This study investigated the distribution of 40K, 137Cs and 90Sr during the processing of cow milk into cottage cheese from central Bosnia and Herzegovina and Livno cheese from the southwestern production area, with particular emphasis on physicochemical composition and regional differences. Raw milk (n = 15 per group), corresponding cheeses (n = 15 per group), and composite whey samples (one per cheese type) were analyzed for protein, fat, dry matter, water content, 40K, and 137Cs, as well as titratable acidity in milk samples. In a random second-stage subset, because of the cost and complexity of the radiochemical method, 90Sr was determined. Mean activity concentrations in milk used for cottage and Livno cheese production were 42.31 and 40.77 Bq/L for 40K, 0.030 and 0.057 Bq/L for 137Cs, and 0.015 and 0.030 Bq/L for 90Sr, respectively. Corresponding cheese means were 26.45 and 28.23 Bq/kg for 40K, 0.038 and 0.087 Bq/kg for 137Cs, and 0.073 and 0.369 Bq/kg for 90Sr. Processing retention factors showed limited transfer of 40K and 137Cs into cheese, whereas 90Sr was retained mostly in the curd. Significant regional differences were observed for 137Cs in both milk and cheese, whereas 40K did not differ significantly between regions. Differences between regions for 90Sr were also indicated, but these results should be interpreted cautiously because it was analyzed only in a limited second-stage subset. These findings show that radionuclide behavior in artisanal dairy systems is jointly shaped by radionuclide chemistry, cheese technology, and local environment, highlighting the need for site-specific food-chain assessment.

Citizens of the city of Sarajevo and of other industrial cities are faced with a record number of days of increased pollution. In the winter months, the city of Sarajevo faces a large number of days of pollution caused mainly by the use of fossil fuels in individual houses for heating purposes. The current situation can be changed by the massive use of energy from renewable sources such as solar energy. This paper aims to evaluate the potential of solar energy in the city of Sarajevo. The use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) represents the most significant technological and conceptual approach to spatial data analysis. Using existing models for calculating incoming solar radiation integrated in the GRASS GIS and SAGA GIS software, we achieved the goal and calculated the results for solar energy potential in the city of Sarajevo and presented them for the specific settlements. The model was implemented on the basis of created Digital Elevation Model (DEM) from Google Earth – free datasets, using techniques to collect and convert data with different software. Comparative results of selected model research are evaluated using the collected solar irradiance values from the meteorological stations, other research results, and the solar energy potential estimated via the Photovoltaic GIS Information System (PVGIS).

Distribution of radionuclides depends on various factors, and milk processing into cheese is recommended as one of the significant measures of radiation protection during radioactive contamination of the environment. A total of 16 milk and 16 cheese (soft and hard) samples were examined using HPGe gamma‐ray spectrometry to obtain 137Cs and 40K activity concentrations. The Pearson's correlation coefficients between 137Cs and 40K were determined (0.73, 0.68, 0.19, −0.23), followed by determination of distribution of 137Cs and 40K from cow milk to two types of cheeses using food processing retention factors (0.07–0.34). Transfer of 137Cs obtained could serve a great purpose for predicting its distribution during cheesemaking.