1. Sources, seasonal trends and urban exposure to airborne particulate matter-bound pollutantsRadmila Milačič Ščančar, Alenka Mauko Pranjić, Nina Zupančič, Marija Đurić, Janez Ščančar, 2026, izvirni znanstveni članek Povzetek: Size-fractionated airborne particulate matter was collected over 1 year (2023–2024) at five urban pedestrian and cycling locations in Slovenia. PM10, PM2.5, PM0.1 were collected using a low-volume sampler with polytetrafluoroethylene filters, and PM<0.1 fraction was retained in ultrapure-water. Metal(loid)s and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were determined to assess the potential health and environmental risks. Metal(loid) concentrations were the highest in PM10, with most elevated levels of Zn (7 ng m−3), Ba (4.5 ng m−3), Cu (2.8 ng m−3) and Cr (1.5 ng m−3). Significant enrichment in PM<0.1 was observed for Ba, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn, with Ce-normalised values indicating a strong anthropogenic contribution. Tailpipe tracers were dominant in (ultra)fine PM fractions, while non-exhaust emission markers (Ba, Cu, Zn) strongly correlated with Ce and La in PM10. Among PAHs, BbF (0.05 ng m−3), BghiP and IP (0.04 ng m−3) exhibited the highest concentrations. BaP, BghiP and IP were enriched in ultra-fine particles, indicating fresh vehicular combustion emissions. Peak pollutant concentrations occurred during the heating period (HP) and in densely populated, high-traffic cities. Source apportionment revealed a dominance of pyrogenic sources, including: (i) vehicular exhaust emissions from diesel engines (5–6-ring PAHs, Ni, V and Pb), (ii) resuspended mineral dust and non-exhaust traffic particles (Ba, Cu, Zn), and (iii) coal and biomass combustion during HP (4-ring PAHs, Co, Mo, Tl). Incremental lifetime cancer risk for As (2 × 10−7), Co (1 × 10−6) and Cr (6 × 10−6) was minimal. Hazard quotient values were below 1. Children cycling during HP experienced the highest exposure levels. The European PM10 limit values for As (6 ng m−3), Cd (5 ng m−3), Pb (500 ng m−3), Ni (20 ng m−3) and BaP (1 ng m−3) were not exceeded.
Ključne besede: size-fractionation, particulate matter, metal(loid)s, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, sources, health risk assessment
Objavljeno v DiRROS: 03.08.2026; Ogledov: 208; Prenosov: 189
 Celotno besedilo (5,16 MB)
Gradivo ima več datotek! Več... |
2. Element concentration, stable and radioactive isotope data from multiple environmental matrices in two mid-sized Central-European river basinsMáté Krisztián Kardos, Adrienne Clement, Zsolt Jolankai, Radmila Milačič Ščančar, Janez Ščančar, Miroslav Štrbac, Katarina Kozlica, Polona Vreča, Klara Žagar, Sonja Lojen, Zoltán Kern, 2026, drugi znanstveni članki Povzetek: This article presents a comprehensive multi-matrix dataset collected to support the investigation and validation of catchment-scale contaminant transport processes using combined hydrochemical, multi-element, and isotopic approaches. The dataset was generated within a targeted monitoring program conducted in two medium-sized Central European catchments, the Koppány River (Hungary) and the Ledava River (Slovenia), both characterized by intensive agricultural land use, wastewater inputs, and erosion-sensitive conditions. The dataset integrates measurements from multiple environmental compartments, including precipitation, surface water, groundwater, wastewater, soil, riverbed sediment, and suspended particulate matter (SS). Sampling was designed to capture both baseflow conditions and hydrologically dynamic periods, with particular emphasis on high-flow events associated with enhanced erosion and material transport. River water samples were collected through a combination of grab sampling and flow-proportional automatic sampling, while suspended sediments were obtained using passive samplers during flood events. Soil and sediment samples were collected at representative locations and processed to fine fractions prior to analysis. The analytical data include conventional hydrochemical parameters (e.g. major ions, nutrients, pH, electrical conductivity, turbidity), alongside detailed multi-element composition comprising potentially toxic elements, rare earth elements, and geological normalizers. Elemental concentrations were determined using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) following microwave-assisted digestion or selective extraction procedures. In addition, isotope-based tracers were incorporated, including water stable isotopes (δ²H, δ¹⁸O), radioisotope data (e.g. 3H, 14C) indicating groundwater age information, and nitrate stable isotopes (δ¹⁵NNO3, δ¹⁵ONO3), enabling the characterization of hydrological pathways and nutrient sources. The dataset combines newly acquired measurements with pre-existing hydrological, hydrochemical, and land use data into a harmonized database structure. This integration enables the comparison of elemental and isotopic signatures across environmental matrices and hydrological conditions, supporting applications such as source characterization, assessment of particulate and dissolved transport processes, and evaluation of hydrological flow components. The data are provided with detailed metadata on sampling conditions, analytical procedures, and quality control, including the use of certified reference materials and replicate analyses. Limitations related to incomplete parameter coverage, variable hydrological data availability, and missing metadata for a subset of groundwater samples are documented. This dataset provides a consistent, multi-tracer observational basis for the analysis of contaminant transport processes in agriculturally impacted catchments and for the evaluation of catchment-scale modelling approaches.
Ključne besede: Ledava river basin, Koppány river basin, dataset
Objavljeno v DiRROS: 30.06.2026; Ogledov: 237; Prenosov: 180
Celotno besedilo (941,83 KB)
Gradivo ima več datotek! Več... |
3. Determination of copper and other trace elements in serum samples from patients with biliary tract cancers : prospective noninterventional nonrandomized clinical study protocolMartina Reberšek, Nežka Hribernik, Katarina Kozlica, Stefan Marković, Katja Uršič Valentinuzzi, Maja Čemažar, Tea Zuliani, Radmila Milačič Ščančar, Janez Ščančar, 2024, izvirni znanstveni članek Povzetek: Background Biliary tract cancers (BTCs) are usually diagnosed at an advanced stage, when the disease is incurable. Currently used tumor biomarkers have limited diagnostic value for BTCs, so there is an urgent need for sensitive and specific biomarkers for their earlier diagnosis. Deregulation of the homeostasis of trace elements is involved in the carcinogenesis of different cancers, including BTCs. The objective of the study is to determine/compare the total concentrations of copper (Cu), zinc (Zn) and iron (Fe) and the proportions of free Cu and Cu bound to ceruloplasmin (Cp) and the isotopic ratio of 65Cu/63Cu in serum samples from healthy volunteers and cancer patients using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry-based methods (ICP-MS).
Ključne besede: trace elements, copper, predictive biomarkers of response
Objavljeno v DiRROS: 26.06.2026; Ogledov: 263; Prenosov: 99
Celotno besedilo (781,24 KB) |
4. Clinical impact of trace elements as potential biomarkers for diagnosis and prediction of response to systemic treatment in gastrointestinal cancersMartina Reberšek, Radmila Milačič Ščančar, Janez Ščančar, Nežka Hribernik, 2026, izvirni znanstveni članek Povzetek: Gastrointestinal cancers are among the most common malignancies worldwide and, at advanced stages, remain incurable. Currently used biomarkers, such as tumour markers, have limited diagnostic value for early detection and relapse, highlighting the urgent need for more sensitive and specific markers. Trace elements are involved in numerous physiological and metabolic processes, and deregulation of their homeostasis is implicated in the carcinogenesis of various cancers, including gastrointestinal malignancies. Several basic and preclinical studies have identified the importance of trace elements in key biological processes. Recent clinical studies and retrospective analyses suggest that fluctuations in trace element levels may be associated with the development and progression of many cancers. Thus, quantitative and dynamic determination of serum trace element concentrations during treatment and follow-up represents a promising option for monitoring treatment efficacy and disease prognosis. Conclusions. Trace elements may serve as potential prognostic and predictive biomarkers for diagnosis and response to systemic treatment.
Ključne besede: gastrointestinal cancers, systemic therapy, prognostic and predictive biomarkers, trace elements
Objavljeno v DiRROS: 18.06.2026; Ogledov: 282; Prenosov: 101
Celotno besedilo (460,84 KB) |
5. Determination of metal(oid)s and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in size-fractionated airborne particulate matter : methodological approaches, trends, gaps and future needs : a reviewPrashant Kumar, Radmila Milačič Ščančar, Marija Đurić, Alenka Mauko Pranjić, Janez Ščančar, 2026, pregledni znanstveni članek Povzetek: This review highlights a significant gap in the multi-pollutant characterisation of ultrafine particulate matter (PM <0.1 µm), focusing on metal(oid)s and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Fractionation mechanisms, sampling protocols and analytical methods are examined with an emphasis on integrating quality assurance measures to ensure high-quality data and facilitate cross-study comparability. Based on studies published between 2010 and 2025, research has largely focused on the analysis of pollutants bound to PM2.5 or PM10. Only 5% of the studies addressed ultrafine particles (UFPs), which have the greatest toxicological impacts. The measurement of both pollutant groups within a single sampling campaign was rare (14% of the studies). The reliability of analytical data was rarely evaluated. Only 33% of the studies employed certified reference materials for quality control and method validation. Microwave-assisted digestion and ultrasound-assisted extraction were commonly used for sample preparation prior to the determination of metal(oid)s and PAHs, by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry, respectively. Both pollutant groups exhibited strong seasonal variability, with elevated concentrations observed during heating periods in cold seasons, as well as associated with fine PM and UFPs, fractions that exhibit high bioaccessibility. Smaller PM fractions were associated with anthropogenic sources, including fossil fuel and biomass combustion, traffic and industrial emissions, while coarse PM reflected naturally-derived crustal material. Overall, these findings highlight the importance of uniform and comprehensive protocols for sampling UFPs and quantifying associated pollutants, which are essential for reliable data and effective urban air quality control strategies aimed at mitigating emissions.
Ključne besede: particulate matter, urban air quality, sampling protocols, analytical methods, metal(oid)s, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons
Objavljeno v DiRROS: 15.05.2026; Ogledov: 403; Prenosov: 369
Celotno besedilo (2,27 MB)
Gradivo ima več datotek! Več... |
6. Elementi v sledovih v serumu kot potencialni biomarkerji pri bolnikih z raki biliarnega trakta : preliminarni rezultatiMartina Reberšek, Nežka Hribernik, Katarina Kozlica, Katja Uršič Valentinuzzi, Maja Čemažar, Radmila Milačič Ščančar, Janez Ščančar, 2025, objavljeni povzetek znanstvenega prispevka na konferenci Ključne besede: biološki označevalci, raki biliarnega trakta, onkologija
Objavljeno v DiRROS: 11.03.2026; Ogledov: 734; Prenosov: 148
Celotno besedilo (107,87 KB) |
7. |
8. Copper- and lead-based nanoparticles in freshwater sediments : spatiotemporal trends and environmental impactMavro Lučić, Janja Vidmar, Radmila Milačič Ščančar, Janez Ščančar, Bor Arah, Nevenka Mikac, Maja Ivanić, Željka Fiket, Neda Vdović, 2026, izvirni znanstveni članek Ključne besede: metallic nanoparticles, environmental risk assessment, spatiotemporal distribution
Objavljeno v DiRROS: 27.01.2026; Ogledov: 601; Prenosov: 472
Celotno besedilo (9,19 MB)
Gradivo ima več datotek! Več... |
9. DED-LB manufactured Ti–6Al–4V–4Cu alloy : materials development, characterization, and in vivo biocompatibilityAndrej Jeromen, Anish Nair, Peter Rodič, Denis Sačer, Barbara Kapun, Maša Čater, Ana Brunčić, Katarina Kozlica, Radmila Milačič Ščančar, Andrej Cör, Edvard Govekar, Ingrid Milošev, Simon Horvat, 2025, izvirni znanstveni članek Ključne besede: Ti–6Al–4V–4Cu alloy, additive manufacturing, laser-based directed energy deposition (DED-LB), microstructure and phase analyses, corrosion, in vivo biocompatibility
Objavljeno v DiRROS: 10.11.2025; Ogledov: 678; Prenosov: 553
Celotno besedilo (18,03 MB)
Gradivo ima več datotek! Več... |
10. Can low-cost sensors (LCS) enhance air quality monitoring for personal pollution exposure assessment?Anja Ilenič, Alenka Mauko Pranjić, Janez Ščančar, Radmila Milačič Ščančar, Prashant Kumar, 2025, izvirni znanstveni članek Povzetek: Laboratory and field assessments of low-cost sensors (LCS) are essential for ensuring the accuracy of PM2.5 measurements collected by citizens in air quality campaigns. Evaluation of Sensirion SPS30 (LCS SPS30) in controlled laboratory setting showed a coefficient of determination (R2) ranging from 0.81–0.99 and a root mean square error (RMSE) from 0.81–61.72 μg m−3, at average concentration of 21.5 μg m−3. In contrast, co-location assessment at an average concentration of 9 μg m−3 resulted in R2 of 0.5 and a RMSE of 6.82 μg m−3. The results demonstrated that the sensor met micro-environmental monitoring standards (accuracy < 25%) and United States Environmental Protection Agency's performance criteria (RMSE ≤ 7 μg m−3, R2 > 0.7) only at relative humidity (RH) levels below 60%, emphasising its strong sensitivity to RH and the need for RH-dependent data corrections. The observed underestimation or overestimation of PM2.5 readings was primarily attributed to variations in particle composition and concentration. Despite accuracy variations, LCSs can effectively capture spatiotemporal urban air quality patterns and identify pollution hotspots in community monitoring, particularly in low-pollution environments. In a citizen-led PM2.5 monitoring campaign in Maribor, Slovenia, the lowest concentrations were recorded at 15:00 (2.9 μg m−3), while the highest occurred during the morning rush-hour (4.8 μg m−3), likely attributed to the planetary boundary layer’s impact on atmospheric particulate dispersion. Spatial analysis revealed that hotspots clustered near intersections, where vehicle waiting time is the longest.
Ključne besede: particulate matter, low-cost sensor, Sensirion SPS30, citizen science, calibration
Objavljeno v DiRROS: 18.09.2025; Ogledov: 1126; Prenosov: 594
Celotno besedilo (3,32 MB)
Gradivo ima več datotek! Več... |
