Distribution and statistical analysis of major and trace elements in the bee pollen from the territory of Republic of Kosovo.

The objective of this study was the determination of major and trace elements in the bee pollen samples from the whole territory of Republic of Kosovo. Pollen, as a natural plant product, is exposed to different contaminations absorbed by plants from the soil through the root system or with water intake, as well as to pollutants of different origins, including anthropogenic ones, deposited directly on pollen. In total 67 pollen samples were collected in 2019. The samples were analyzed for 27 macro and microelements by using ICP-AES and ICP-MS. The mean content of major elements in bee pollen was 4065, 3455, 1375 and 549 mg/kg for K, P, Ca and Mg, respectively. The range of the contents for some potentially toxic elements was 11.9-139.1, 1.9-16, 0.11-6.25, 0.01-0.329 and 0.001-0.38 mg/kg for Zn, Cu, Pb, Cd and As, respectively. Three groups of elements of mixed origin were identified through factor analysis: the first and the third Factors, are mostly of geogenic origin (Ag, Li, Al, Fe, Ca, Sr, K, Mg and P and Co, Ni, Cr, Cu and Mn) and the second Factor association is related to anthropogenic processes (Sb, As, Pb, Tl, Sn and Cd).

The Macrophyte Indices for Rivers to Assess the Ecological Conditions in the Klina River in the Republic of Kosovo.

Macrophytes are important elements of aquatic ecosystems that grow in or near water. Their taxonomic composition, species diversity, depth, and density are indicators of environmental health; as such, Macrophytes are used to assess the ecological status of water bodies. Under the aim of assessing the ecological status of the Klina River in Kosovo, a survey was conducted at eight sampling sites along the river course to analyze macrophyte composition, diversity, density, and cover. Three samples were collected at each sampling site from early June to late September. The following macrophyte indices were used to assess the ecological status of the river: Macrophyte Index for Rivers (MIR), River Macrophyte Nutrient Index (RMNI), and River Macrophyte Hydraulic Index (RMHI). Our sampling area included the upper reaches of the river where no organic pollution was detected (oligotrophic), the middle reaches where polluted water from farms is discharged into the river, and the lower reaches characterized by heavy organic pollution from settlements and various industrial activities. There is a positive correlation (p < 0.05) between water temperature, turbidity, electrical conductivity (EC), total dissolved solids (TDS), orthophosphates (PO43−), ammonia (NH4+), nitrites (NO2−), calcium (Ca2+), and potassium (K+) with plant density, RMNI, RMHI, EQR-RMNI, EQR-RMHI, and MIR. Sodium (Na+) has stronger positive correlation (p < 0.01) with RMNI and RMHI indices and negative correlation with EQR-RMNI and EQR-RMHI. Our results show that ecological status along the river varies from high and good upstream to poor, bad, and moderate running downstream.

Aroma characterization of a wild plant (Sanguisorba albanica) from Kosovo using multiple headspace solid phase microextraction combined with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry-olfactometry.

A wild plant (Sanguisorba albanica) from Kosovo exhibits an appealing aroma, which was perceived as intensely fresh, green, and slightly sweetish with hints of cucumber, melon, and green tea. The characteristic aroma of S. albanica was analyzed for the first time by employing advanced molecular sensory techniques coupled with multiple headspace solid phase microextraction (MHS-SPME). Thirty-six different odor impressions were perceived, and 34 corresponding compounds were identified by a gas chromatography system equipped with a mass spectrometric detector and an olfactory detection port. By aroma dilution analysis, sixteen key odorants with flavor dilution factors higher than 16 were identified. Their respective concentrations were quantified by means of MHS-SPME according to the determined ß values (0.43-0.83), and odor activity values (OAVs) were calculated. (E,Z)-2,6-Nonadienal (green, melon-like, and sweetish odor; OAV 20,046), followed by linalool (floral and citrus-like odor; OAV 10,563), (Z)-6-nonenal (cucumber-like, green, and melon-like odor; OAV 4200), ethyl isobutyrate (floral and fruity odor; OAV 1315), and (E)-2-nonenal (green and fatty odor; OAV 1062) were representative odorants contributing to the overall aroma of S. albanica. Differences between stems, leaves, and flowers of S. albanica with regard to the key odorants were also presented. Intensely green and floral aromas of the leaves and flowers were greatly attributed to (E,Z)-2,6-nonadienal and linalool, respectively. Apart from these compounds, (Z)-6-nonenal contributed to the overall aroma of the stems as well.

Initial determination of DNA polymorphism of some Primula veris L. populations from Kosovo and Austria.

Primula veris L. (Primulaceae) is a long lived perennial and well known pharmaceutical plant, widely collected for these reasons in almost all SE Europe and particularly in Kosovo. The aim of the study is to determine molecular polymorphism of cowslip (P. veris L.) populations from Kosovo. DNA extracted from leaves were  investigated in details for presence of polymorphism. RAPD analyses were conducted using 20 different short primers. Genomic DNA amplification profiles were analyzed and processed using data labelling. Comparison between cowslip populations in genetic composition revealed that samples from Bogaj were too distinct on their own. Molecular variation was observed to be more within populations (73 %) as compared to among populations (27 %). On the other hand, genetic distance of populations revealed that the highest genetic distance is between Leqinat and Maja e Madhe. Mean values of expected heterozygosity were highest in Bogaj population, while lowest in Maja e Madhe population. The obtained results indicated that Bogaj population are more polymorphic. From the obtained data it can be concluded that RAPD markers provided a useful technique to study genetic diversity in P. veris L. populations. This technology allows identification and assessment of the genetic similarities and differences among plant populations.