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Item Electrochemical behavior of copper in chloride medium in the presence of pine cone macerate(University of Belgrade - Technical Faculty in Bor, 2025) Grekulović, Vesna; Zdravković, Milica; Gorgievski, Milan; Štrbac, Nada; Marković, Miljan; Marković, Marina; Božinović, KristinaThe article presents the results of the study of the electrochemical behavior of copper during oxidation in a 0.5 mol/dm3 NaCl solution in the absence and presence of pine cone macerate of different concentrations. The electrochemical behavior of copper was investigated using the cyclic voltammetry method and the potentiostatic method. The results of cyclic voltammetry show that three current peaks appear on the anodic polarization curves, which correspond to the formation of copper chloride and copper oxide. Potentiostatic polarization was performed at 0.5 mV vs. SCE for 100 s and at 25oC. Potentiostatic curves show that the steady-state currents decrease with increasing concentration of macerate in the electrolyte. Microscopic images confirm that a protective layer has formed on the copper surface in the presence of the pine cone macerate, which prevents the corrosion process.Item Extraction of bioactive compounds from nettle seeds as a potential inhibitor of metal corrosion(University of Belgrade - Technical Faculty in Bor, 2025) Zdravković, Milica; Huseinović, Edina; Dedić, Jasmina; Horozić, Emir; Grekulović, VesnaThe aim of the research is to determine the effectiveness of ultrasonic extraction of nettle seeds (Urtica dioica) whose products can be used as potential metal corrosion inhibitors. Different solvents were used (water, methanol, ethanol, acetone) in terms of total phenol content (TPC), flavonoids (TFC) and antioxidant activity (DPPH and FRAP). The results show that the aqueous extracts have the highest TPC and antioxidant capacity in both tests. The high correlation between TPC and antioxidant activity (R ≈ 0.98) confirms that phenolic compounds are key contributors to antioxidant capacity. These findings suggest that nettle seeds can be examined as a potential metal corrosion inhibitor.Item HPLC-DAD identification of compounds in corrosion inhibitor Salix alba bark extract and the hydrolate(University of Belgrade - Technical Faculty in Bor, 2025) Zdravković, Milica; Savić Jovanović, Slađana; Grekulović, Vesna; Stanković, DaliborThe compounds present in Salix alba bark (SAB) extract and its hydrolate were identified using highperformance liquid chromatography with diode array detection (HPLC-DAD). SAB extract and its hydrolate were obtained by evaporating a macerate of dried, ground white willow bark and hot distilled water. A total of 19 standard polyphenolic compounds were used for the HPLC analysis. Results indicate that only 4-hydroxybenzoic acid (4-HBA) was detected in the SAB hydrolate. In contrast, both gallic acid and caffeic acid were present in the SAB extract. The presence of 4-HBA indicates the potential possibility of using SAB hydrolate as a starting component for the synthesis of parabens and other 4-HBA derivatives. Additionally, the identification of gallic and caffeic acids in the SAB extract further confirms the effect as a cathodic inhibitor of copper corrosion in chloride environments, because both acids are proven cathodic inhibitors of copper in different corrosion environments.Item ATR-FTIR characterization of the white willow bark extract used as a copper corrosion inhibitor(University of Belgrade - Technical Faculty in Bor, 2025) Zdravković, Milica; Savić Jovanović, Slađana; Grekulović, Vesna; Stanković, Dalibor; Dimitrievska, IvaAs proved inhibitor of copper corrosion in saline environment, the white willow bark (WWB) extract was characterized using the Attenuated Total Reflectance-Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (ATRFTIR) method. By identifying the bands typical for phenolic profile of WWB extract, the anti-corrodic properties of WWB were explained. The hydrogen-bonded O-H stretching vibrations present in WWB extract is attributed to the phenolic hydroxyl groups and alcoholic hydroxyl groups within glycosides. The C-H stretching vibrations typical for salicin and for glucoside part of salicin aromatic were also identified, as well as the C=C ring stretching vibrations and C-O stretching vibrations that can be attributed to phenolic and alcoholic groups. The presence of these functional groups confirms the presence of a protective film of the WWB extract on the copper surface, protecting the metal from the corrosive effect of chloride ions.Item On the leachability of copper from copper-iron minerals mixture(University of Belgrade - Technical Faculty in Bor, 2025) Stanković, Velizar; Marković, Miljan; Gorgievski, Milan; Đorđievski, StefanSulphuric acid leaching of the ore sample from the MCM (Mauritanian Copper Mine) was carried out. The achieved leaching degree was ≤ 38%. To improve copper leachability from the ore, TG (thermogravimetric), DSC (differential scanning calorimetry, and DTA (analyses differential thermal analysis) were conducted on the ore, and XRD (X-ray diffraction) analysis was performed on the leach residue. Thermal analysis has shown that goethite quickly transforms to hematite at ≈ 300 °C. The XRD pattern reveals the presence of four main minerals in the leach residue of the ore sample. Among them, the goethite peaks are the most intense. It seems as if the decomposition of goethite (thermally or chemically) could be a cornerstone in increasing the copper leaching degree. Both pathways were checked, and in both cases, a significant increase in the leaching degree was achieved.Item Statistical modeling of copper ions biosorption onto sunflower hulls(University of Belgrade - Technical Faculty in Bor, 2025) Marković, Miljan; Gorgievski, Milan; Marković, Marina; Grekulović, Vesna; Štrbac, Nada; Božinović, Kristina; Zdravković, MilicaThe statistical modeling of the copper ions biosorption onto sunflower hulls is presented in this work. The analysis was conducted using the Response Surface Methodology coupled with the Box-Behnken Design. The software experimental design, consisting of 17 experiments, was applied to optimize the biosorption process. The obtained results indicated that the used model is statistically significant, and that the optimal conditions for copper ions biosorption onto sunflower hulls are: 0.7 g sunflower hull sample mass, 0.1 g dm-3 initial copper ions concentration, and pH of the solution 5. The analysis indicated that all three analyzed parameters are significant model terms.Item Equilibrium and thermodynamic analysis of the adsorption of copper ions on sunflower hulls(University of Belgrade - Technical Faculty in Bor, 2025) Gorgievski, Milan; Marković, Marina; Marković, Miljan; Grekulović, Vesna; Štrbac, Nada; Božinović, Kristina; Zdravković, MilicaThis paper presents the equilibrium and thermodynamic study of the adsorption of copper ions on sunflower hulls. The results of the equilibrium analyses showed that Temkin's isothermal model was the best fit the analysed data. The calculated thermodynamic data showed that the sorption reaction is not spontaneous at the given temperatures, that the process is endothermic and that there is a reduced randomness at the solid-solution interface.Item Distribution of PAHs in soils from the Bor region, taken from the rooting zone of poison ivy(University of Belgrade - Technical Faculty in Bor, 2025) Papludis, Aleksandra; Alagić, Slađana; Milić, Snežana; Medić, Dragana; Nikolić, Jelena; Jevtović, Snežana; Zlatanović Đaić, IvanaIn this work, the distribution of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) was examined in the soil from the Bor region, sampled from the rooting zones of poison ivy. The samples were taken from different locations in the Bor town and its surroundings and analyzed using gas chromatographic-mass spectrometric method, and hierarchical cluster analysis with the average linkage between groups as an appropriate statistical method. The obtained results soundly illustrated the distribution of individual PAHs in soil and simultaneously, they indicated probable PAH sources, i.e., anthropogenic or natural. In accordance with the obtained hierarchical dendrogram, it can be supposed that only benzo(a)pyrene had a natural origin (from different processes in the soil), whereas all other PAHs had anthropogenic, i.e. atmospheric origin. The grouping of the latest compounds showed that they were kept in soil for different - longer or a shorter time.Item The influence of the environmental factors on the accumulation patterns of toxic elements in Plantago lanceolata sampled in the area under strong anthropopressure(Elsevier Ltd., 2024) Jordanovic, Jelena S.; Serbula, Snezana M.; Markovic, Mirjana M.; Radojevic, Ana A.; Kalinovic, Jelena V.; Kalinovic, Tanja S.The study aims to explore the environmental factors which activate accumulation abilities of Plantago lanceolata in the research area under strong anthropopressure resulting from the long-term pollution originating from copper mining-metallurgical activities in Southeastern Europe. Sampling was performed at the most endangered sites regarding its proximity to the major and/or secondary pollution sources, as well at the control site. The content of toxic elements (Al, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn) was determined in the roots, leaves, stalks and flowers of P. lanceolata. The anthropogenic origin of environmental contamination was denoted through the high concentrations of Cu, Pb and Zn in the leaves of P. lanceolata, reaching toxic levels, combined with the enrichment of plant parts (Enrichment factor >2), especially with Cu (as well as with Al, Fe, Ni and Zn) in samples from the immediate proximity to the copper smelter or at the prevailing wind directions. Biomonitoring potential, assessed through the correlations between toxic element content, as well as the values of Enrichment factor, was indicated for roots (in the case of Cu), all the aboveground plant parts (Fe) and stalks (Zn). The results have shown that the contents of toxic elements in plant parts as well as phytoremediation of P. lanceolata were dependent on soil element content, soil physico-chemical properties and soil enzyme activities, which were regarded as the main environmental drivers affecting phytoremediation ability. The analysis of biological factors (bioconcentration, translocation and bioaccumulation factor) indicated exclusion strategy and possible usage of P. lanceolata in phytostabilization of Zn. The results indicated that the study area is 'environmental hotspot' with potential threat to human health due to the high levels of bioaccumulation of the investigated toxic elements in P. lanceolata parts.Item Case study on metal(loid)s distribution in linden tree parts, in areas with hight environmental pollution(University of Belgrade, Technical Faculty in Bor, 2025) Kalinović, Tanja; Radojević, Ana; Kalinović, Jelena; Jordanović, Jelena; Šerbula, SnežanaThe investigation focuses on the distribution of Al, Fe, Cu, Zn, Pb, As, and Cd, in the roots, branches and leaves of linden tree, a very common plant species used in traditional medicine, sampled in the area affected by pollution from the mining-metallurgical facilities for copper production, and one unpolluted zone. Plant samples were collected and processed following the established scientific methods, while concentrations of metal(loid)s were determined using the ICP-AES. Distinct patterns in the metal(loid)s distribution in the linden parts were revealed, which varied depending on the environmental pollution levels, highlighting obvious differences between the polluted and unpolluted zones.Item Comparative assessment of potentially toxic elements bioaccumulation and biomonitoring ability using rosehip, hazelnut, and black elder leaves(Crnogorsko društvo za koroziju, zaštitu materijala i zaštitu životne sredine, 2025) Šerbula, Snežana; Kalinović, Tanja; Radojević, Ana; Kalinović, Jelena; Jordanovic, JelenaThis paper aims to evaluate and compare the environmental role of the rosehip, hazelnut and black elder, in areas with various anthropogenic sources of pollution. In addition to the essential elements for plants such as Ni, Zn, Cu and Fe, the leaves of the studied plant species contained certain amounts of toxic or non-essential elements such as Cd, As, Pb and Al. The concentrations of the analysed elements in the hazelnut and elder leaves from the urban-industrial (UI) and rural (R2) sampling sites stood out in the box plot analyses by the highest number of outlying (mild and extreme) data points. Cu and Pb were the elements with the highest values of the Enrichment factor (EF), in the leaves of the studied plant species, while enrichment was also noted for Zn, Fe, Al, As and Cd, depending on the sampling site and plant species. The highest EF values were calculated for the samples from the UI and R2 sampling sites. The rosehip, hazelnut and elder leaves have a good retention capacity for particulate matter originating from the air containing potentially toxic elements (PTEs), and thus represent green resources for monitoring and mitigation of environmental pollution.Item Potential of using zinc processing tailings (ZPT’s) in the production of burnt clay bricks(University of Belgrade, Technical faculty in Bor, 2025) Messai, Ali; Berrekbia Linda; Meramria, Ikram; Menendez-Aguado, Juan Maria; Fernandez-Perez, Begona; Nikolić, Vladimir; Trumić, Milan; Boustila, AmirZinc processing tailings (ZPTs) from the Kharzet Youcef processing complex (Setif- Algeria) are mainly stockpiled in tailings dumps without use, occupying a significant area with potentially influencing the environment and human health. Incorporating ZPTs in building materials manufacturing is an effective solution to meet the dual objectives of environmental protection and economic development. The study investigates the influence of integrating ZPTs to partially replace clays and firing temperature on the physic-mechanical properties of fired clay bricks (FCB). Microstructural, chemical, and mineralogical analyses of ZPT and clays were carried out by SEM-EDS, XRF and XRD, respectively. Seven mixtures were produced with various percentages of ZPTs added to clays (0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25% and 30%) and were fired to three different temperatures (950, 1000 and 1050 °C) at a ramp rate of 5 °C. Physic-mechanical tests were carried out on different brick specimens, and the results obtained showed the FCB incorporated with 30% of ZPTs produced the highest flexural strength of 6.24 MPa, compressive resistance of 29.78 MPa, bulk density of 1.37 g/cm3 and water absorption of 15.1% at 900 °C. Therefore, recycling ZPTs for FCB manufacturing is a feasible alternative waste disposal solution for sustainable development while reducing negative environmental impacts.Item Proposal of a Method for Calculating the Bond Work Index for Samples with Non-Standard Feed Particle Size Distribution(MDPI, Switzerland, 2025) Nikolić, Vladimir; Medina Pierres, Jesús; Sanchez Calvo, Maria; Menendez-Aguado, Juan Maria; Trumić, Milan; Trumić, Maja; Milošević, VladanDetermining the Bond grindability test in a ball mill is one of the most commonly used methods in the mining industry for measuring the hardness of ores. The test is an essential part of the Bond work index methodology for designing and calculating the efficiency of mineral grinding circuits. The Bond ball mill grindability test has several restrictions, including the sample’s initial particle size distribution (PSD). This paper presents a method for calculating the Bond work index when the Bond ball mill grindability test is performed on samples with non-standard PSD. The presented equation includes a correction factor (k) and is applicable only for P100 = 75 μm. The defined method is then compared with methods proposed by other researchers, and conclusions are drawn as to which method results in less deviation. The presented model resulted in a mean square error of 0.66%.Item Utilisation of Zinc Processing Tailings (ZPTs) in Fired Clay Bricks Manufacturing: Case Study(MDPI, Switzerland, 2025) Messai, Ali; Menendez-Aguado, Juan Maria; Berrekbia, Linda; Meramria, Ikram; Fernandez-Perez, Begona; Nikolić, Vladimir; Trumić, Milan; Boustila, AmirZinc processing tailings (ZPTs) of the Kharzet Youcef processing complex, Setif, Algeria, are mainly stockpiled in tailing dumps without use, occupying significant surfaces and negatively influencing the human environment and health. Incorporating ZPTs into building materials manufacturing is an effective solution to meet the dual objectives of environmental protection and economic development. This study investigates the influence of firing temperature and integrating ZPTs as a partial replacement for clay on the physic-mechanical properties of fired clay bricks (FCBs). Microstructural, chemical, and mineralogical analyses of ZPTs and clay were carried out by SEM-EDS, XRF, and XRD, respectively. Seven mixtures were produced with various percentages of ZPTs added to clay (0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, and 30%) and were fired at two different temperatures (900 and 1000 °C) at a ramp rate of 5 °C. Physic-mechanical tests were carried out on different brick specimens, and the results obtained showed that the FCBs incorporated with 10% of ZPTs produced the highest flexural strength of 6.24 MPa, compressive resistance of 29.78 MPa, bulk density of 1.37 g/cm3, and water absorption of 15.1% at 900 °C. Therefore, the recycling of ZPTs for FCBs manufacturing is feasible and an effective alternative waste disposal solution for sustainable development while reducing negative environmental impacts.Item Influence of pre-deformation on mechanical properties and microstructure of EN-AW 7075 aluminium alloy(Materials Research Society of Serbia, 2025) Kovačević, Avram; Stamenković, Uroš; Nedeljković, MilanThis study investigates the changes in mechanical properties and microstructure of the EN-AW 7075 aluminum alloy after thermomechanical treatment. The treatment included cold plastic deformation, induced by rolling prior to artificial aging at a temperature of 150 °C for 30 minutes. The variations in hardness and impact toughness were monitored depending on the applied thermomechanical treatment conditions. Hardness was determined using the Leeb method, while impact toughness was measured using the Charpy method. The lowest hardness values were recorded in the annealed condition (Temper O state), while the highest impact toughness was observed in the quenched condition (Temper W state). The applied cold plastic deformation induced before artificial aging significantly increased the hardness of the investigated alloy, accompanied by a progressive decrease in impact toughness. Optical microscopy was used to analyze the microstructural changes during the thermomechanical treatment. Precipitates of various sizes and morphologies were observed in the alloy structure. The annealed condition was characterized by poorly defined grain boundaries and coarse secondary phase particles uniformly distributed within the matrix. Cold plastic deformation before aging resulted in a structure oriented in the rolling direction and refined secondary phase particles.Item Thermal Properties and Microstructure Evolution of the as‑cast and Annealed Al–Cu–Si Eutectic Alloy(Springer Nature, 2025) Manasijević, Dragan; Marković, Ivana; Cimpoesu, Nicanor; Chelariu, Romeu; Stamenković, Uroš; Balanović, Ljubiša; Gorgievski, MilanThe Al–28%Cu–6%Si (mass%) eutectic alloy represents a possible high-temperature phase change material (PCM) for latent heat thermal energy storage (LHTES). In this paper, its microstructural characteristics and thermal properties were examined in the as-cast and annealed conditions using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and light flash method. The microstructure of the studied alloy consists of (Al) solid solution phase, θ-Al2Cu intermetallic phase, and (Si) phase. The annealing at 450°C for 50 h led to significant changes in the morphology of the θ-Al2Cu and (Si) eutectic phases. The temperature dependences of thermal diffusivity and thermal conductivity were investigated within the temperature range from 25 to 400 °C. It was found that the thermal diffusivity and thermal conductivity of the annealed alloy are considerably higher than that of the as-cast alloy at temperatures lower than 300 °C. With increasing temperature, due to changes in the microstructure of the as-cast alloy, these differences decrease and finally diminish at 400 °C. The measured eutectic temperature is 522.3 °C and latent heat of melting is 358.3 Jg-1. The findings suggest that the Al–Cu–Si eutectic alloy shows good potential for use in phase change energy storage technologies.Item Enhancing Wastewater Treatment Through Python ANN-Guided Optimization of Photocatalysis with Boron-Doped ZnO Synthesized via Mechanochemical Route(MDPI, 2025) Nedelkovski, Vladan; Radovanović, Milan B.; Medić, Dragana; Stanković, Sonja; Hulka, Iosif; Tanikić, Dejan; Antonijević, MilanThis study explores the enhanced photocatalytic performance of boron-doped zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles synthesized via a scalable mechanochemical route. Utilizing X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS), the structural and morphological properties of these nanoparticles were assessed. Specifically, nanoparticles with 1 wt%, 2.5 wt%, and 5 wt% boron doping were analyzed after calcination at temperatures of 500 °C, 600 °C, and 700 °C. The obtained results indicate that 1 wt% B-ZnO nanoparticles calcined at 700 °C show superior photocatalytic efficiency of 99.94% methyl orange degradation under UVA light—a significant improvement over undoped ZnO. Furthermore, the study introduces a predictive model using the artificial neural network (ANN) technique, developed in Python, which effectively forecasts photocatalytic performance based on experimental conditions with R2 = 0.9810. This could further enhance wastewater treatment processes, such as heterogeneous photocatalysis, through ANN-guided optimization.Item Application of Graphite Electrodes Prepared from Waste Zinc−Carbon Batteries for Electrochemical Detection of Xanthine(MDPI, 2025) Radovanović, Milan B.; Simonović, Ana T.; Petrović Mihajlović, Marija B.; Tasić, Žaklina Z.; Antonijević, Milan M.Waste from zinc−carbon batteries poses a serious environmental protection problem. One of the main problems is also the reliable and rapid determination of some compounds that may be present in food and beverages consumed worldwide. This study addresses these problems and presents a possible solution for the electrochemical detection of xanthine using carbon from spent batteries. Cyclic voltammetry and differential pulse voltammetry are electrochemical methods used for the detection of xanthine. The techniques used demonstrate the mechanism of xanthine oxidation in the tested environment. A linear correlation was found between the oxidation current peaks and the xanthine concentration in the range of 5·10−7 to 1·10−4 M, as well as the values for the limit of detection and the limit of quantification, 7.86·10−8 M and 2.62·10−7 M, respectively. The interference test shows that the electrode obtained from waste Zn-C batteries has good selectivity, which means that the electrode can be used for xanthine determination in the presence of various ions. The data obtained show that carbon sensors from used zinc−carbon batteries can be used to detect xanthine in real samples.Item Electrochemical Detection of Cadmium Using a Bismuth Film Deposited on a Brass Electrode(MDPI, 2025) Radovanović, Milan B.; Petrović Mihajlović, Marija B.; Simonović, Ana T.; Tasić, Žaklina; Antonijević, Milan M.Cadmium is one of the most dangerous pollutants found in the environment, where it exists mainly due to human activities. High cadmium concentrations can cause serious problems, which is why the detection and determination of Cd is one of the most important tasks. Electroanalytical methods provide rapid and accurate results in the detection of cadmium in various solutions. In this study, the possibility of using a bismuth film electrode deposited on a brass surface and electroanalytical techniques for the detection of cadmium is investigated. The bismuth film was deposited on the surface of the brass electrode using a chronoamperometric technique. Cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy were used to characterize the synthesized bismuth film electrode. The current peaks obtained by anodic square-wave stripping voltammetry under optimized conditions showed a linear relationship in the investigated concentration range of cadmium. The study of the interference of different cations (Cr3+, Mn2+, Zn2+, Ca2+, K+, Mg2+ and Na+) showed that the tested cations have no influence on the determination of Cd2+ ions in the investigated solution. This finding provides a good opportunity for the use of the synthesized electrode in real samples.Item Simultaneous determination of serotonin, dopamine, and ascorbic acid at a glassy carbon electrode modified with chitosan-alginate hydrogel and reduced graphene oxide(Elsevier, 2025) Postolović, Katarina S.; Radovanović, Milan B.; Stanić, Zorka D.Detection of biologically active components, such as ascorbic acid, dopamine, and serotonin, is significant from the perspective of biomedicine, particularly in the process of disease diagnosis and in the quality control of commercial pharmaceutical products. In this work, a novel electrochemical sensor was developed by modifying a glassy carbon electrode with a hydrogel composed of a polyelectrolyte complex of alginate and chitosan, along with the addition of electrochemically reduced graphene oxide. This biocompatible sensor was applied for the simultaneous determination of ascorbic acid, dopamine, and serotonin using adsorptive square wave voltammetry. The modified GCE demonstrated an excellent electrochemical response towards the target analytes, thanks to the enhanced adsorption of the analytes on the surface of the electrode, facilitated by favorable interactions between analytes and the modifiers. This approach increased the electrode’s active surface area and ensured excellent electrode response. The sensor exhibited a broad linear range of the anodic current relative to analyte concentration, achieving low detection limits of 0.094 μM, 4.18 nM and 3.23 nM for ascorbic acid, dopamine and serotonin, respectively. Additionally, the proposed sensor exhibited good stability, reproducibility of results, selectivity, as well as effectiveness, in the determination of target biological compounds in real sample matrices.