Purpose The purpose of this paper is to evaluate both nutrient and phytochemical content of Swiss chard grown under different fertilization and irrigation treatments and the effect of these treatments on the tested parameters. Design/methodology/approach Samples of fresh Swiss chard were collected from the experimental field of Ljeskopolje, Montenegro, where chard was grown under different fertilization and irrigation treatments. Swiss chard samples were analyzed for nutritional and antioxidant parameters. Findings In this study, the authors found that 100 g of Swiss chard is a good source of total chlorophyll (47.13 mg), carotenoids (9.85 mg), minerals as well as vitamin C (26.88 mg) expressed as mean values. Total phenol and flavonoid compounds content were (138.59 µg gallic acid equivalent (GAE) and 11.91 µg catechin equivalent (CAE) per mg of water extract, respectively), also expressed as mean values. The total antioxidant capacity (IC50 values) determined by 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl assay ranged from 2.93 to 4.44 mg/mL of aquatic water extract. Different fertilization regimes affected the following parameters: phosphorous, protein content, chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b and vitamin C (p<0.05), while different irrigation regimes did not have any effect on the tested parameters (p>0.05), while interaction effect between fertilization and irrigation was found only for sodium and copper (p<0.05). Originality/value Swiss chard produced in Montenegro on a sandy clay loam soil with acid reaction contains appreciable amount of minerals, crude fibers, vitamin C, chlorophylls, carotenoids and polyphenols. The nutrient and phytochemical content of chard is equal or superior to other green leafy vegetables which are considered as functional food. It was identified as a potentially rich source of essential nutrients and phytochemical compounds. The promotion of higher consumption and production of Swiss chard may represent a natural and sustainable alternative for improving human health.

No abstract

The concentrations of Al, Ba, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Li, Mn, Ni, Pb, Sr, Zn, and Hg were studied in Mytilus galloprovincialis collected from the coastal area of Montenegro. The impact of seawater temperature, salinity, dissolved oxygen, total organic carbon (TOC), and metal content in sediment samples on the metal contents in mussels collected from three locations in four different seasons was analyzed by a Pearson correlation coefficient (r), principal component analysis (PCA), and cluster analysis (CA). These analyses were used to discriminate groups of samples, elements, and seawater parameters, according to similarity of samples chemical composition in different seasons, as well as the impact of seawater parameters and surface sediment composition on the mussels' element concentrations. Synergistic interactions occurred between seawater TOC, Fe, and Al concentrations in mussels. Compared with other studies, which are usually performed under constant laboratory conditions where mussels undergo only one stress at a time, this study was performed in nature. The analyses showed the importance of considering simultaneously acting environmental parameters that make determining of separate impacts of each factor selected very difficult and complex.

No abstract

No abstract