: Salinity is one of the major abiotic stresses limiting chickpea ( Cicer arietinum L.) productivity, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions where soil salinization is intensifying. Developing cost-effective and practical strategies to enhance seedling establishment and early vigor under saline conditions is therefore essential. In this study, we compared two seed-priming agents—1 mM proline and 25 mM NaCl—under identical hydroponic conditions to elucidate tissue-specific responses to 25 mM NaCl stress. Proline priming significantly improved shoot length (by ~23%), total chlorophyll content (by ~19%), and ascorbate peroxidase (ASPOX) activity. In contrast, NaCl priming enhanced root biomass retention (by ~38%) and peroxidase (POD) activity under salinity stress. Both priming treatments induced higher proline accumulation and antioxidant capacity, though with tissue-specific effects: proline favored aboveground resilience, while NaCl strengthened root ionic and oxidative balance. These findings highlight the complementary nature of proline and NaCl priming and support the concept of stress “memory,” whereby plants acquire enhanced readiness to cope with salinity. Integrating such priming strategies into chickpea cultivation could contribute to improved yield stability and sustainability in saline agroecosystems.

Fenton processes, in which hydrogen peroxide in the presence of divalent iron ions generates hydroxyl radicals (•OH), are widely used for the degradation of organic pollutants (phenols, antibiotics, dyes). In this review, red mud is analysed as a cheap source of iron ions in Fenton processes. Raw red mud can be used without additional modifications, but to increase the catalytic efficiency, its modification is required, which includes chemical reduction, carbothermal treatment or doping with metals. Particular attention is given to photo-Fenton and electro-Fenton processes, where red mud doped Cо, Sn or Cе, or in combination with reduced graphene oxide and biochar, allow the generation of not only hydroxyl radicals (•OH) but also singlet oxygen (1O2) and superoxide radicals (•O2–), achieving ≥99% pollutant removal. At the same time, the synthesised catalysts showed high stability and reusability. Based on a comparative analysis of more than 30 studies, it is concluded that red mud represents a cheap source of iron ions for heterogeneous Fenton processes, with significant potential for industrial application.Keywords: Fenton process, hydroxyl radicals, organic pollutants, red mud.

Composting represents a natural biological process of recycling organic matter into a stable product known as compost. Although practiced for centuries, recent research has emphasized its role in sustainable waste management and circular economy, highlighting its potential to reduce organic waste through accelerated microbial decomposition. Effective microorganisms (EM) have been identified as crucial agents in enhancing composting efficiency, improving nutrient content, and stabilizing the final product. Soil, formed through pedogenesis under the influence of climatic, topographic, and biological factors, serves as a dynamic environment rich in microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, algae, protozoa, viruses, and lichens. These organisms play a fundamental role in humus synthesis, mineralization, and maintaining soil fertility. EM inoculation further strengthens microbial diversity, contributing to improved soil quality, plant growth, and yield. Waste disposal in landfills, whether legal or illegal, poses severe environmental risks, including soil and water contamination, greenhouse gas emissions, and leachate formation. Composting offers a sustainable alternative by closing the natural cycle of matter circulation, transforming biodegradable waste into valuable organic substances. The application of compost in agriculture and horticulture improves soil structure, enhances microbial activity, reduces irrigation needs, stabilizes pH, and decreases reliance on synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. Consequently, composting not only mitigates ecological impacts but also provides economic and social benefits by promoting sustainable waste management and strengthening community awareness of circular practices. Overall, composting, supported by effective microorganisms, emerges as a key strategy for addressing global challenges in waste management, soil fertility, and sustainable agricultural production. Future research should focus on optimizing microbial inoculation techniques and integrating composting into broader ecological and socio-economic frameworks. The aim of this paper, on the use of effective microorganisms in composting is to systematically present existing research and findings in this field.

This paper investigates possibilities for the diversification and decentralization of heat energy sources in the district heating system of Tuzla, with the aim of increasing energy security, reducing CO₂ emissions and improving overall system efficiency. The existing model, which relies almost exclusively on the Tuzla Thermal Power Plant (TE Tuzla), is characterized by high dependence on fossil fuels, limited operational flexibility and hydraulic challenges in peripheral parts of the network. The study analyses potentials for integrating alternative heat sources, biomass cogeneration, waste-to-energy (RDF) and solar thermal systems, and assesses the role of thermal energy storage in optimizing operation and mitigating seasonal variability. Comparative scenario analysis demonstrates feasible transition pathways towards a sustainable heating model that reduces emissions and increases local control over energy supplies while accounting for Tuzla's specific technical and institutional context.

Fertigation represents one of the most significant innovations in modern agriculture, particularly prevalent in intensive vegetable production. While it enables precise plant nutrition and substantial yield increases (20–50%), inadequate fertilizer application within this system entails serious risks that can be categorized into three key dimensions: agronomic, economic, and ecological. Agronomic risks include phytotoxicity resulting from elevated electrical conductivity (EC), physiological drought, and nutritional imbalances caused by elemental antagonism. The economic dimension is reflected in the loss of market value of produce, unnecessary costs associated with excessive fertilization, and potential malfunctions of irrigation systems due to chemical incompatibility of substances. The most far-reaching are ecological risks, encompassing soil salinization, uncontrolled shifts in pH values, and contamination of groundwater (aquifers) with nitrates. Beyond these primary concerns, improper fertigation practices may also reduce crop quality, thereby limiting competitiveness in demanding markets. Excessive nutrient application can accelerate soil degradation, diminishing long-term productivity and increasing reliance on external inputs. Moreover, the disruption of soil microbial communities may impair natural nutrient cycling, further complicating sustainable management. From an economic standpoint, inefficiencies in fertilizer use contribute to higher production costs and reduced profitability, particularly in resource-limited farming systems. Ecologically, the persistence of nitrates in aquifers poses risks to human health and necessitates costly remediation measures. Therefore, the adoption of scientifically grounded strategies, including precise nutrient scheduling and integrated monitoring, is essential for balancing productivity with environmental stewardship. The study concludes that mitigating these risks requires a transition from experiential to scientific approaches, which involve regular soil analysis, continuous monitoring of EC and pH values in nutrient solutions, as well as the implementation of tensiometer-based monitoring. Only through integrated management of nutritional parameters can fertigation remain a sustainable tool for enhancing efficiency without degrading natural resources.

This study presents a numerical analysis of the airflow around a passenger vehicle (DrivAer model in the Notchback configuration) travelling across a viaduct, with the aim of investigating the influence of bridge protection elements on the vehicle's aerodynamic characteristics. CFD simulations were conducted in STAR-CCM+ using the RANS approach coupled with the k-ω SST turbulence model. Four geometric configurations were analysed: open flow without any protection, viaduct with a guardrail, viaduct with a solid windbreak, and viaduct with a porous windbreak. Each configuration was simulated under two flow scenarios, with and without a crosswind component. The CFD model was validated against experimental data obtained from the Technical University of Munich (TUM) wind tunnel, showing satisfactory agreement in the drag and pressure coefficients. The results indicate that the solid windbreaks increase side forces and rolling moments, whereas the porous windbreaks significantly reduce turbulent effects and improves aerodynamic stability. The analysis of the Q - criterion field and turbulent kinetic energy confirms that the porous barrier narrows the wake region and diminishes vortex structures behind the vehicle. It was further established that for passenger vehicles, a well-designed guardrail can achieve comparable or even superior effects to complex windbreak in terms of optimizing aerodynamic loads on the vehicle.

This paper presents the results of a comprehensive study on the assessment of environmental noise levels at selected locations used for public events in the city of Banja Luka. The research was conducted with the aim of evaluating the impact of noise on the environment and public health, as well as determining compliance of the measured noise levels with applicable legal regulations and the recommendations of the European Union and the World Health Organization. The study includes a theoretical analysis of the physical and physiological characteristics of sound and noise, their propagation in space, perception, and effects on the human organism, as well as a review of the relevant legislative framework. Field measurements were carried out at several representative locations using standardized measuring equipment and prescribed methodologies, and the obtained results were analyzed and graphically presented through noise propagation models. Based on the results, conflict areas with elevated noise levels were identified, and specific urban planning, technical, and organizational measures for noise reduction were proposed. The noise modelling results enabled the definition of a noise protection zone and a maximum permissible sound emission level of 78.5 dB(A) for open-air concert organization in the studied student residential area. The conclusions of the study provide a professional basis for the development of decisions and action plans aimed at sustainable noise management during public events and the improvement of quality of life in the urban environment.