Biodegradable polymers (biopolymers) represent materials of new generation with application in different areas of human activity. Their production has recently reached a commercial level. They can be divided according to the origin (natural and synthetic), according to the chemical composition, methods of obtaining, application etc. The use of biopolymers in medicine depends on their biocompatibility, mechanical resistance, and sorptive characteristics. Today, they are the most commonly used as implants in vascular and orthopedic surgery, for the production of materials such as catheters, products for gynaecology and haemodialysis, tooth reconstruction, etc. In pharmacy, they are used as a medicine matrix-carrier to allow controlled release of drug within the body. Within this review paper, the properties and methods of production of certain biopolymers such as polyglycolic acid (PGA), polylactide acid (PLA), poly-ε-coprolactone (PCL) and polybutylene succinate (PBS) will be described in detail, as well as their application in medicine and pharmacy.

The results of investigation of  inorganic and organic speciation of copper compounds  in  the lake Modrac, using the geochemical equilibrium model  BLM (Biotic Ligand Model; USEPA 2007) and other geochemical models are presented, as well as toxicity and bioavailability of copper compounds in the lake Modrac for chosen biotic ligand of fish fathead minnow (Pimephales promelas). Speciation and bioavailability of copper complexes was investigated and toxicity levels for chosen biotic ligand determined. The influence of water chemistry on copper toxicity is predominant, and application of sophisticated BLM model enables the prediction of toxicity and bioavailability of copper.

Agricultural activities directly infl uence the quality of water systems. Investigations showed that application of various agro-technical measures results with the pollution of water streams with heavy metals and other polluters. Increased concentrations of heavy metals result with intake of heavy metals and their transfer to food chains, and for that reason it is necessary to monitor the content of heavy metals regularly. Broad investigations of bio-geochemical cycling of heavy metals in the region of Lake Modrac were performed with combined methodology of determination of heavy metal traces with the estimation of bioavailability, based on the determination of complexing constants for Pb, Cu, Cd and Zn. Monitoring was performed at the locations in the vicinity of agricultural soil. Th e results achieved showed that the content of organic matter in water streams presents the key factor that determines the extent of bioavailability of heavy metal traces in water systems.

International and national standards tendencies are directed to the safe-for-health food production and processing. Insuring the food safety is achieved with preventive measures and control qualities activities that are determined by GAP, GMP, GHP, GLP. In fruit and vegetables processing there are two most important demands: technological quality and food safety of raw material that are both defined by a comprehensive legislations and international standards. This work presents compressive method of quality system integration in accordance with contemporary standards of ISO (22000), Codex Alimentarius and other legislation for production of safe fruits and vegetables for processing in food industry.

We mainly consume conventionally produced food, which is not usually covered with control of its health safety. Today's trend is larger food production based on technology, which is usually on certain level of the health safety. It is an imperative to clearly define modern system of control in food production health safety, which should be further integrated in the systems of quality control (ISO, HACCP). This would bring to efficient reduction of risks for human healths. Democratic societies intend to make as obligation to all interested sides to respect certain principles like: - risk analysis and health safety (high standard of public health protection) - transparency and consumer information, - scientific advice - transparency and comprehensive integrated approach (from farm to table) Respecting these principles enables possibility for production of save-for-health food to be kept on high level.