Elda Marku

Vegetables constitute an essential component of the daily diet in Albania; however, they also represent a major pathway of human exposure to pesticide residues. This study investigates the presence of pesticide residues in widely used vegetables, including leafy, fruity, root, and bulb types, and evaluates the potential dietary health risks associated with their consumption. Vegetable samples were analyzed using gas chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS) and liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), for the presence of 417 pesticide analytes, ensuring high analytical sensitivity and reliability. Pesticide residues were present, with 42 distinct compounds, including metabolites, found in all the analyzed samples. Notably, some of the detected substances are not currently authorized for use as plant protection products, suggesting either environmental persistence or regulatory non-compliance. Exceedances of European Union maximum residue limits (MRLs) were most frequently detected in leafy vegetables (42.31%), followed by fruity vegetables (18.75%), whereas no MRL exceedances were observed in root and bulb vegetables. According to the dietary exposure assessment conducted using European Food Safety Authority Pesticide Residue Intake Model (EFSA PRIMo model v.3.1), chronic dietary exposure to pesticide residues was below the acceptable daily intake (ADI). According to this assessment, the acute exposure exceeded the acute reference dose (ARfD) for several pesticide–vegetable combinations, particularly among children. This highlights the need for ongoing monitoring and better agricultural management techniques to reduce potential health risks related to pesticide residues in vegetables. The study results indicate the need to strengthen national monitoring programs, enforce pesticide regulations more strictly, and promote the wider adoption of integrated pest management strategies to reduce dietary pesticide exposure and protect public health in Albania.

This study reports the levels, distribution, and sources of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) analyzed in surface sediment samples from Petrolifera and Porto Romano ports. They are well known for their industrial activity and good transportation. A total of 17 samples were collected from both ports in December 2023. A gas chromatography/flame ionization detector (GC/FID) was used to analyse the 13 PAHs. The total concentrations of PAHs in sediments at Petrolifera Port varied from 102.9 ng g-1 to 358.3 ng g-1, with an average value of 226.6 ng g-1. Similarly, the quantities in sediments from Porto Romano Port varied from 135 ng g-1 to 1241 ng g-1, with an average value of 556 ng g-1. Sites within the ports have the highest concentrations of PAHs. Approximately 40% of the Σ13PAHs in Petrolifera and 39% in Porto Romano were attributed to 3-ringed PAHs within the analyzed areas. About 60% of the PAHs with rings between 4 and 6 were found in Petrolifera Port, and 61% in Porto Romano Port. The isomeric diagnostic ratio showed that PAHs in surface sediments in both areas originated from both sources, but mainly dominated by pyrogenic sources. The results were compared with different sediment quality guidelines.

This study report data on physical-chemical parameters and on concentrations of organic pollutants in marine water samples of Albanian ports. Nutrients, PH, temperature, conductivity, TSS, DO, BOD, COD, chlorines, sulfates, magnesium and calcium ions were the indicators used for evaluation of water quality. Also, organic pollutants (organochlorine pesticides, PCBs, PAH and benzene) were determined in seawater samples. Albania is facing by Ionian and Adriatic seas in a coastline of more than 300 km. Several ports are in function in Albanian coastline. Ship transport and many activities (automobile transport, mechanical activities, deposits, etc.) are the main factors of water pollution in port areas. Water samples from seven ports (the main Albanian ports) starting from Saranda port in the South to Shengjini port in the North, were analyzed in this study. Sampling was realized in May 2023. Based on physical-chemical indicators the water in the port of Saranda was the cleanest water, while Porto-Romano, Petrolifera and the fishing port in Zvernec was the most polluted one. Organic pollutants were detected in all water samples. Presence of the degradation products of pesticides may be related with previous uses of them. Presence of PCBs can be because of atmospheric deposition (volatile congeners), water currents and mechanical businesses (heavy congeners). PAHs and Benzene were detected on more than 70% of the analyzed samples. Intense ship and automobile transport in the port areas, mechanical businesses discharge and hydrocarbon processing i(Petrolifera and Porto-Romano) can be main factor for their presence. Water currents and new arrivals from the rivers can influence the levels and profile of pollutants. The found levels of organic pollutants in water samples of Albanian ports were higher than reported levels in previous studies for the Adriatic Sea (Albania coastline).

Coastal areas are characterized by a high population and a wide range of industrial and agricultural activities, which puts them under high pressure and continuous pollution from anthropogenic activities. This research focuses on the application of HYDROLAB HL7 multiparameter sonde equipped with smart sensors for the measurement of physical–chemical parameters in marine waters in the Durrës Bay. The sonde is part of a transnational repository network that receives, stores, and analyzes data about seawater quality, serving as an early warning system for preventing the diffusion of marine pollution. This sophisticated instrument can thrive in demanding environmental conditions for long-term continuous monitoring. It maximizes deployment lifespan, and provides traceable data for high-quality, reliable monitoring of vital changes in water quality. Low variability on the measured parameters indicates a stable status in the water quality of the Durrës site. Time series revealed small seasonal variations on all parameters, except turbidity and water temperature. Total dissolved solids, salinity, and electrical conductivity revealed similar temporal trends over the monitoring period by indicating strong relationships between them. The obtained data for the physical–chemical parameters in this study align with the recommended values. Ensuring water quality in the Durrës Bay requires advanced monitoring, regulatory measures, and community engagement.

This preliminary study presents first data on organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) concentrations in water and sediment samples of Devolli River. It is located in Southeast Albania, in Korca field, which is the second agricultural area in Albania. Sampling stations water of Devolli River were selected in eight different stations, starting from its stream (Gramozi Mountain) to the end of Korca field, near Banja hydropower (Gramshi region). Sampling of water and sediments were done in the same stations, in December 2018. Pesticides were used in the past in this area for many years mainly for agricultural purposes. Also, basin of Devolli River is affected from industrial activity and urban pollution, too. Water irrigation and rainfall contribute on their transport from soil to underground and surface waters. Organochlorine pesticides and PCB are very stable compounds that can be found in the environment for many years after their application. Liquid-liquid extraction was used for isolation of OCPs and PCBs in water samples while ultrasonic extraction was used for their extraction in sediment samples. The simultaneous analysis of organochlorine pollutants in water samples was performed by gas chromatography technique using electron capture detector (GC/ECD). Rtx-5 capillary column (30 m x 0.33 mm x 0.25 um) was used for separation of 17 organochlorine pesticides according EPA 8081A and 7 PCB markers. Relatively high concentrations of organochlorine pesticides were detected in water and sediment samples of Devolli River compare with other rivers of Albania. Their presence can be due to their previous use in Korca field. Volatile PCBs were found in higher concentration in water samples because of atmospheric deposition. Levels of some individual pesticides in surface water samples of Devolli River were found to be higher than permitted levels according to Albania and EU norms. Responsible authorities should be done continues monitoring in water samples of this river.