1. Mercury pollution in terrestrial ecosystems of North Macedonia: insights from an 18-year moss biomonitoring programmeKaterina Bačeva Andronovska, Robert Šajn, Jasminka Alijagić, Trajče Stafilov, Lambe Barandovski, 2026, izvirni znanstveni članek Povzetek: Moss biomonitoring was conducted in 2002, 2005, 2010, 2015 and 2020 to evaluate atmospheric mercury (Hg) deposition across N. Macedonia as part of a comprehensive survey of potentially toxic elements (PTEs). More than 70 samples of the dominant moss species Hypnum cupressiforme and Homalothecium lutescens were collected during the summer field campaigns. Mercury concentrations were determined using cold vapour atomic absorption spectrometry and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The results revealed marked temporal fluctuations: median Hg content increased from 56 μg/kg in 2002 to 68 μg/kg in 2005, peaked at 93 μg/kg in 2010, then decreased to 84 μg/kg in 2015, and further to 52 μg/kg in 2020. Over the study period, Hg concentrations ranged from 10 to 595 μg/kg, with the highest variability observed in 2010. Spatial distribution maps and regional comparisons indicate that elevated Hg contents correspond predominantly to anthropogenic sources, particularly in industrialised zones and regions affected by mining and metallurgical activities. The 2020 dataset shows a significantly lower median value (52 μg/kg) compared to previous surveys, indicating a slight improvement in air quality, although local hotspots persist. These results highlight the importance of long-term moss biomonitoring as a cost-effective approach for tracking atmospheric mercury trends and informing national environmental policy.
Ključne besede: atmospheric mercury, moss biomonitoring, potentially toxic elements, ICP-MS, North Macedonia
Objavljeno v DiRROS: 09.01.2026; Ogledov: 51; Prenosov: 13
 Celotno besedilo (2,56 MB) |
2. The freshwater sounds archiveJack A. Greenhalgh, Mauricio S. Akmentins, Martin Boullhesen, Gabriel Lourenço Brejão, Jacob C. Bowman, Jernej Polajnar, David Stanković, 2025, drugi sestavni deli Povzetek: Freshwater ecosystems are full of underwater sounds produced by amphibians, aquatic arthropods, reptiles, plants, fishes, and methane bubbles escaping from the sediment. Although much headway has been made in recent years investigating the overall soundscapes of various freshwater ecosystems around the world, there remains a significant knowledge gap in our collective inability to accurately and reliably link recorded sounds with the species that produced them. Here, we present The Freshwater Sounds Archive, a new global initiative, which seeks to address this knowledge gap by collating species-specific freshwater sound recordings into a publicly available database. By means of metadata collection, we also present a snapshot of the species studied, the recording equipment, and recording parameters used by freshwater ecoacousticians globally. In total, 61 entries were submitted to the archive between the 4th of March 2023 and the 30th of April 2025, representing 16 countries and 6 continents. The most numerous taxonomic group was arthropods (29 entries), followed by fishes (14 entries), amphibians (10 entries), macrophytes (7 entries), and a freshwater mollusk (1 entry). The majority of the submissions were from European countries (27 entries), of which the United Kingdom was the most represented with 14 entries. The next most represented region was North America (11 entries), followed by South America (8 entries), Oceania and Asia (5 entries each), Africa (3 entries), and the Middle East and Central America with 1 entry each. The global south, polar regions, and areas with an elevation >500 m (asl) were underrepresented. The field of freshwater ecoacoustics to date has largely focused on the analysis of ‘sound types’ due to a current lack of knowledge of species-specific sounds. The Freshwater Sounds Archive presents an opportunity to move beyond the ‘sound type’ approach, and towards an approach with higher taxonomic resolution, ultimately resulting in species-specific descriptions. Furthermore, The Freshwater Sounds Archive will provide freshwater ecoacousticians with one of the main tools required to start creating annotated training datasets for machine learning models from soundscape recordings by referring to known species sounds present in the archive. In the long-term, this will result in the automatic detection and classification of species-specific freshwater sounds from soundscape recordings, such as indicator, invasive, and endangered species.
Ključne besede: freshwater ecoacoustics, biological archive, biomonitoring, passive acoustic monitoring
Objavljeno v DiRROS: 02.07.2025; Ogledov: 550; Prenosov: 305
Celotno besedilo (1,25 MB)
Gradivo ima več datotek! Več... |
3. Trends in atmospheric nitrogen deposition in Macedonia studied by using the moss biomonitoring techniqueKaterina Bačeva Andronovska, Trajče Stafilov, Robert Šajn, Biljana Jordanoska Shishkoska, Valentina Pelivanoska, Lambe Barandovski, 2024, izvirni znanstveni članek Povzetek: This study examined the nitrogen content in moss samples collected across Macedonia over a 15-year period (2005, 2010, 2015 and 2020) from 72 consistent sampling locations. The nitrogen content was determined using the Kjeldahl method, providing insight into the trends of atmospheric nitrogen deposition across different regions. Descriptive statistical analyses, including spatial distribution maps, were used to compare the temporal variations and regional nitrogen levels. In addition, box-plots (P25–P75) and whiskers (P5–P95) were constructed to provide a comprehensive view of the variability across different tectonic units and zones, allowing for an in-depth understanding of the spatial distribution of nitrogen across the country. The study revealed that the median nitrogen content in moss samples decreased from 1.21% in 2005 to 1.04% in 2015, followed by a slight increase to 1.07% in 2020. The highest nitrogen concentrations were consistently found in areas with heavy agricultural activities and high traffic volumes, indicating the direct impact of these anthropogenic factors. The comparisons across regions and geological zones also highlighted the substantial variation in nitrogen levels, reflecting the diverse environmental pressures in different parts of Macedonia. This long-term analysis not only offers valuable insights into the trends in nitrogen pollution but also underlines the necessity for targeted policy interventions, particularly in the regions where nitrogen levels remain persistently high.
Ključne besede: nitrogen, air pollution, moss biomonitoring, Kjeldahl method, Macedonia
Objavljeno v DiRROS: 20.06.2025; Ogledov: 510; Prenosov: 173
Celotno besedilo (2,15 MB) |
4. Assessing the distribution of potentially toxic elements in bryophytes in relation to surface soil contamination in the Veles region, North MacedoniaTrajče Stafilov, Katerina Bačeva Andronovska, Robert Šajn, Marija Jeftimova, 2025, izvirni znanstveni članek Povzetek: This study explores the relationship between bryophyte (mosses) diversity and environmental factors in the Veles region, North Macedonia, focusing on the spatial distribution of chemical elements in the moss and surface soil samples collected from the same locations. Eighteen moss samples were analyzed alongside surface soils. Advanced spectrometric techniques were used to identify potentially toxic elements (PTEs) and their links to anthropogenic and natural sources. While metal measurements are widely reported in the literature, the novelty of this study lies in its integrative approach, combining moss biodiversity analysis with a direct comparison of element concentrations in both moss and soil. The results show significant patterns of deposition of PTEs and highlight the long-term impact of industrial activities on biodiversity and air pollution. These findings provide valuable insights into conservation strategies and environmental management in the midst of ongoing ecological change. Five groups of elements were separated using factor analysis: G1 (Al, Cr, Cu, Fe, Li, Mg, Mn, Ni and V); G2 (Ba and Na); G3 (K, P and Mo), G4 (Pb and Zn), and G5 (Ag, As and Cd), of which two groups (G1 and G2) were found to be typical geochemical associations, while G4 and G5 are anthropogenic associations due to the emission of dust from contaminated soils and the slag heap of the Pb-Zn smelting plant. Group 3 represents a mixed geochemical and anthropogenic association. It was found that Pb, Zn, Cd, and As could indeed be detected in the moss in the study area, underlining its ability to detect pollutants in the air. A comparative analysis of moss and soil samples revealed significant differences in element concentrations, with most elements being more concentrated in soil. These results underline the role of moss as a bioindicator of atmospheric deposition, detecting pollution trends rather than direct soil contamination.
Ključne besede: moss biomonitoring, air pollution, surface soils, potentially toxic elements, Veles region, North Macedonia
Objavljeno v DiRROS: 20.06.2025; Ogledov: 624; Prenosov: 187
Celotno besedilo (5,41 MB) |
5. Proficiency testing and cross-laboratory method comparison to support standardisation of diatom DNA metabarcoding for freshwater biomonitoringValentin Vasselon, Sinziana F. Rivera, Éva Ács, Tina Eleršek, Maša Jablonska, 2025, izvirni znanstveni članek Povzetek: DNA metabarcoding of benthic diatoms has been successfully applied for biomonitoring at the national scale and can now be considered technically ready for routine application. However, protocols and methods still vary between and within countries, limiting their transferability and the comparability of results. In order to overcome this, routine use of DNA metabarcoding for diatom biomonitoring requires knowledge of the sources of variability introduced by the different steps of the procedure. Here, we examine how elements of routine procedures contribute to variability between European laboratories. A set of four experiments were performed focusing on DNA extraction and PCR amplification steps to evaluate their reproducibility between different laboratories and the variability introduced by different protocols currently applied by the scientific community. Under the guidance of a reference laboratory, 17 participants from 14 countries performed DNA extraction and PCR amplification in parallel, using the same fixed protocol and their own choice of protocol. Experiments were performed by each participant on a set of standardised DNA and biofilm samples (river, lake and mock community) to investigate potential systematic and random errors. Our results revealed the successful transferability of a protocol amongst labs and a highly similar and consistent ecological assessment outcome obtained regardless of the protocols used by each participant. We propose an “all for one but prove them all” strategy, suggesting that distinct protocols can be used within the scientific community, as long as their consistency is be proven by following minimum standard requirements.
Ključne besede: cross-laboratory experiment, DNA-based approach, ecological status assessment, intercalibration, standardisation, environmental science, biomonitoring, DNA metabarcoding, benthic diatoms
Objavljeno v DiRROS: 17.01.2025; Ogledov: 657; Prenosov: 501
Celotno besedilo (5,97 MB)
Gradivo ima več datotek! Več... |
6. Program spremljanja kakovosti morja in vnosov onesnaženja s kopnega v skladu z Barcelonsko konvencijo : letno poročilo 2010Valentina Turk, Oliver Bajt, Patricija Mozetič, Mateja Poje, Andreja Ramšak, Milijan Šiško, Alenka Malej, končno poročilo o rezultatih raziskav Povzetek: Slovenija kot članica programa Združenih narodov za okolje (UNEP) in podpisnica Konvencije o varovanju Sredozemskega morja pred onesnaženjem (Barcelonska konvencija) aktivno sodeluje v programu Sredozemskega akcijskega načrta (MAP-Mediterranean Action Plan). Program Spremljanja stanja okolja (MED POL program) izvajamo s finančno pomočjo Ministrstva za okolje in prostor R Slovenije, Agencije RS za okolje. Poročilo vključuje rezultate mikrobioloških analiz kakovosti kopaliških vod, fizikalno-kemične in biološke analize morske vode za oceno stopnje evtrofikacije, rezultate policikličnih in aromatskih ogljikovodikov, kadmija in živega srebra v sedimentu in morskih organizmih (školjkah), oceno vnosa s kopenskih točkovnih virov onesnaženja v morje in rezultate analiz biomonitoringa za oceno bioloških posledic onesnaženja na morskih organizmih.
Ključne besede: varstvo narave, kakovost morja, kontrola kakovosti, morje, onesnaževanje, ekologija morja, biomonitoring, monitoring, evtrofikacijski monitoring, indeks trofičnosti, evtrofizacija, trofični indeks, Tržaški zaliv, Barcelonska konvencija, Jadransko morje
Objavljeno v DiRROS: 16.09.2024; Ogledov: 1720; Prenosov: 1002
Celotno besedilo (1,47 MB)
Gradivo ima več datotek! Več... |
7. The role of natural science collections in the biomonitoring of environmental contaminants in apex predators in support of the EU’s zero pollution ambitionPaola Movalli, Jan Koschorreck, Gabriele Treu, Jaroslav Slobodnik, Nikiforos Alygizakis, Andreas Androulakakis, Alexander Badry, Emanuel Baltag, Fausto Barbagli, Kevin Bauer, Koos Biesmeijer, Al Vrezec, 2021, drugi znanstveni članki Povzetek: The chemical industry is the leading sector in the EU in terms of added value. However, contaminants pose a major threat and significant costs to the environment and human health. While EU legislation and international conventions aim to reduce this threat, regulators struggle to assess and manage chemical risks, given the vast number of substances involved and the lack of data on exposure and hazards. The European Green Deal sets a ‘zero pollution ambition for a toxic free environment’ by 2050 and the EU Chemicals Strategy calls for increased monitoring of chemicals in the environment. Monitoring of contaminants in biota can, inter alia: provide regulators with early warning of bioaccumulation problems with chemicals of emerging concern; trigger risk assessment of persistent, bioaccumulative and toxic substances; enable risk assessment of chemical mixtures in biota; enable risk assessment of mixtures; and enable assessment of the effectiveness of risk management measures and of chemicals regulations overall. A number of these purposes are to be addressed under the recently launched European Partnership for Risk Assessment of Chemicals (PARC). Apex predators are of particular value to biomonitoring. Securing sufficient data at European scale implies large-scale, long-term monitoring and a steady supply of large numbers of fresh apex predator tissue samples from across Europe. Natural science collections are very well-placed to supply these. Pan-European monitoring requires effective coordination among field organisations, collections and analytical laboratories for the flow of required specimens, processing and storage of specimens and tissue samples, contaminant analyses delivering pan-European data sets, and provision of specimen and population contextual data. Collections are well-placed to coordinate this. The COST Action European Raptor Biomonitoring Facility provides a well-developed model showing how this can work, integrating a European Raptor Biomonitoring Scheme, Specimen Bank and Sampling Programme. Simultaneously, the EU-funded LIFE APEX has demonstrated a range of regulatory applications using cutting-edge analytical techniques. PARC plans to make best use of such sampling and biomonitoring programmes. Collections are poised to play a critical role in supporting PARC objectives and thereby contribute to delivery of the EU’s zero-pollution ambition.
Ključne besede: zero pollution, biomonitoring, chemicals of emerging concern, Apex predator, raptor, marine mammal, otter
Objavljeno v DiRROS: 06.08.2024; Ogledov: 955; Prenosov: 665
Celotno besedilo (858,56 KB)
Gradivo ima več datotek! Več... |
8. A schematic sampling protocol for contaminant monitoring in raptorsSilvia Espín, Jovan Andevski, Guy Duke, Igor Eulaers, Pilar Gómez-Ramírez, Gunnar Thor Hallgrimsson, Al Vrezec, 2021, drugi znanstveni članki Povzetek: Birds of prey, owls and falcons are widely used as sentinel species in raptor biomonitoring programmes. A major current challenge is to facilitate large-scale biomonitoring by coordinating contaminant monitoring activities and by building capacity across countries. This requires sharing, dissemination and adoption of best practices addressed by the Networking Programme Research and Monitoring for and with Raptors in Europe (EURAPMON) and now being advanced by the ongoing international COST Action European Raptor Biomonitoring Facility. The present perspective introduces a schematic sampling protocol for contaminant monitoring in raptors. We provide guidance on sample collection with a view to increasing sampling capacity across countries, ensuring appropriate quality of samples and facilitating harmonization of procedures to maximize the reliability, comparability and interoperability of data. The here presented protocol can be used by professionals and volunteers as a standard guide to ensure harmonised sampling methods for contaminant monitoring in raptors.
Ključne besede: best practices, birds of prey, falcons, large-scale biomonitoring, owls, Pan-European network
Objavljeno v DiRROS: 06.08.2024; Ogledov: 972; Prenosov: 565
Celotno besedilo (744,64 KB)
Gradivo ima več datotek! Več... |
9. Moss biomonitoring of the distribution of chemical elements in the air in the Prespa region, North MacedoniaBiljana Dimkova, Robert Šajn, Trajče Stafilov, 2024, izvirni znanstveni članek Povzetek: A study was conducted to investigate atmospheric deposition and to explore the natural distribution and possible contamination with potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in the Prespa region, North Macedonia, using moss samples as biomonitors for air pollution. The distribution of 19 chemical elements (Ag, Al, Ba, Ca, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Li, Mg, Mn, Mo, Na, Ni, P, Pb, Sr, V, and Zn) was detected in 11 moss samples from this area. The moss samples were analysed after microwave digestion using inductively coupled plasma – atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES). R-mode factor analysis was used to identify and characterise the elemental associations, and four associations of elements were identified. Four factors were separated from the group of elements: Factor 1 (Fe-Al-Cr-V-Ni), Factor 2 (Sr-Ba-Mg), Factor 3 (K-P-Zn) and Factor 4 (Pb-Cu). All element factors were found to be typical geochemical associations, with the exception of the distribution of K and P in the agricultural areas of the study area where fertilisers are used over a long period of time.
Ključne besede: moss biomonitoring, air pollution, potentially toxic elements, Prespa region, North Macedonia
Objavljeno v DiRROS: 25.07.2024; Ogledov: 971; Prenosov: 435
Celotno besedilo (1,80 MB) |
10. Assessment of atmospheric deposition of potentially toxic elements in Macedonia using a moss biomonitoring techniqueLambe Barandovski, Trajče Stafilov, Robert Šajn, Katerina Bačeva Andronovska, Marina V. Frontasyeva, Inga Zinicovscaia, 2024, izvirni znanstveni članek Povzetek: This study aims to investigate the changes in atmospheric deposition trends in Macedonia, using a moss biomonitoring technique. This technique has been used to assess the content of potentially toxic elements in Macedonia in 2002, 2005, 2010, and 2015, within the framework of the International Cooperative Program on Effects of Air Pollution on Natural Vegetation and Crops. The content of 42 elements was analyzed using instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA), inductively coupled plasma–atomic emission spectrometry (ICP–AES), and atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS), on 72 moss samples collected in the summer of 2015. The median values of the elements studied were compared with data from previous years and with median values obtained from comparable studies in Norway and the neighboring countries. Through factor and cluster analysis, three geogenic factors were identified: Factor 1, which includes the elements Al, Ce, Fe, Hf, La, Li, Na, Sc, Sm, Tb, Ti, Th, V, and U; Factor 4, which includes As, Cl, and I; and Factor 5, which includes the elements Ba and Sr. In addition, one geogenic-anthropogenic factor containing Co, Cr, and Ni (Factor 2), was identified, and one anthropogenic factor containing Cd, Pb, Sb, and Zn (Factor 3). The lead and zinc mines near the towns of Kriva Palanka, Probištip, and Makedonska Kamenica in the eastern region of the country, the former lead and zinc smelter in the town of Veles, and the ferronickel smelter near Kavadarci, have continuously had the greatest anthropogenic impact on the atmospheric deposition of potentially toxic elements during the time period of the study. In addition to the human influences, the lithology and the composition of the soil continue to play a significant role in the distribution of the elements.
Ključne besede: moss, biomonitoring, air pollution, potentially toxic elements, Macedonia
Objavljeno v DiRROS: 06.02.2024; Ogledov: 2921; Prenosov: 408
Celotno besedilo (9,82 MB) |
