: Construction materials in the form of any products are subject to unintentional or harmful changes, occurrences and processes that reduce their usability. The destruction of construction materials is aimed to be slowed down or prevented by measures and procedures of a special technological discipline - material protection, which is usually called surface protection, since harmful occurrences and processes mostly begin on the surface of the product. In addition to the many protective methods that are used, corrosion inhibitors have a special place due to their specificity and widespread use. Based on the performed tests and their analysis, it was determined that the inhibition efficiency obtained by electrochemical measurements is in good correlation with the results obtained by the FTIR method. Impedance measurements of steel St 37-4 Pectin C in the tested media show corrosion resistance. Pectin C in 3.5% HCl at a concentration of 2.0 g / l increases the value of the charge transfer resistance and the increases of the size of the absolute impedance in the Bode diagram, which further confirms the improved resistance to corrosion of steel.

Water quality is deteriorating over the years, and the main source of water pollution is industrial, agricultural and municipal wastewater. Heavy metals, organic compounds and microorganisms, present even in traces, can be very dangerous to human health, aquatic organisms and the environment. Therefore, in this study was investigate the possibility of modified and unmodified plum pits as biosorbents for Pb (II) ions removal from aqueous solution. Experimental data have shown that these bisorbents show a certain potential for application in the metal removal process. The feasibility was tested for an unmodified and modified biosorbent based on plum pits in the range of concentrations 150-200 mg/l (unmodified sample) and 100-200 mg/l (modified sample) at a contact time of 30 and 60 minutes . Adsorption parameters were determined using the Freundlich isotherm. The results showed that unmodified biosorbent based on plum pits with increasing concentration from 150 mg/L to 200 mg/L leads to a large increase in the percentage of removal of Pb (II) ions, with no significant effect on contact time. In contrast to the unmodified sample, the modified biosorbent based on plum pits % of removed Pb (II) ions significantly increases the contact time at the initial Pb (II) concentration of 100 mg/L, while at the initial concentration of 150 mg/L and longer mixing, the removal efficiency increases and amounts to 86.032 %. The calculated values of the parameters used in the Freundlich isotherm indicated the existence of high-energy sorption centers in the unmodified bisorbent based on plum pits, while the calculated values of the parameters used in the Freundlich isotherm for the modified biosorbent based on plum pits showed moderate mode adsorption.

To understand the bio-geochemical distribution, activities and environmental consequences of heavy metals, it is very important to know their physico-chemical form and the conditions under which the transformation from one form to another occurs. The bioavailability of heavy metals directly depends on the physico-chemical conditions of the environment, the concentration of anions and cations in water, the content of heavy metals as well as the ionic strength. Depending on the physico-chemical properties of water, metals are found in water as free ions or as complex compounds. Their change in the form in which metals occur is significantly influenced by pH, temperature, alkalinity, water hardness, organic matter, and biological activity. The total concentration of metal in water is only an indicator of pollution, and it is necessary to determine the form of the metal. Differential Pulse Anode Stripping Voltammery with mercury electrode was used for determination of chemical speciation. Manganese belongs to the group of essential heavy metals if its concentration does not exceed the maximum allowed value. The aim of this work is to determine the available forms of manganese in the water of Modrac Lake in relation to the analyzed physico-chemical parameters. In addition to industrial applications, Modrac Lake is also used as an alternative source of drinking water, and it is a strategic resource for water supply of the region of north-eastern Bosnia.

From ancient times the natural plant Cornelian cherry is used for various purposes. The healing properties of Cornelian cherry suit the human body and give it the necessary vitamins, acids, and everything else it needs for the body to function normally and healthily. Due to its antioxidant, antiallergic, antimicrobial, and antihistamine properties, it is increasingly used as a dietary supplement, as well as for medical and pharmaceutical purposes. In addition to the fruit of the Cornelian cherry, in the past, the oil of Cornelian cherry seeds was used, the content of which can be up to 30%. However, the data available in the literature are scanty and do not show true values because the oil content depends on many factors, such as the geographical origin of the Cornelian cherry, the harvest period, varieties, etc., which also affects the oil content in the seeds. Therefore, the aim of this study is to determine the average oil content of Cornelian cherry seeds, and to determine the obtained oil physico-chemical parameters that show the quality of the oil, namely oil viscosity, iodine value, peroxide value, acid value, and saponification value. Based on the obtained results, more information is clearly given about the quality of the obtained oil, as well as its use in the production of cosmetic preparations. Based on the conducted analyzes, it was shown that the oil obtained from the Cornelian cherry seeds was high quality, and that it was analyzed in its fatty acid composition similar to other vegetable oils such as sunflower oil, pumpkin oil, corn oil. The low of the peroxide value showed that the oil used has good resistance to oxidative spoilage, which is attributed to the composition of fatty acids and the presence of oil components that have a pronounced antioxidant effect, while the iodine value indicates that it is oil rich in saturated fatty acids such as palmitic, stearic and arachid, etc. where genotype plays an important role. The saponification value showed that these are fatty acids present in the triacylglycerols of this oil, which are low molecular weight, ie there are fewer of those with a larger number of C atoms. All obtained values ​​of the analyzed physical and chemical parameters are in accordance with the requirements imposed by the Regulations on edible vegetable oils (Official Gazette of the Federation Bosnia and Herzegovina No.21/11.), and as such can be used for cosmetic purposes.

Water sources have become unsafe for human consumption, but also for use in agriculture for irrigation or for the food industry. The deteriorating water quality has led to a shortage of drinking water supply. The aim of this study was to examine the possibility of using agricultural waste, specifically corn residues, (corn cob and silk) as a bioadsorbent to remove Ni and Cd ions from water. Experimental results have shown that corn residues (corn cob and corn silk) have a certain potential for use as bioadsorbents. The possibility of application was tested for corn cob and corn silk (corn cob 3.5g and corn silk 1.5g) for metal concentrations of  20, 40, 100 mg/L for corn cob, and 40 mg/L and 100 mg/L for corn silk. The tests were performed at pH 3 and 6 at a contact time to reach equilibrium of 3.5 hours. Adsorption parameters were determined using the Freundlich isotherm. The morphology of biosorbents before and after the adsorption process was monitored to observe differences in the structure of the biosorbents used. The results showed that in the case of Cd2 + ions, with an initial concentration of 100 mg/L the highest removal efficiency was achieved for all samples used, while in the case of Ni2+ ions the highest removal efficiency was achieved at an initial concentration of 40 mg/L for all samples, while the corn silk based of the maize (Zea mays L.) sample proved to be the best for the removal of these ions where the influence of pH has a great influence on the removal efficiency as well as the physico-chemical properties of the metal. Morphological analysis of samples before and after the adsorption process showed significant differences in the structure of the biosorbents used, which lead to the conclusion that sorption is associated with chemical changes on the surface of the biosorbent. The calculated values ​​of the parameters used in the Freundlich isotherm indicated the existence of high-energy sorption centers in the bisorbent of corn cob and corn silk hybrids maize, and that the adsorption was more pronounced at lower pH values. The corn cob-based  of the maize (Zea mays L.) biosorbent used has been shown to be a heterogeneous surface biosorbent with moderate sorption intensity to Ni and Cd ions, and good sorption intensity to Ni and Cd ions in corn silk-based biosorbent.

The natural plant Cornus mas, sometimes called Cornelian cherry, has been known since ancient times and the fruit is used for various purposes. Cornus mas gives healthy fruits without the use of chemical protection, which are used as healthy, tasty and medicinal food. Cornus mas fruits can be used for eating fresh or in the form of numerous processed products: marmalade, jam, sweet, compote, syrup, juice, fruit yogurt, liqueur, wine and brandy. Due to its antioxidant, antiallergic, antimicrobial and antihistamine properties, it is increasingly used as a dietary supplement, as well as for medical purposes. Taking into account all the above, the aim of this paper is to examine samples of a mixture of honey and fresh wild Cornelian cherry, as well as a sample of honey and Cornelian cherry and determine the physical - chemical parameters: electrical conductivity, pH value, vitamin C content, HMF (hydroxy methyl furfural), as well as individual heavy metals such as iron, cadmium, lead, zinc, copper. Based on the obtained results, appropriate conclusions will be given and the possibility of registering these products as food supplements will be determined.  Based on the performed analyzes, it was shown that the sample of honey and Cornelian cherry mixture had the highest pH value and electrical conductivity, and that the honey sample had the lowest value. Also, the highest value of water activity had the sample of a mixture of honey and Cornelian cherry, while the highest content of hydroxymethylfurfural had the content of Cornelian cherry. The analysis showed the absence of manganese (Mn), cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) in all samples, while it was shown that the highest content of Cu and Zn has the sample of Cornelian cherry 2.665 mg/kg Cu ​​and 14.41 mg/kg Zn, followed by a mixture of Cornelian cherry and honey Cu 2.778 mg/kg, Zn 14.670 mg/kg, while the honey sample has the highest Fe content of 16.72 mg/kg. This shows that the samples are rich in zinc, iron and copper, and that they are a good source for those minerals that could meet daily needs.

During the last few years, we have witnessed more frequent floods affecting the northeastern part of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the valley of the Spreca River. Flooded soil has undergone various changes, in terms of numerous deficiencies and heavy metal contamination, where such soil represents a great danger both for people and animals. Therefore, in this paper the physicochemical analysis of soil and degree of pollution is determined. The aim of soil sampling and analysis is to determine its status after water withdrawal, in terms of nutrient supply, and to determine possible chemical pollution. Based on the results obtained, agricultural producers will receive recommendations regarding restoration of production on these areas, the choice of cultivated culture, corrective measures or remediation of these areas. As part of the analysis, hygroscopic moisture, acid-base soil status, oxidoreduction potential, organic matter content, carbonate content and heavy metals content were determined. Based on the performed analyzes, the soil was shown to be of neutral character (determined in 1M KCl), and weakly alkaline (determined in distilled H2O) with predominantly reducing condition prevailing in the soil. The conducted analyzes have shown that the soil is very poor in humus, and that the heavy metals content is within the limit values determined by the Rulebook on Determination of Allowed Quantities of Harmful and Dangerous Substances in Soil and Method of Testing there of (“Official Gazette of Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina”, number 52/09). Therefore, from the aspect of the pollution degree, the soil from this plot belongs to the first class when it comes to iron, manganese, cadmium and lead, to the second class when it comes to zinc, and the third class when it comes to copper.

During the last few years, we have witnessed more frequent floods affecting the northeastern part of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the valley of the Spreca River. Flooded soil has undergone various changes, in terms of numerous deficiencies and heavy metal contamination, where such soil represents a great danger both for people and animals. Therefore, in this paper the physicochemical analysis of soil and degree of pollution is determined. The aim of soil sampling and analysis is to determine its status after water withdrawal, in terms of nutrient supply, and to determine possible chemical pollution. Based on the results obtained, agricultural producers will receive recommendations regarding restoration of production on these areas, the choice of cultivated culture, corrective measures or remediation of these areas. As part of the analysis, hygroscopic moisture, acid-base soil status, oxidoreduction potential, organic matter content, carbonate content and heavy metals content were determined. Based on the performed analyzes, the soil was shown to be of neutral character (determined in 1M KCl), and weakly alkaline (determined in distilled H2O) with predominantly reducing condition prevailing in the soil. The conducted analyzes have shown that the soil is very poor in humus, and that the heavy metals content is within the limit values determined by the Rulebook on Determination of Allowed Quantities of Harmful and Dangerous Substances in Soil and Method of Testing there of (“Official Gazette of Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina”, number 52/09). Therefore, from the aspect of the pollution degree, the soil from this plot belongs to the first class when it comes to iron, manganese, cadmium and lead, to the second class when it comes to zinc, and the third class when it comes to copper.

The effect of the initial concentration of Cr, Co, Cu, Ni, and Pb metal ions from multicomponent solutions on the sorption capacity of natural and acid activated bentonite was examined in this paper. The acid activation was performed by using hydrochloric and sulfuric acid at different concentrations. The results of adsorption research have shown that bentonite can be effectively used as an adsorbent for the removal of metal ions from multicomponent solutions. Acid activation of bentonite changes the structure and content of individual oxides, increases the porosity and the number of available spots for the adsorption process. For this reason, the bentonite removal efficiency increased after acid activation for all heavy metals tested. With increased acid concentration, the degree of bentonite adsorption increased, and sulfuric acid rather than chloric acid showed better results in removal efficiency.

Wastewaters from the galvanization process contain high concentrations of heavy metals representing a great danger to human health as well as to the environment. Heavy metals in the galvanization process are used in the coating process, whereby the coatings of certain metals are formed. The treatment of wastewaters generated by the galvanization process can be conducted by a number of methods, however, today more research is being done on processes which are efficient, economical and cost-effective, but environmentally acceptable. One of those techniques is adsorption. The adsorption process of Cd2+, Ni2+ and Cr2+ions from galvanization water using brewer’s grain as the adsorbent, at different pH values and adsorbent granulation of 0.5 mm is analyzed in this paper. The percentage of moisture and ash was determined, and the FTIR analysis was performed confirming the presence of certain functional groups. Based on the obtained values, it has been shown that the brewer’s grain can be successfully used as a natural adsorbent to remove Cd2+, Ni2+ and Cr2+ ions from galvanization waters, and also that high level of efficiency is obtained at all analyzed pH values. The analysis has also shown that the affinity of adsorbents to Cd2+, Ni2+ and Cr2+ ions is in correlation with physical and chemical properties, but that the best removal efficiency is achieved at the pH 4 value

Biosensors are nowadays a powerful alternative to conventional analytical techniques for controlling the quality of not only natural water but also process water used by the food industry during the production process, as well as wastewater prior to release into natural watercourses. The goal is to provide the required quality and safety of water from the standpoint of heavy metal contamination. The basic and most important characteristics of biosensors are high sensitivity, short response time, specificity, and relatively low production cost. Biosensors can detect the presence and measure the content of various toxic substances (pesticides, heavy metals, etc.) not only in water but also in food. Detection of contaminants, primarily heavy metals in water used in food production processes, is a potential area of biosensor application in the food industry. Biosensors can be adapted for direct and continuous (online) monitoring by measuring certain analytes that can affect the quality and safety of water. This chapter will give an overview of the development and application of biosensors in order to control the quality and safety of water from the standpoint of the presence of heavy metals.

The problem of environmental pollution is more expressed and more present by the development of the industry and the growth of the human population. Pollution of natural and wastewater is most often due to the release of heavy metals into watercourses. The greatest challenge for researchers is choosing the right biomass from a large number of low-cost biomaterials, and availability and price are very important selection factors. Microbial biomass, forestry waste and agroindustrial complexes are most frequently examined, as well as various macromolecules of natural origin. In this paper, barley straw that arises as agricultural waste product in barley production in Bosnia and Herzegovina, was used as a biosorbent. In the experimental part, physical and chemical characterization of  barley straw was performed, after which the efficiency of removing Cd(II) and Ni(II) from aqueous solutions, using barley straw, and the influence of process parameters (pH value of aqueous solution, biosorbent size, interaction of metal ions) on the biosorption capacity were tested. It can be concluded that barley straw has good adsoption characteristics for the use as a low-cost natural sorbent for the removal of heavy metals from water.