1. Potential for improving the environmental sustainability of natural aggregates production (Slovenian case study)Janez Turk, Anja Kodrič, Rok Cajzek, Tjaša Zupančič Hartner, 2025, izvirni znanstveni članek Povzetek: The environmental performance of natural aggregates for concrete and road construction, extracted from a dolomite quarry, was investigated. Environmental hotspots were identified, and potential optimization measures to further reduce the environmental footprint were proposed. The natural aggregates extracted from the dolomite quarry have relatively low GWP and a low environmental footprint in general. The GWP of 1 tonne of natural aggregates used in concrete production is 1.13 kg CO2 equiv., while for 1 tonne of aggregates used in road construction, it is 0.97 kg CO2 equiv. The dolomite rock in the quarry in question is tectonically fractured, such that very intensive extraction is not required, taking into account the blasting of the rock and further processing. The use of non-road mobile machinery is already optimized. Additional reductions in environmental impact could be achieved by powering the screening process exclusively with electricity from renewable sources, such as a photovoltaic system. In this context, integrating on-site battery storage systems might present a promising solution for addressing the seasonal mismatch between solar energy generation and processing demands. Ključne besede: rock extraction, global warming potential, environmental impact, optimization, sensitivity Objavljeno v DiRROS: 15.10.2025; Ogledov: 150; Prenosov: 71
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2. Improving biodiversity in Central and Eastern European gardens needs regionally scaled strategiesZsófia Varga-Szilay, Arvids Barševskis, Klára Benedek, Danilo Bevk, 2025, izvirni znanstveni članek Povzetek: Amid ongoing urbanisation, gardens are expected to play an increasing role in enhancing urban biodiversity by supplementing green areas and improving landscape connectivity. Biodiversity-friendly gardens also improve human well-being and foster connections between nature and people. To study these benefits, we distributed a questionnaire (n = 5255), and used a scoring system to evaluate gardens’ ecological value (GAR index), gardeners' attitudes (RES index), and pesticide use habits (PES index). We used machine learning to explore how these indices interact and what sociodemographic factors drive them across Central and Eastern Europe (CEE). Our aim was to explore the ecological values of gardens and gardening practices, identifying characteristics that might contribute to building high biodiversity. We found significant variability within and between countries, with Romania scoring low and Czechia high in all indices. Domestic pesticide use was ubiquitous across CEE and largely unaffected by sociodemographic factors. Increased time spent gardening was associated with the highest pesticide use and a greater potential for fostering high biodiversity. Gardeners aged over 55 tended to uphold longstanding conventional practices and thus lowered both PES and GAR index scores. The local differences highlight the need for regionally tailored biodiversity-friendly gardening guidelines instead of standardised regulations across Europe. Effective environmental education and community programs can be developed based on local biodiversity and the three indices we used. These programs should inform gardeners about the environmental and health impacts of pesticides and provide comprehensive biodiversity-related knowledge. This is especially important in CEE, where such initiatives are currently underrepresented. Ključne besede: rural-urban gradient, urban ecosystems, environmental consciousness, sustainable gardening, environmental sensitivity, urbanisation Objavljeno v DiRROS: 08.10.2025; Ogledov: 143; Prenosov: 63
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3. Advancing subterranean conservation through Global Research on eDNA in Groundwaters (GReG)Mattia Saccò, Abdul Elmasri, Mahima Tawal, Roman Alther, Maja Zagmajster, Marjeta Konec, Nataša Mori, David Stanković, Živa Vehovar, Valerija Zakšek, 2025, drugi znanstveni članki Ključne besede: environmental DNA, groundwater, protection of underground ecosystems Objavljeno v DiRROS: 25.09.2025; Ogledov: 188; Prenosov: 75
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4. Citizen science for monitoring plastic pollution from source to sea: a systematic review of methodologies, best practices, and challengesCorinne Corbau, Alexandre Lazarou, Oliver Bajt, Vlatka Filipović Marijić, Tatjana Simčič, Massimo Coltorti, Elisa Pignoni, Umberto Simeoni, 2025, pregledni znanstveni članek Povzetek: Citizen science provides a valuable approach for tracking plastic pollution; however, its effectiveness is often limited by methodological inconsistencies, concerns about data quality, and a persistent gap between data collection and policy implementation. This systematic review addresses the key question: What constitutes a comprehensive set of best practices for addressing these issues and enhancing the scientific and societal impact of citizen science in monitoring plastic pollution from source to sea? Analyzing 84 studies, from beach cleanups to microplastic sampling, this review synthesizes best practices and identifies remaining gaps. It presents a structured framework designed to enhance data quality and volunteer participation. Key challenges include the ‘microplastic analytical bottleneck,’ the ‘digital divide,’ and notable geographical and demographic disparities that hinder the integration of policies. While citizen science is effective for large-scale data collection, its main challenge is translating data into actionable policies. The main contribution of this review is a series of practical recommendations aimed at improving methodological consistency, ensuring fair volunteer participation, and facilitating the transition from citizen data to evidence-based environmental management, thereby enhancing the effectiveness and impact of citizen science. Ključne besede: public engagement, plastic pollution data quality, environmental monitoring, policy integration Objavljeno v DiRROS: 25.09.2025; Ogledov: 201; Prenosov: 107
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5. Innovative solutions for valorization of desalination brineAna Rotter, Baruch Rinkevich, Irem Deniz, Maggie M. Reddy, Mariana Girão, Maria F. Carvalho, Nina Gunde-Cimerman, Cene Gostinčar, Mercedes Cueto, Ernesta Grigalionyte-Bembič, 2025, izvirni znanstveni članek Povzetek: Desalination is becoming increasingly important to meet the growing demand for freshwater. However, a major drawback of this technology is the production of hypersaline brine. This by-product contains salts and contaminants that have been removed during the desalination process, including antiscalants, cleaning agents, heavy metals, and organic compounds. Instead of disposing of this brine and causing environmental harm, new strategies should be developed to transform brine from a burden into an opportunity with environmental and economic benefits. Brine can harbor halotolerant and halophilic microorganisms, making it a valuable resource for studying microbial diversity, adaptations and exploring untapped biotechnological opportunities in pharmaceutical, industrial, and ecological fields. We propose two strategies of innovation: (i) using brine to cultivate micro- and macro-organisms, both of which can create circular economy models tailored to global and local needs. (ii) In addition, the amount of brine generated by desalination plants can be reduced by integrating or coupling them with biodesalination modules. These modules would harness halotolerant and halophilic organisms to retain and assimilate salts, reducing the environmental impact of desalination. Ključne besede: desalination, brine, environmental impact, circular economy, biotechnology Objavljeno v DiRROS: 08.09.2025; Ogledov: 241; Prenosov: 104
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6. Report on Career Orientation PracticesNike Krajnc, Darja Stare, Polona Hafner, Katarina Flajšman, Mateja Karničnik, Tatjana Pavlič, Ema Šumenjak, Sabina Majerič, Špela Pezdevšek Malovrh, Zala Uhan, 2025, elaborat, predštudija, študija Ključne besede: forestry, gender equality, youth employment, employment, sustainable development, environmental education Objavljeno v DiRROS: 14.07.2025; Ogledov: 419; Prenosov: 235
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7. Toolkit to expand the range of career choices to support innovative approachesNike Krajnc, Darja Stare, Polona Hafner, Katarina Flajšman, Mateja Karničnik, Tatjana Pavlič, Ema Šumenjak, Sabina Majerič, Špela Pezdevšek Malovrh, Zala Uhan, 2025, elaborat, predštudija, študija Ključne besede: forestry, gender equality, youth employment, employment, sustainable development, environmental education Objavljeno v DiRROS: 14.07.2025; Ogledov: 404; Prenosov: 225
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8. Promoting forestry careers to girls and young womenNike Krajnc, Darja Stare, Polona Hafner, Katarina Flajšman, Mateja Karničnik, Tatjana Pavlič, Ema Šumenjak, Sabina Majerič, Špela Pezdevšek Malovrh, Zala Uhan, 2025, elaborat, predštudija, študija Ključne besede: forestry, gender equality, youth employment, employment, sustainable development, environmental education Objavljeno v DiRROS: 14.07.2025; Ogledov: 403; Prenosov: 217
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9. Capacity-building for gender awareness and competences in forestry educationNike Krajnc, Darja Stare, Polona Hafner, Katarina Flajšman, Mateja Karničnik, Tatjana Pavlič, Ema Šumenjak, Sabina Majerič, Špela Pezdevšek Malovrh, Zala Uhan, 2025, elaborat, predštudija, študija Ključne besede: forestry, gender equality, youth employment, employment, sustainable development, environmental education Objavljeno v DiRROS: 09.07.2025; Ogledov: 363; Prenosov: 228
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10. Good practice examples of career orientation in forestry : collection of good practice examples that help to counteract stereotypes and spark curiosity about the world of forestryNike Krajnc, Darja Stare, Polona Hafner, Katarina Flajšman, Mateja Karničnik, Tatjana Pavlič, Ema Šumenjak, Sabina Majerič, Špela Pezdevšek Malovrh, Zala Uhan, 2025, elaborat, predštudija, študija Ključne besede: forestry, gender equality, youth employment, employment, sustainable development, environmental education Objavljeno v DiRROS: 09.07.2025; Ogledov: 417; Prenosov: 228
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