EMOS RESEARCH GROUP IN BANJA LUKA
14th Conference of Chemists, Technologists and Environmentalists of Republic of Srpska
Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina – At the prestigious XIV Conference of Chemists, Technologists and Environmentalists of the Republic of Srpska, held on October 21-22, 2022, in Banja Luka, researchers from the EMOS research group presented results of two studies dealing with the environmental impact of pharmaceuticals and commercial pesticides.
In one of the presented studies, we studied the photolysis of nadolol in aquatic environments. Nadolol, a beta-blocker commonly used for treating cardiovascular conditions, has been detected in various aquatic environments, raising concerns about its potential ecological impacts. This study aimed to deepen our understanding of how nadolol behaves and degrades in water resources, particularly in the presence of bicarbonates. The title of the study was Photolysis of nadolol in the aquatic environment: Insights into the effect of bicarbonates. The first author of this contribution was PhD student Andrijana Vukojević, the youngest member of the EMOS group. This study was also contributed by Maria Savanović, Svetlana Pelemiš and Sanja Armaković.
Below, you can check the 3D structure of the nadolol molecule.
Understanding the degradation pathways and rates of pharmaceuticals in natural waters is crucial for assessing their environmental impact. However, besides pharmaceuticals, our research group also deals with pesticides and other compounds that pose a threat to the environment.
In our second study, we investigated the solar stability of selected commercial pesticides commonly used in grape cultivation. The study was aptly titled Solar Stability of Commercial Pesticides: Contributions to the Quality of Grapes and Fruits. Given the significant role of grape and wine production in Serbia’s agricultural sector, this topic holds substantial importance for research institutions throughout the country, including the University of Novi Sad. This research represents a part of the fruitful collaboration between the EMOS group and a research team from the Faculty of Agriculture, which includes Prof. Dragoslav Ivanišević, Dr. Mladen Kalajdžić and Dr. Jelena Kalajdžić.
Results of the study have been presented by Maria Savanović, and we were imensly proud to learn that this presentation was AWARDED by the organizers of this event. Bellow you can see Maria during the oral presentation.
Future Directions
The EMOS research group is committed to continuing this line of research. Our ongoing projects aim to explore further the interaction between pharmaceuticals and various environmental factors, employing advanced computational methods and experimental approaches. These efforts align with our broader mission to address emerging environmental challenges through scientific innovation and collaboration.
We invite our colleagues, students, and the scientific community to engage with us in this vital discussion. Understanding and protecting our environment is a shared responsibility, and we believe that through collaborative efforts and knowledge exchange, we can make significant strides towards a sustainable future.
For more information about the whole event, feel free to visit the website of the conference: