TY  - JOUR
AU  - Todorović, Dragana
AU  - Popovic, Dragana
AU  - Ajtić, Jelena V.
AU  - Krneta-Nikolić, Jelena D.
PY  - 2013
UR  - https://vinar.vin.bg.ac.rs/handle/123456789/5238
AB  - Leaves of linden (Tilia tomentosa L. and Tilia cordata Mill.) and horse chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum L.) were analysed as biomonitors of radionuclides in urban air. Samples of soils, leaves and aerosols were collected in Belgrade, Serbia. Activities of Cs-137, K-40, Pb-210 and Be-7 in the samples were measured on an HPGe detector by standard gamma spectrometry. Soil-to-leaves transfer factors were calculated. Students t test and linear Pearson correlation coefficients were used for statistical analysis. Differences in local conditions at the sampling sites were not significant, and the mechanisms of the radionuclides accumulation in both plant species are similar. Ceasium-137 was detected in some of the leaf samples only. Transfer factors for Cs-137 and K-40 were (0.03-0.08) and 1.3, respectively. The concentrations of Pb-210 and Be-7 in leaves were higher in autumn than in spring, and there were some similarities in their seasonal patterns in leaves and in air. Weak to medium correlation was obtained for the Pb-210 and Be-7 activities in leaves and aerosols. Large positive correlation was obtained for the Pb-210 activities in linden leaves and the mean activity in aerosols for the preceding months. Different primary modes of radionuclides accumulation in leaves were observed. Since large positive correlation was obtained for the Pb-210 activity in linden leaves and the mean in aerosols for the preceding months, mature linden leaves could be used as biomonitors of recent Pb-210 activity in air.
T2  - Environmental Science and Pollution Research
T1  - Leaves of higher plants as biomonitors of radionuclides (Cs-137, K-40, Pb-210 and Be-7) in urban air
VL  - 20
IS  - 1
SP  - 525
EP  - 532
DO  - 10.1007/s11356-012-0940-y
ER  - 

@article{
author = "Todorović, Dragana and Popovic, Dragana and Ajtić, Jelena V. and Krneta-Nikolić, Jelena D.",
year = "2013",
abstract = "Leaves of linden (Tilia tomentosa L. and Tilia cordata Mill.) and horse chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum L.) were analysed as biomonitors of radionuclides in urban air. Samples of soils, leaves and aerosols were collected in Belgrade, Serbia. Activities of Cs-137, K-40, Pb-210 and Be-7 in the samples were measured on an HPGe detector by standard gamma spectrometry. Soil-to-leaves transfer factors were calculated. Students t test and linear Pearson correlation coefficients were used for statistical analysis. Differences in local conditions at the sampling sites were not significant, and the mechanisms of the radionuclides accumulation in both plant species are similar. Ceasium-137 was detected in some of the leaf samples only. Transfer factors for Cs-137 and K-40 were (0.03-0.08) and 1.3, respectively. The concentrations of Pb-210 and Be-7 in leaves were higher in autumn than in spring, and there were some similarities in their seasonal patterns in leaves and in air. Weak to medium correlation was obtained for the Pb-210 and Be-7 activities in leaves and aerosols. Large positive correlation was obtained for the Pb-210 activities in linden leaves and the mean activity in aerosols for the preceding months. Different primary modes of radionuclides accumulation in leaves were observed. Since large positive correlation was obtained for the Pb-210 activity in linden leaves and the mean in aerosols for the preceding months, mature linden leaves could be used as biomonitors of recent Pb-210 activity in air.",
journal = "Environmental Science and Pollution Research",
title = "Leaves of higher plants as biomonitors of radionuclides (Cs-137, K-40, Pb-210 and Be-7) in urban air",
volume = "20",
number = "1",
pages = "525-532",
doi = "10.1007/s11356-012-0940-y"
}

Todorović, D., Popovic, D., Ajtić, J. V.,& Krneta-Nikolić, J. D.. (2013). Leaves of higher plants as biomonitors of radionuclides (Cs-137, K-40, Pb-210 and Be-7) in urban air. in Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 20(1), 525-532.
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-012-0940-y

Todorović D, Popovic D, Ajtić JV, Krneta-Nikolić JD. Leaves of higher plants as biomonitors of radionuclides (Cs-137, K-40, Pb-210 and Be-7) in urban air. in Environmental Science and Pollution Research. 2013;20(1):525-532.
doi:10.1007/s11356-012-0940-y .

Todorović, Dragana, Popovic, Dragana, Ajtić, Jelena V., Krneta-Nikolić, Jelena D., "Leaves of higher plants as biomonitors of radionuclides (Cs-137, K-40, Pb-210 and Be-7) in urban air" in Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 20, no. 1 (2013):525-532,
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-012-0940-y . .

TY  - JOUR
AU  - Popovic, Dragana
AU  - Bozic, Tatjana
AU  - Stevanović, Jelka
AU  - Frontasyeva, Marina
AU  - Todorović, Dragana
AU  - Ajtić, Jelena V.
AU  - Spasić-Jokić, Vesna
PY  - 2010
UR  - https://vinar.vin.bg.ac.rs/handle/123456789/3945
AB  - Background, aim and scope The paper presents concentrations of trace elements in blood of homebred animals (cows and sheep) from Southern Serbia (Bujanovac) and the contents of natural and anthropogenic radionuclides and some heavy metals in feed. The region of Southern Serbia was exposed to contamination by depleted uranium ammunition during NATO attacks in 1999 and therefore, is of great concern to environmental pollution and human and animal health. Materials and methods Conventional instrumental and epithermal neutron activation analyses are used to measure trace elements in cow and sheep blood samples collected randomly at six locations in the region of Bujanovac (village of Borovac) in the spring of 2005. Samples of feed (grass and crops: corn, wheat and oats), collected on the same locations (households), are analysed for the contents of radionuclides on an HPGe detector (Ortec, relative efficiency 23%) by standard gamma spectrometry. The content of Hg, Pb and Cd in feed is determined by standard atomic absorption spectrometry on the VarianSpectra220/ThermoSolar GFS97 spectrometer. Results Concentrations of 29 elements (Na, Al (P), Cl, K, Sc, Cr, Mn, Ni, Fe, Co, Zn, Se, As, Br, Sr, Rb, Sb, In, I, Ba, Cs, La, Nd, Eu, Sm, Tb, Hf, Ta and Th) are determined in blood of the examined animals. In feeds, natural 40K is found in all of the samples, cosmogenic Be-7 and fission product Cs-137 are detected only in the grass samples, while heavy metals Hg, Cd and Pb are found in the range of 0.01-0.02, 0.84-1.15 and 0.74-7.34 mg/kg, respectively. Calculated soil-to-blood transfer factors are in a wide range of 8.10(-6) to 64, as a result of varying significance of the elements in animal metabolism and feeding habits. Discussion The results of trace elements concentrations in animal blood are in good agreement with available data for K, Ni, Zn, Se and Rb. Higher Br concentrations in animal blood are most probably caused by large biomass burning events during blood sampling. Very low concentration of Fe in cows and sheep confirms the results of previous biochemical studies on animal anaemia in the region. High concentration of As correlates with geochemical peculiarities of the Balkans and is also likely influenced by the use of pesticides in the agricultural production. For some of the elements (La, Nd, Eu, Sm, Tb, Sb, Hf, Ta, Th, In, Ba, Sr, Sc and Cs), there are few or no literature data. Therefore, some of the presented data are significant not only for the country and the region, but on a wider scale. Activities of natural radionuclides in feeds are within the average values reported for the region, while the activities of Pb-210 and U-235/238 are below the limit of detection. This is in accordance with previous investigations showing no widespread contamination by depleted uranium in the area. Contents of Hg and Pb in feeds are below the nationally permissible levels, unlike the content of Cd which exceeds it, probably caused by the use of phosphate fertilisers and fossil fuel combustion in the area. Conclusions In general, the concentrations of trace elements in blood of homebred cows and sheep are in good agreement with reference materials, available literature data and the results of previous studies in the area. The exceptions are Fe, As and Br. The contents of natural and anthropogenic radionuclides in feeds are within the expected levels, and there are no signs of contamination by depleted uranium or other fission products. Apart from Cd, there are no signs of pollution by heavy metals in feeds. The highly sensitive method of instrumental neutron activation analysis provides data on the concentration of some elements in animal blood not previously reported for the region and elsewhere. Recommendations and perspectives The presented study is a part of the long term ongoing project on the health risk assessment on animals and humans in the region. The collected data is intended to provide a base for the animal and human risk assessment as well as an estimate of the general pollution status of the environment in the region. Since some of the investigated elements are classified as important trace elements for livestock, the results could also be used to balance and improve the animal diet and thus, improve the growth and reproduction rate.
T2  - Environmental Science and Pollution Research
T1  - Concentration of trace elements in blood and feed of homebred animals in Southern Serbia
VL  - 17
IS  - 5
SP  - 1119
EP  - 1128
DO  - 10.1007/s11356-009-0274-6
ER  - 

@article{
author = "Popovic, Dragana and Bozic, Tatjana and Stevanović, Jelka and Frontasyeva, Marina and Todorović, Dragana and Ajtić, Jelena V. and Spasić-Jokić, Vesna",
year = "2010",
abstract = "Background, aim and scope The paper presents concentrations of trace elements in blood of homebred animals (cows and sheep) from Southern Serbia (Bujanovac) and the contents of natural and anthropogenic radionuclides and some heavy metals in feed. The region of Southern Serbia was exposed to contamination by depleted uranium ammunition during NATO attacks in 1999 and therefore, is of great concern to environmental pollution and human and animal health. Materials and methods Conventional instrumental and epithermal neutron activation analyses are used to measure trace elements in cow and sheep blood samples collected randomly at six locations in the region of Bujanovac (village of Borovac) in the spring of 2005. Samples of feed (grass and crops: corn, wheat and oats), collected on the same locations (households), are analysed for the contents of radionuclides on an HPGe detector (Ortec, relative efficiency 23%) by standard gamma spectrometry. The content of Hg, Pb and Cd in feed is determined by standard atomic absorption spectrometry on the VarianSpectra220/ThermoSolar GFS97 spectrometer. Results Concentrations of 29 elements (Na, Al (P), Cl, K, Sc, Cr, Mn, Ni, Fe, Co, Zn, Se, As, Br, Sr, Rb, Sb, In, I, Ba, Cs, La, Nd, Eu, Sm, Tb, Hf, Ta and Th) are determined in blood of the examined animals. In feeds, natural 40K is found in all of the samples, cosmogenic Be-7 and fission product Cs-137 are detected only in the grass samples, while heavy metals Hg, Cd and Pb are found in the range of 0.01-0.02, 0.84-1.15 and 0.74-7.34 mg/kg, respectively. Calculated soil-to-blood transfer factors are in a wide range of 8.10(-6) to 64, as a result of varying significance of the elements in animal metabolism and feeding habits. Discussion The results of trace elements concentrations in animal blood are in good agreement with available data for K, Ni, Zn, Se and Rb. Higher Br concentrations in animal blood are most probably caused by large biomass burning events during blood sampling. Very low concentration of Fe in cows and sheep confirms the results of previous biochemical studies on animal anaemia in the region. High concentration of As correlates with geochemical peculiarities of the Balkans and is also likely influenced by the use of pesticides in the agricultural production. For some of the elements (La, Nd, Eu, Sm, Tb, Sb, Hf, Ta, Th, In, Ba, Sr, Sc and Cs), there are few or no literature data. Therefore, some of the presented data are significant not only for the country and the region, but on a wider scale. Activities of natural radionuclides in feeds are within the average values reported for the region, while the activities of Pb-210 and U-235/238 are below the limit of detection. This is in accordance with previous investigations showing no widespread contamination by depleted uranium in the area. Contents of Hg and Pb in feeds are below the nationally permissible levels, unlike the content of Cd which exceeds it, probably caused by the use of phosphate fertilisers and fossil fuel combustion in the area. Conclusions In general, the concentrations of trace elements in blood of homebred cows and sheep are in good agreement with reference materials, available literature data and the results of previous studies in the area. The exceptions are Fe, As and Br. The contents of natural and anthropogenic radionuclides in feeds are within the expected levels, and there are no signs of contamination by depleted uranium or other fission products. Apart from Cd, there are no signs of pollution by heavy metals in feeds. The highly sensitive method of instrumental neutron activation analysis provides data on the concentration of some elements in animal blood not previously reported for the region and elsewhere. Recommendations and perspectives The presented study is a part of the long term ongoing project on the health risk assessment on animals and humans in the region. The collected data is intended to provide a base for the animal and human risk assessment as well as an estimate of the general pollution status of the environment in the region. Since some of the investigated elements are classified as important trace elements for livestock, the results could also be used to balance and improve the animal diet and thus, improve the growth and reproduction rate.",
journal = "Environmental Science and Pollution Research",
title = "Concentration of trace elements in blood and feed of homebred animals in Southern Serbia",
volume = "17",
number = "5",
pages = "1119-1128",
doi = "10.1007/s11356-009-0274-6"
}

Popovic, D., Bozic, T., Stevanović, J., Frontasyeva, M., Todorović, D., Ajtić, J. V.,& Spasić-Jokić, V.. (2010). Concentration of trace elements in blood and feed of homebred animals in Southern Serbia. in Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 17(5), 1119-1128.
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-009-0274-6

Popovic D, Bozic T, Stevanović J, Frontasyeva M, Todorović D, Ajtić JV, Spasić-Jokić V. Concentration of trace elements in blood and feed of homebred animals in Southern Serbia. in Environmental Science and Pollution Research. 2010;17(5):1119-1128.
doi:10.1007/s11356-009-0274-6 .

Popovic, Dragana, Bozic, Tatjana, Stevanović, Jelka, Frontasyeva, Marina, Todorović, Dragana, Ajtić, Jelena V., Spasić-Jokić, Vesna, "Concentration of trace elements in blood and feed of homebred animals in Southern Serbia" in Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 17, no. 5 (2010):1119-1128,
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-009-0274-6 . .

TY  - JOUR
AU  - Todorović, Dragana
AU  - Popovic, Dragana
AU  - Krneta-Nikolić, Jelena D.
AU  - Ajtić, Jelena V.
PY  - 2010
UR  - https://vinar.vin.bg.ac.rs/handle/123456789/4163
AB  - Concentrations of beryllium-7 (Be-7), lead-210 (Pb-210) and caesium-137 (Cs-137) were measured at two sites in the city of Belgrade (Serbia). One monitoring site was located in the central city area with heavy traffic and the other within the Institute of Nuclear Sciences Vinca, in the suburbs. Presented data cover the period 2004-9. Activity of the radionuclides was determined on an HPGe detector (Canberra, relative efficiency 23%) by standard gamma spectrometry. Activities of Be-7 and Pb-210 exhibit a similar seasonal pattern. The mean monthly concentrations of Be-7 did not exceed 7 mBq m(-3). The maxima are correlated with the seasonal increase in temperature, whereas the minima are linearly correlated with the amount of precipitation. The activity of Pb-210 was below 0.9 mBq m(-3). The activities of both radionuclides were very low in winters and were largely affected by precipitation and snow coverage. Concentrations of Cs-137 were mainly below the limit of detection.
T2  - Radiation Protection Dosimetry
T1  - Radioactivity Monitoring in Ground Level Air in Belgrade Urban Area
VL  - 142
IS  - 2-4
SP  - 308
EP  - 313
DO  - 10.1093/rpd/ncq211
ER  - 

@article{
author = "Todorović, Dragana and Popovic, Dragana and Krneta-Nikolić, Jelena D. and Ajtić, Jelena V.",
year = "2010",
abstract = "Concentrations of beryllium-7 (Be-7), lead-210 (Pb-210) and caesium-137 (Cs-137) were measured at two sites in the city of Belgrade (Serbia). One monitoring site was located in the central city area with heavy traffic and the other within the Institute of Nuclear Sciences Vinca, in the suburbs. Presented data cover the period 2004-9. Activity of the radionuclides was determined on an HPGe detector (Canberra, relative efficiency 23%) by standard gamma spectrometry. Activities of Be-7 and Pb-210 exhibit a similar seasonal pattern. The mean monthly concentrations of Be-7 did not exceed 7 mBq m(-3). The maxima are correlated with the seasonal increase in temperature, whereas the minima are linearly correlated with the amount of precipitation. The activity of Pb-210 was below 0.9 mBq m(-3). The activities of both radionuclides were very low in winters and were largely affected by precipitation and snow coverage. Concentrations of Cs-137 were mainly below the limit of detection.",
journal = "Radiation Protection Dosimetry",
title = "Radioactivity Monitoring in Ground Level Air in Belgrade Urban Area",
volume = "142",
number = "2-4",
pages = "308-313",
doi = "10.1093/rpd/ncq211"
}

Todorović, D., Popovic, D., Krneta-Nikolić, J. D.,& Ajtić, J. V.. (2010). Radioactivity Monitoring in Ground Level Air in Belgrade Urban Area. in Radiation Protection Dosimetry, 142(2-4), 308-313.
https://doi.org/10.1093/rpd/ncq211

Todorović D, Popovic D, Krneta-Nikolić JD, Ajtić JV. Radioactivity Monitoring in Ground Level Air in Belgrade Urban Area. in Radiation Protection Dosimetry. 2010;142(2-4):308-313.
doi:10.1093/rpd/ncq211 .

Todorović, Dragana, Popovic, Dragana, Krneta-Nikolić, Jelena D., Ajtić, Jelena V., "Radioactivity Monitoring in Ground Level Air in Belgrade Urban Area" in Radiation Protection Dosimetry, 142, no. 2-4 (2010):308-313,
https://doi.org/10.1093/rpd/ncq211 . .

TY  - JOUR
AU  - Popovic, Dragana
AU  - Todorović, Dragana
AU  - Ajtić, Jelena V.
AU  - Krneta-Nikolić, Jelena D.
PY  - 2009
UR  - https://vinar.vin.bg.ac.rs/handle/123456789/3799
AB  - To assess the validity of the moss bag monitoring technique in the radioactivity control of ground level urban air, a study on radionuclide contents in moss was performed in the city of Belgrade, Serbia. From May 2006 to May 2007, moss (Sphagnum girgensohni, Dubna, Russia) was exposed to the aero pollution in a location in the central area of the city. The activity of K-40, Pb-210, and Cs-137 was measured on an HPGe detector (Canberra, relative efficiency 23%) by standard gamma spectrometry. The activities 245 +/- 25 Bq/kg for K-40, 315 +/- 34 Bq/kg for Pb-210, and 28 +/- 4 Bq/kg for Cs-137 are in the range of values reported for the region; the differences are due to the moss species, local climate and measuring technique. Taking into consideration the time of the exposure and appropriate calibration procedure, moss bag biomonitoring could be used as a complementary method for determination of radionuclides in urban air.
T2  - Nuclear technology and radiation protection
T1  - Active Biomonitoring of Air Radioactivity in Urban Areas
VL  - 24
IS  - 2
SP  - 100
EP  - 103
DO  - 10.2298/NTRP0902100P
ER  - 

@article{
author = "Popovic, Dragana and Todorović, Dragana and Ajtić, Jelena V. and Krneta-Nikolić, Jelena D.",
year = "2009",
abstract = "To assess the validity of the moss bag monitoring technique in the radioactivity control of ground level urban air, a study on radionuclide contents in moss was performed in the city of Belgrade, Serbia. From May 2006 to May 2007, moss (Sphagnum girgensohni, Dubna, Russia) was exposed to the aero pollution in a location in the central area of the city. The activity of K-40, Pb-210, and Cs-137 was measured on an HPGe detector (Canberra, relative efficiency 23%) by standard gamma spectrometry. The activities 245 +/- 25 Bq/kg for K-40, 315 +/- 34 Bq/kg for Pb-210, and 28 +/- 4 Bq/kg for Cs-137 are in the range of values reported for the region; the differences are due to the moss species, local climate and measuring technique. Taking into consideration the time of the exposure and appropriate calibration procedure, moss bag biomonitoring could be used as a complementary method for determination of radionuclides in urban air.",
journal = "Nuclear technology and radiation protection",
title = "Active Biomonitoring of Air Radioactivity in Urban Areas",
volume = "24",
number = "2",
pages = "100-103",
doi = "10.2298/NTRP0902100P"
}

Popovic, D., Todorović, D., Ajtić, J. V.,& Krneta-Nikolić, J. D.. (2009). Active Biomonitoring of Air Radioactivity in Urban Areas. in Nuclear technology and radiation protection, 24(2), 100-103.
https://doi.org/10.2298/NTRP0902100P

Popovic D, Todorović D, Ajtić JV, Krneta-Nikolić JD. Active Biomonitoring of Air Radioactivity in Urban Areas. in Nuclear technology and radiation protection. 2009;24(2):100-103.
doi:10.2298/NTRP0902100P .

Popovic, Dragana, Todorović, Dragana, Ajtić, Jelena V., Krneta-Nikolić, Jelena D., "Active Biomonitoring of Air Radioactivity in Urban Areas" in Nuclear technology and radiation protection, 24, no. 2 (2009):100-103,
https://doi.org/10.2298/NTRP0902100P . .

TY  - JOUR
AU  - Popovic, Dragana
AU  - Todorović, Dragana
AU  - Frontasyeva, Marina
AU  - Ajtić, Jelena V.
AU  - Tasić, Mirjana
AU  - Rajšić, Slavica F.
PY  - 2008
UR  - https://vinar.vin.bg.ac.rs/handle/123456789/3515
AB  - Background, aim, and scope The paper presents the complex approach to the assessment of the state of the environment in Southern Serbia, surroundings of Bujanovac, the region which is of great concern as being exposed to contamination by depleted uranium (DU) ammunition during the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) attacks in 1999. It includes studies on concentrations of radionuclides and heavy metals in different environmental samples 5 years after the military actions. Materials and methods In October 2004, samples of soil, grass, lichen, moss, honey, and water were collected at two sites, in the immediate vicinity of the targeted area and 5 km away from it. Radionuclide (Be-7, K-40, Cs-137, Pb-210, Ra-226, Th-232, U-235, U-238) activities in solid samples were determined by standard gamma spectrometry and total alpha and beta activity in water was determined by proportional alpha-beta counting. Concentrations of 35 elements were determined in the samples of soil, moss, grass, and lichen by instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA). Results The results are discussed in the context of a possible contamination by DU that reached the environment during the attacks as well as in the context of an environmental pollution by radionuclides and heavy metals in Southern Serbia. The results are compared to the state of environment in the region and other parts of the country both prior to and following the attacks. Discussion This is the first comprehensive study of the contents of radionuclides and heavy metals in Southern Serbia and consequently highly important for the assessment of the state of environment in this part of the country concerning possible effects of DU ammunition on the environment, as well as anthropogenic source of pollution by radionuclides and heavy metals and other elements. Also, the highly sensitive method of INAA was used for the first time to analyze the environmental samples from this area. Conclusions The results of the study of radionuclides in the samples of soils, leaves, grass, moss, lichen, honey, and water in Southern Serbia (Bujanovac) gave no evidence of the DU contamination of the environment 5 years after the military actions in 1999. Activities of radionuclides in soils were within the range of the values obtained in the other parts of the country and within the global average. The ratio of uranium isotopes confirmed the natural origin of uranium. In general, concentrations of heavy metals in the samples of soils, plant leaves, mosses, and lichen are found to be less or in the lower range of values found in other parts of the country, in spite of the differences in plant and moss species or soil characteristics. Possible sources of heavy metal contamination were identified as a power coal plant in the vicinity of the sampling sites and wood and waste burning processes. Recommendations and perspectives The collected data should provide a base for the health risk assessments on animals and humans in the near future. It should be emphasized that the sampling was carried out 5 years after the military action and that the number of samples was limited; therefore, the conclusions should be accepted only as observed tendencies and a detailed study should be recommended in the future.
T2  - Environmental Science and Pollution Research
T1  - Radionuclides and heavy metals in Borovac, Southern Serbia
VL  - 15
IS  - 6
SP  - 509
EP  - 520
DO  - 10.1007/s11356-008-0003-6
ER  - 

@article{
author = "Popovic, Dragana and Todorović, Dragana and Frontasyeva, Marina and Ajtić, Jelena V. and Tasić, Mirjana and Rajšić, Slavica F.",
year = "2008",
abstract = "Background, aim, and scope The paper presents the complex approach to the assessment of the state of the environment in Southern Serbia, surroundings of Bujanovac, the region which is of great concern as being exposed to contamination by depleted uranium (DU) ammunition during the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) attacks in 1999. It includes studies on concentrations of radionuclides and heavy metals in different environmental samples 5 years after the military actions. Materials and methods In October 2004, samples of soil, grass, lichen, moss, honey, and water were collected at two sites, in the immediate vicinity of the targeted area and 5 km away from it. Radionuclide (Be-7, K-40, Cs-137, Pb-210, Ra-226, Th-232, U-235, U-238) activities in solid samples were determined by standard gamma spectrometry and total alpha and beta activity in water was determined by proportional alpha-beta counting. Concentrations of 35 elements were determined in the samples of soil, moss, grass, and lichen by instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA). Results The results are discussed in the context of a possible contamination by DU that reached the environment during the attacks as well as in the context of an environmental pollution by radionuclides and heavy metals in Southern Serbia. The results are compared to the state of environment in the region and other parts of the country both prior to and following the attacks. Discussion This is the first comprehensive study of the contents of radionuclides and heavy metals in Southern Serbia and consequently highly important for the assessment of the state of environment in this part of the country concerning possible effects of DU ammunition on the environment, as well as anthropogenic source of pollution by radionuclides and heavy metals and other elements. Also, the highly sensitive method of INAA was used for the first time to analyze the environmental samples from this area. Conclusions The results of the study of radionuclides in the samples of soils, leaves, grass, moss, lichen, honey, and water in Southern Serbia (Bujanovac) gave no evidence of the DU contamination of the environment 5 years after the military actions in 1999. Activities of radionuclides in soils were within the range of the values obtained in the other parts of the country and within the global average. The ratio of uranium isotopes confirmed the natural origin of uranium. In general, concentrations of heavy metals in the samples of soils, plant leaves, mosses, and lichen are found to be less or in the lower range of values found in other parts of the country, in spite of the differences in plant and moss species or soil characteristics. Possible sources of heavy metal contamination were identified as a power coal plant in the vicinity of the sampling sites and wood and waste burning processes. Recommendations and perspectives The collected data should provide a base for the health risk assessments on animals and humans in the near future. It should be emphasized that the sampling was carried out 5 years after the military action and that the number of samples was limited; therefore, the conclusions should be accepted only as observed tendencies and a detailed study should be recommended in the future.",
journal = "Environmental Science and Pollution Research",
title = "Radionuclides and heavy metals in Borovac, Southern Serbia",
volume = "15",
number = "6",
pages = "509-520",
doi = "10.1007/s11356-008-0003-6"
}

Popovic, D., Todorović, D., Frontasyeva, M., Ajtić, J. V., Tasić, M.,& Rajšić, S. F.. (2008). Radionuclides and heavy metals in Borovac, Southern Serbia. in Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 15(6), 509-520.
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-008-0003-6

Popovic D, Todorović D, Frontasyeva M, Ajtić JV, Tasić M, Rajšić SF. Radionuclides and heavy metals in Borovac, Southern Serbia. in Environmental Science and Pollution Research. 2008;15(6):509-520.
doi:10.1007/s11356-008-0003-6 .

Popovic, Dragana, Todorović, Dragana, Frontasyeva, Marina, Ajtić, Jelena V., Tasić, Mirjana, Rajšić, Slavica F., "Radionuclides and heavy metals in Borovac, Southern Serbia" in Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 15, no. 6 (2008):509-520,
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-008-0003-6 . .