saživjela, izuzimani su uzorci kupusa (zelja), odličnog indikatora taloženja teških metala i metaloida u okolišu. Cilj istraživanja: Hipoteza studije je da su na području istočne Hrvatske, u područjima izloženim borbenim djelovanjima, u okolišu i populaciji, prisutne povećane koncentracije metala i metaloida povezanih s ratnim djelovanjima u odnosu na područja koja su bila pošteđena ratnih djelovanja. Cilj je bio utvrditi postoje li razlike u koncentracijama metala i metaloida uspoređujući lokacije visokog inteziteta borbenih djelovanja (LVIBD) s lokacijama niskog inteziteta borbenih djelovanja (LNIBD). Osim toga pokušala se utvrditi moguća međusobna povezanost kontaminacije s metalima u tlu i kod ljudi, te postoji li podudarnost po pitanju mogućih „vrućih točaka“, mjesta značajno opterećenih metalima. Materijal i metode: Ukupno je s 14 lokacija izuzeto 14 uzoraka kupusa i to 12 uzoraka s lokacija visokog inteziteta borbenih djelovanja (LVIBD), te dva uzorka s lokacija niskog inteziteta borbenih djelovanja (LNIBD) sa 14 lokacija. Koncentracije 20 metala i metaloida (Al, As, B, Ba, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, Li, Mg, Ni, Pb, Sb, Si, Sr, U, V i Zn), koji se koriste u vojne svrhe, utvrđivane su postupkom induktivno suspregnute plazme i spektrometrije masa ICP-MS. Rezultati: Koncentracije metala obuhvaćane Pravilnikom (As, Cd, Hg i Pb) bile su unutar MDK na svim lokacijama, dok za ostale istraživane elemente nije uočena razlika između LVIBD i LNIBD (p = 0,78; Mann-Whitney U test). Koncentracije metala i metaloida u kupusu nisu značajno korelirale s koncentracijama u uzorcima tla, osim u slučaju Cd, gdje je uočena slaba do umjerena korelacija (Pearsonov koeficijent tlo /kupus = -0,57; p = 0.031; p < 0,05). Analizom glavnih komponenti (PCA) utvrđen je kompaktan središnji klaster (roj), te dva klastera s lokacija Dopsin i Dalj u kojima su koncentracije svih elemenata, osim Hg, bile nešto više. Zaključci: I kupus kao indikator onečišćenja okoliša metalima ukazuje da ukupna opterećenost metalima u istočnoj Hrvatskoj nakon Domovinskog rata nije visoka. Ipak, na primjeru kupusa potvrđeno je mjesto Dalj kao „vruća točka“, sukladno ranije utvrđenim pozitivnim korelacijama Al, Fe, Mg i Ni na istoj lokaciji u kosi, tlu i maslačku, te B, Cu, Si, Sr i Zn u serumu, urinu i vodi, što ukazuje na mogući isti izvor i mehanizam prenošenja metala.Purpose: Within the framework of research on metal and metalloid presence, as a possible consequence of the war, the areas in Eastern Croatia where agricultural activity reestablished biomonitoring (serum, hair, urine) of the local population and environmental monitoring through samples of soil, water and edible wild plants was conducted and samples of cabbage, an indicator for heavy metals and metalloids in the environment, were collected. Aim: The hypothesis of the study is that in areas of Eastern Croatian exposed to combat operations, such as the environment and population, the presence of increased concentrations of metals and metalloids is associated with war activities in relation to the areas that were spared from war. The goal was to determine whether there are differences in the concentrations of metals and metalloids comparing locations of high intensity combat action (HICA) with locations of low intensity combat action (LICA). Besides this, the attempt was to determine the possible interconnection of contamination with metals in the soil and in humans, and whether there was a coincidence in terms of potential "hot spots", places significantly loaded with metals. Materials and Methods: A total of 14 sites included 14 samples of cabbage, where 12 samples from locations of high intensity combat action (HICA) and two (2) samples from locations of low intensity combat action (LICA). The concentrations of 20 metals and metalloids (Al, As, B, Ba, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, Li, Mg, Ni, Pb, Sb, Si, Sr, In, V, and Zn), which are used for military purposes, were determined by inductive procedure of restrained plasma mass spectrometry ICP-MS. Results: The concentration of metals covered by Regulations (As, Cd, Hg and Pb) were within the MRL on all locations, while in the other investigated elements there was no difference between HICA and LICA (p = 0.78; Mann-Whitney U test). The concentration of metals and metalloids in cabbage was not significantly correlated with the concentration in the soil samples, except in the case of Cd, where the negative correlation (Pearson coefficient soil /cabbage = -0.57; p = 0.031; p < 0.05) was observed. The principal component analysis (PCA) determined a compact central cluster, and two clusters on locations Dopsin and Dalj, where the concentration of all the elements, except for Hg, was higher. Conclusions: Even cabbage, as an indicator of environmental contamination with metals, indicates that after the war the total load of metal in Eastern Croatia is not high. However, the cabbage also confirmed the locality of Dalj as a "hot spot", accordingly to previously established positive correlations of Al, Fe, Mg and Ni in hair, soil and dandelion, and B, Cu, Si, Sr and Zn correlations in serum, urine and water in that same location, indicating a possible common source and mechanism of transferring metals

DANDELION (TARAXACUM OFFICINALE) AS A POSSIBLE INDICATOR OF WAR CONTAMINATION IN EASTERN CROATIA

U širem istraživanju moguće opterećenosti metalima i metaloidima istočne Hrvatske, kao posljedice ratnih zbivanja, proveden je biomonitoring lokalnog stanovništva putem uzoraka seruma, kose i urina te su izuzimani uzorci tla, vode i povrća. S dijelova gdje potpuni povratak i poljoprivredna djelatnost u vidu uzgoja povrća u vrtovima i okućnicama nije u potpunosti uspostavljen, izuzimani su uzorci maslačka, jestivog samoniklog bilja, koje se koristi u prehrani ljudi i životinja. Cilj ovog istraživanja bio je utvrditi da li postoje razlike u koncentracijama metala uspoređujući lokacije visokog inteziteta borbenih djelovanja (LVIBD) sa lokacijama niskog inteziteta borbenih djelovanja (LNIBD). Osim toga pokušala se utvrditi moguća međusobna povezanost kontaminacije metalima u okolišu i kod ljudi, te da li postoji podudarnost po pitanju mogućih „vrućih točaka“, mjesta značajno opterećenih metalima. S devet LVIBD izuzeta su ukupno 22 uzorka maslačka, a s 3 LNIBD izuzeto je ukupno 6 uzoraka. Koncentracije metala i metaloida koji se koriste u vojne svrhe (Al, As, B, Ba, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, Li, Mg, Ni, P, Pb, Sb, Si, Sr, U, V i Zn) utvrđivane su postupkom induktivno suspregnute plazme i spektrometrije masa ICP-MS. Povišene koncentracije olova, u odnosu na NDK za tu vrstu namirnica, pronađene su u dva uzorka, kadmija i arsena u jednom uzorku s LVIBD te olova na jednoj LNIBD. Mann Whitney testom testirana je razlika u koncentracijama svakog od 21 elementa između uzoraka prikupljenih na LVIBD i onih prikupljenih na LNIBD. Utvrđena je statistički značajna razlika samo za živu (Hg) (p = 0,035). Koncentracije metala i metaloida u maslačku nisu značajno korelirale s koncentracijama u uzorcima tla. Pearsonovi koefi cijenti (biljke/tlo) za svaki pojedini element imali su vrijednosti u rasponu od najniže 0,019 (Ba) do najviše od 0,31 (P). Ipak, analizom glavnih komponenti (PCA) utvrđen je klaster na dvije lokacije na koje značenje ima većina utvrđivanih metala (Mg, Sb, As, B, Sr, U, Cu, Ni, Pb, Si, Ni, Ba, Co, Cr, Li, V, Al, Fe), dok metali Cd i Hg imaju veći utjecaj na preostalim lokacijama. Nešto više koncentracije Sb i Pb „stvorile“ su lokaciju Erdutski most intermedijarom između ta dva osnovna klastera, što je sukladno povišenim koncentracijama Al, Fe, Ni i Mg utvrđenim u kosi, tlu i povrću na istoj lokaciji. I maslačak kao indikator onečišćenja okoliša metalima ukazuje da ukupna opterećenost metalima u istočnoj Hrvatskoj nakon Domovinskog rata nije visoka, ali da sukladno analizama tla, povrća i bioloških uzoraka postoje „vruće točke“, od kojih je jedna okolica mosta na Dunavu kod Erduta.Biomonitoring of the local population by analysis of serum, hair and urine samples, and collection of soil, water and vegetable samples was performed as part of a broader investigation of metal and metalloid load as a consequence of war events in eastern Croatia. Samples of dandelion (Taraxacum offi cinale), an edible wild-grown plant used in human and animal nutrition, were collected in the areas where the return of war displaced persons and agricultural activities in vegetable plots and gardens have not yet been fully implemented. The aim of the study was to establish whether there were differences in metal concentrations between the areas of high- and low-intensity war actions (HIWA and LIWA). Another aim was to assess the potential interdependence of metal contamination in the environment and humans, and the potential association with the ‘hot spots’, i.e. places heavily loaded with metals. Six and 22 dandelion samples were collected at 3 LIWA and 9 HIWA areas, respectively. The concentrations of metals and metalloids used in war actions (Al, As, B, Ba, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, Li, Mg, Ni, P, Pb, Sb, Si, Sr, U, V and Zn) were determined by the method of inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Relative to the minimum allowable concentration, elevated concentrations of lead were recorded in 2 samples, cadmium and arsenic in 1 sample each from HIWA, and of lead in 1 sample from LIWA areas. Differences in the concentrations of 21 elements between the samples collected in HIWA and LIWA areas were determined by Mann Whitney test, yielding a statistically signifi cant difference only for mercury (p=0.035). Metal and metalloid concentrations measured in dandelion samples did not correlate signifi cantly with those in soil specimens; Pearson’s coeffi cients (plant/soil) for each element ranged from 0.019 (Ba) to 0.31 (P). However, the principal component analysis revealed the majority of hard metals predominating at two locations (Mg, Sb, As, B, Sr, U, Cu, Ni, Pb, Si, Ni, Ba, Li, V, Al and Fe), whereas Cd and Hg had greater impact at the remaining locations. Elevated Sb and Pb concentrations rendered the location of Erdut Bridge an intermediary between the two basic clusters, which was consistent with increased Al, Fe, Ni and Mg concentrations determined in human hair, soil and vegetable from the same area. Dandelion as an indicator of environmental contamination with metals showed that total metal load consequential to Homeland War actions in eastern Croatia was not high; however, analysis of soil, vegetable and biological samples pointed to ‘hot spots’, one of them being the area of Danube Bridge near Erdut

DANDELION (TARAXACUM OFFICINALE) AS A POSSIBLE INDICATOR OF WAR CONTAMINATION IN EASTERN CROATIA

U širem istraživanju moguće opterećenosti metalima i metaloidima istočne Hrvatske, kao posljedice ratnih zbivanja, proveden je biomonitoring lokalnog stanovništva putem uzoraka seruma, kose i urina te su izuzimani uzorci tla, vode i povrća. S dijelova gdje potpuni povratak i poljoprivredna djelatnost u vidu uzgoja povrća u vrtovima i okućnicama nije u potpunosti uspostavljen, izuzimani su uzorci maslačka, jestivog samoniklog bilja, koje se koristi u prehrani ljudi i životinja. Cilj ovog istraživanja bio je utvrditi da li postoje razlike u koncentracijama metala uspoređujući lokacije visokog inteziteta borbenih djelovanja (LVIBD) sa lokacijama niskog inteziteta borbenih djelovanja (LNIBD). Osim toga pokušala se utvrditi moguća međusobna povezanost kontaminacije metalima u okolišu i kod ljudi, te da li postoji podudarnost po pitanju mogućih „vrućih točaka“, mjesta značajno opterećenih metalima. S devet LVIBD izuzeta su ukupno 22 uzorka maslačka, a s 3 LNIBD izuzeto je ukupno 6 uzoraka. Koncentracije metala i metaloida koji se koriste u vojne svrhe (Al, As, B, Ba, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, Li, Mg, Ni, P, Pb, Sb, Si, Sr, U, V i Zn) utvrđivane su postupkom induktivno suspregnute plazme i spektrometrije masa ICP-MS. Povišene koncentracije olova, u odnosu na NDK za tu vrstu namirnica, pronađene su u dva uzorka, kadmija i arsena u jednom uzorku s LVIBD te olova na jednoj LNIBD. Mann Whitney testom testirana je razlika u koncentracijama svakog od 21 elementa između uzoraka prikupljenih na LVIBD i onih prikupljenih na LNIBD. Utvrđena je statistički značajna razlika samo za živu (Hg) (p = 0,035). Koncentracije metala i metaloida u maslačku nisu značajno korelirale s koncentracijama u uzorcima tla. Pearsonovi koefi cijenti (biljke/tlo) za svaki pojedini element imali su vrijednosti u rasponu od najniže 0,019 (Ba) do najviše od 0,31 (P). Ipak, analizom glavnih komponenti (PCA) utvrđen je klaster na dvije lokacije na koje značenje ima većina utvrđivanih metala (Mg, Sb, As, B, Sr, U, Cu, Ni, Pb, Si, Ni, Ba, Co, Cr, Li, V, Al, Fe), dok metali Cd i Hg imaju veći utjecaj na preostalim lokacijama. Nešto više koncentracije Sb i Pb „stvorile“ su lokaciju Erdutski most intermedijarom između ta dva osnovna klastera, što je sukladno povišenim koncentracijama Al, Fe, Ni i Mg utvrđenim u kosi, tlu i povrću na istoj lokaciji. I maslačak kao indikator onečišćenja okoliša metalima ukazuje da ukupna opterećenost metalima u istočnoj Hrvatskoj nakon Domovinskog rata nije visoka, ali da sukladno analizama tla, povrća i bioloških uzoraka postoje „vruće točke“, od kojih je jedna okolica mosta na Dunavu kod Erduta.Biomonitoring of the local population by analysis of serum, hair and urine samples, and collection of soil, water and vegetable samples was performed as part of a broader investigation of metal and metalloid load as a consequence of war events in eastern Croatia. Samples of dandelion (Taraxacum offi cinale), an edible wild-grown plant used in human and animal nutrition, were collected in the areas where the return of war displaced persons and agricultural activities in vegetable plots and gardens have not yet been fully implemented. The aim of the study was to establish whether there were differences in metal concentrations between the areas of high- and low-intensity war actions (HIWA and LIWA). Another aim was to assess the potential interdependence of metal contamination in the environment and humans, and the potential association with the ‘hot spots’, i.e. places heavily loaded with metals. Six and 22 dandelion samples were collected at 3 LIWA and 9 HIWA areas, respectively. The concentrations of metals and metalloids used in war actions (Al, As, B, Ba, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, Li, Mg, Ni, P, Pb, Sb, Si, Sr, U, V and Zn) were determined by the method of inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Relative to the minimum allowable concentration, elevated concentrations of lead were recorded in 2 samples, cadmium and arsenic in 1 sample each from HIWA, and of lead in 1 sample from LIWA areas. Differences in the concentrations of 21 elements between the samples collected in HIWA and LIWA areas were determined by Mann Whitney test, yielding a statistically signifi cant difference only for mercury (p=0.035). Metal and metalloid concentrations measured in dandelion samples did not correlate signifi cantly with those in soil specimens; Pearson’s coeffi cients (plant/soil) for each element ranged from 0.019 (Ba) to 0.31 (P). However, the principal component analysis revealed the majority of hard metals predominating at two locations (Mg, Sb, As, B, Sr, U, Cu, Ni, Pb, Si, Ni, Ba, Li, V, Al and Fe), whereas Cd and Hg had greater impact at the remaining locations. Elevated Sb and Pb concentrations rendered the location of Erdut Bridge an intermediary between the two basic clusters, which was consistent with increased Al, Fe, Ni and Mg concentrations determined in human hair, soil and vegetable from the same area. Dandelion as an indicator of environmental contamination with metals showed that total metal load consequential to Homeland War actions in eastern Croatia was not high; however, analysis of soil, vegetable and biological samples pointed to ‘hot spots’, one of them being the area of Danube Bridge near Erdut