The experiment was carried out in a greenhouse in the Mediterranean Agronomic Institute of Bari (IAMB.) located in the southeastern Italy. The aim of this research was to evaluate macronutrient (NPK) status of cauliflower grown in three inert substrates (perlite, gravel and pozzolana). Nutrient losses were very low due to a good management practice and control of fertiliser application. The highest NPK nutrients application efficiency was obtained in phosphorus, 97.2%. Among nutrients, potassium was lost in the highest percentage (11.6%). Obtained losses did not cause high pollution of the soil and ground water.

This paper analyzes 10 different genotypes of the bread wheat by method of chromatography to identify the presence of free amino acids. The contents of the identified amino acids have been determined by spectrophotometric method. The results of the qualitative analysis showed the great deal of variability in the amino acid composition for each of the examined genotypes. Quantitative analysis of the free amino acids in the grains indicated their high content (over the 100 mg ml -1 ) in wheat genotypes San Pastore, Becker, Lihnida and Ana Morava, while their lowermost content was in the genotypes Uras (73 mg ml -1 ) and Jawa (75 mg ml -1 ). By using chromatography in the examined wheat grains have been determined that the most present amino acids were glutamic acid, glycine, sarcosine, valine, norvaline and tryptophan. The most present of all examined amino acids was glutamic acid, which was identified in nine examined wheat genotypes. The highest content of glumatic acid was found in wheat genotype Uras (6,52 mg ml -1 ). Among the essential amino acids has been found the highest content of norvalin (2,56 mg ml -1 ) and valin (2,32 mg ml -1 ). The wheat grains of the genotypes Becker, San Pastore and Ana Morava had the largest number of the determined essential amino acids (five), indicating their high nutritional value.

Heavy metals, due to their inability to degrade, pose a serious environmental and nutritional problem. The accumulation of essential and non-essential heavy metals in living organisms reduces normal growth and development, resulting in acute poisoning, disease and even death of organisms. Melatonin is a very important multifunctional molecule in protecting plants from oxidative stress due to its ability to directly neutralize reactive oxygen species (ROS). Also, melatonin has a chelating property, which may contribute in reducing metal-induced toxicity. In this paper, the protective role of melatonin in counteracting metal-induced free radical generation was highlighted. Using the HPLC-FLD technique melatonin was identified and quantified in the roots and leaves of lemon balm (Melissa officinalis L.), grown under photoperiod conditions. Furthermore, the response of plants pre-treated with exogenous 0.1 mM melatonin to the increased zinc (Zn) and cadmium (Cd) concentrations was observed, with changes in mineral (Ca, Mg), physiological and antioxidant status of the plant during heavy metals stress. The obtained melatonin concentrations were the highest published for dry plants so far. Elevated Cd and Zn levels in soil caused alternation in biochemical and physiological parameters of lemon balm leaves and roots. However, melatonin pre-treatment increased plant tolerance to heavy metals stress. Increased Cd 3 and Zn uptake and their translocation into the leaves were also improved, indicating the possible use of melatonin in phytoremediation.

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Pyrophyllite clay, modified with PVP coated silver nanoparticles (PYRO-PVP/AgNPs), with recently proved antibacterial activity was prepared. Silver nanoparticles were synthesized by the chemical reduction method of AgNO3 using NaBH4 and poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) (PVP) as a stabilizer and excellent dispersant. This research aimed to elucidate the mechanisms and kinetics of AgNPs, along with the PVP protective mechanism responsible for antibacterial activity towards the microorganisms. Pioneering steps were made toward coagulation studies due to the potential of aluminosilicate layered clays to serve as alternatives to hemostatic agents currently in use. The isoelectric point of pyrophyllite samples with 5, 20, and 45 μm diameter particles and PYRO/PVP/AgNPs sample (Ag25mg/L) was evaluated to understand how the anticoagulant or procoagulant properties of the pyrophyllite varied according to the pH of the isoelectric point. Characterization of the PYRO-PVP/AgNPs samples was performed using FTIR spectroscopy, while the release mechanism and kinetics of silver ions were monitored using atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS). Additionally, AAS was used for the evaluation of heavy metals content in pyrophyllite clay and a simple, cost-effective procedure was proposed for the extraction of heavy metals.

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The aim of this research was to determine the Cu, Ni, Zn, Cd, and Pb contents in the following wild plants: dandelion (Taraxacum officinale Web.), broad-leaved plantain (Plantago major L.), and ribwort plantain (Plantago lanceolata L.) collected from the natural environment at three different locations in the north of the Republic of Srpska, in the surroundings of Banja Luka (two localities) and Doboj (one locality). The examined species represent wild edible and medical plants, most commonly used in folk medicine. Plant material and associated soils were air-dried, acid digested, and analyzed by atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS). The results have shown the highest Zn contents in all examined plants, which were followed by the contents of other determined biogenic elements (Ni and Cu), while contents of toxic elements (Pb and Cd) were noticeably lower. The contents of potentially toxic elements determined in the plants were lower than recommended limits of toxicity, with the exception of the location L3-Stanari where elevated Ni contents were found in all examined plants and the associated soil. This implies an evident risk in case of consumption of the plants grown at this location and the need for further investigation in order to establish the exact degree of contamination and to implement proper activities.

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