1. Digital product and material passports for better management of material flows in road construction and maintenanceJan Prah, Marija Đurić, Primož Oprčkal, Alenka Mauko Pranjić, 2026, objavljeni znanstveni prispevek na konferenci Povzetek: One of the main challenges in road construction and maintenance is ensuring traceability and transparency in managing large quantities of excavated soil and stone. In Slovenia, around 7 million tons of such materials are produced annually. They are often reused on - site or backfilled, yet still treated as waste, without considering their chemical and geotechnical properties or potential value. The new EU Construction Products Regulation (EC 3110/2024) introduces digital product passports to improve transparency and traceability of material properties. Although excavated soil and stone are not clearly defined as construction products under this regulation, applying its principles is increasingly important due to the large volumes involved. This research addresses digital product passport requirements and presents the development of digital material passport platforms for excavated soil and stone within the LIFE IP RESTART project. It explores pathways based on material status , such as waste, by - product, or construction product, supporting more efficient resource use in line with circular economy principles .
Ključne besede: circular economy, digital product passport, excavated soil and stone, construction and demolition waste management
Objavljeno v DiRROS: 14.08.2026; Ogledov: 260; Prenosov: 133
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2. A comparative analysis of legal frameworks for circularity in the built environment : a large language model-assisted study of nine jurisdictions supporting the sustainable development goalsIwona Kaczmarek, Janez Turk, Alenka Mauko Pranjić, Anja Kodrič, 2026, izvirni znanstveni članek Povzetek: The high consumption of raw materials and the generation of construction and demolition waste (CDW) represent significant sustainability challenges. The circular economy (CE) offers a promising pathway but requires effective legislation. Although considerable attention has been devoted to the technical and economic aspects of CE, comparative analyses of national regulatory frameworks remain scarce. This study addresses this gap by conducting a comparative analysis of the regulatory environments of nine countries: Cyprus, Estonia, Greece, Latvia, Poland, Romania, Slovenia, Switzerland, and Türkiye. With a retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) architecture based on a large language model (LLM), national and regional legal texts were analysed and fact-checked by experts. The results reveal substantial differences in regulatory maturity, enforcement mechanisms, and data platforms, resulting in the identification of three country clusters. The findings indicate that effective CDW management depends on legislative harmonisation, institutional capacity, data openness, and economic incentives. In addition, the study suggests that LLMs can serve as powerful instruments for comparative legal analysis in multilingual sustainability research.
Ključne besede: construction and demolition waste, circular economy, comparative analysis, large language model, legal text, SDG 12
Objavljeno v DiRROS: 03.08.2026; Ogledov: 267; Prenosov: 162
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3. 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: 213; Prenosov: 213
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4. 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: 415; Prenosov: 376
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5. 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: 1134; Prenosov: 598
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6. Skupnost znanja in inovacij EIT Urbana mobilnost – prijetnejše in bolj trajnostno bivanje v evropskih mestih z uporabo inovativnih rešitev : more pleasant and sustainable living in European cities through innovative mobility solutionsAnja Ilenič, Alenka Mauko Pranjić, Darko Kokot, Ana Mladenovič, Mateja Košir, 2021, strokovni članek Ključne besede: urbana mobilnost, mesta, urbano okolje, trajnostni razvoj, urbani izzivi
Objavljeno v DiRROS: 05.08.2025; Ogledov: 944; Prenosov: 505
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7. On thermal safety characteristics of rechargeable alkaline batteries based on zinc and manganese dioxideWilson Ulises Rojas Alva, Lucia Mancini, Alenka Mauko Pranjić, Emanuele Marini, Benedetto Bozzini, 2025, izvirni znanstveni članek Povzetek: As lithium-ion technology's exhibits inherent issues with safety due to thermal runaway, a sustainable and cheaper alternative has been proposed in this work: the rechargeable alkaline battery chemistry. However, so far, the postulated safety of the new battery chemistry has not been demonstrated adequately. Therefore, a safety study is being carried out for rechargeable alkaline battery cells. This Short Communication paper is the first report on the thermal safety of Zn-MnO₂ CR2032 rechargeable alkaline battery coin cells. 100% charged coin cells were tested under thermal abuse conditions in a gravity-convection furnace to quantify the temperature at which the cell would go into thermal runaway. Morphological characterisation of pristine and tested cells was performed via laboratory-based X-ray computed microtomography. The onset temperature to thermal runaway for the rechargeable alkaline battery cells was found to be in the range of 290-380 °C, much higher than that reported in the literature for lithium-ion cells (150-200 °C) of similar capacity and geometry. These results emphasise that rechargeable alkaline battery technology has improved thermal stability compared to lithium-ion technology. Lastly, morphological analyses highlighted the variations of cell geometry brought about by thermal testing.
Ključne besede: rechargeable alkaline battery, thermal runaway, battery degradation, MnO2, Zn, zinc, X-ray microtomography
Objavljeno v DiRROS: 23.05.2025; Ogledov: 1306; Prenosov: 911
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8. Investigating the synergistic impact of freeze-thaw cycles and deicing salts on the properties of cementitious composites incorporating natural fibers and fly ashIldikó Merta, Vesna Zalar Serjun, Alenka Mauko Pranjić, Aljoša Šajna, Mateja Štefančič, Bojan Poletanovic, Farshad Ameri, Ana Mladenović, 2025, izvirni znanstveni članek Povzetek: In cold climates, concrete structures confront durability challenges due to harsh conditions. This study evaluates the effects of incorporating natural fibers, such as hemp and flax fibers (at 1 vol%), and partially replacing cement with fly ash (at 25 and 50 wt%) on the properties of cementitious composites subjected to accelerated aging under freeze-thaw cycles and deicing salts. Findings reveal that natural fibers enhance the freeze-thaw resistance, reducing deterioration (scaling) to 5-8% after 56 cycles. When mortars were subjected to accelerated freeze-thaw cycles, the compressive strength of plain mortar significantly decreased (up to 57%). However, adding natural fibers to the matrix substantially reduced its compressive strength loss. In the case of flexural strength, plain mortars experienced 33% loss, while hemp, flax, and polypropylene fiber mortars showed only 13%, 23%, and 10% losses, respectively. Furthermore, mortars experience a notable enhancement in their energy absorption capacity when reinforced with natural fibers, particularly with hemp fibers (up to 348% higher than plain mortar). Under harsh conditions, hemp and flax-reinforced mortars, with 25wt% fly ash replacement, lose the compressive strength significantly however still demonstrate an alternative to synthetic fibers in terms of flexural strength. Even with 25wt% of fly ash, mortars with natural fiber reinforcement display significantly superior energy absorption capacities compared to plain mortars (up to 48%).
Ključne besede: cementitious composites, natural fibers, freeze-thaw cycles, mechanical properties, mass loss, fly ash
Objavljeno v DiRROS: 23.12.2024; Ogledov: 1878; Prenosov: 954
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9. Recycled red mud as an useful geotechnical materialPrimož Pavšič, Marija Đurić, Mateja Košir, Alenka Mauko Pranjić, Ana Mladenovič, Primož Oprčkal, Sara Seršen, Vesna Zalar Serjun, 2024, objavljeni znanstveni prispevek na konferenci Povzetek: Red mud (RM) is an extractive waste from Bayer process in alumina production. The most conventional methods of RM disposal are tailing dams, or dry storage,both of which raiseenvironmental concerns due to the high alkalinity of RMandthe presence and leaching of potentially hazardous elements (PTEs).Due to its fine-grained nature and poor mechanical properties, as well as leaching of potentially hazardous substances, RM cannot be used by itself. Properties of the RM can be improved, by mixing it with hydraulic or pozzolanic binders, such as calcareous ashes or steelmaking slag, to produce mechanically stable and durable composites for earthworks. On the other hand, RMcan also serve as an immobilization additive for remediation of contaminated soils.Two different approaches for useful utilization of RMare presented based on results of laboratory research and a real case study, opening of new possibilities for conserving natural resources and reducing environmental hazards of RM deposits.
Ključne besede: red mud, recycling, geotechnical composites, environment
Objavljeno v DiRROS: 30.10.2024; Ogledov: 1502; Prenosov: 1529
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