In the present study, the comet, or single-cell, gel electrophoresis assay was adapted for use with the ubiquitous unicellular protozoan Tetrahymena thermophila, and the method was evaluated for its ability to detect DNA damage induced by known genotoxins and wastewater samples. The original comet assay protocol was substantially modified (e.g., lower concentrations of detergents were used in the lysis buffer; electrophoresis time was reduced). Using the modified method, T. thermophila were subjected to short exposures of phenol, hydrogen peroxide, and formaldehyde, leading to concentration-dependent increases in DNA damage. The genotoxic potential of influent and effluent water samples from a local municipal wastewater treatment plant was evaluated. The results indicated that the influent wastewater was genotoxic and that the genotoxicity in the effluent water was substantially reduced. We assume employing T. thermophila in the use of the comet assay may become a cost-effective and reliable tool for genotoxicity screening and monitoring of wastewater and similar systems.

The purpose of this study was to assess the most frequent non-conformities identified in different European countries in the processes of forest management certification according to FSC standards. A total of 31 active certificates from five countries (Bosnia and Herzegovina, Estonia, Romania, Slovenia and the United Kingdom) were analysed, including all active certificates (as of 1 st of June 2014) from three countries along with a sample of 13 FSC certificates issued in the UK and one certificate covering 95% of the certified forest area in Slovenia. 253 non-conformities in relation to FSC standard requirements were identified as formulated by the audit teams and the most frequently identified non-conformities in the certification process were those related to Principle 6 -Environmental impact (34%), Principle 4 -Community relations and worker's rights (17%) and Principle 8 -Monitoring and Assessment (13%). A slight positive correlation was noticed between the FSC certified area and the total number of non-conformities, with a closer link in the case of Principle 9 -Maintenance of high conservation value forests, and Principle 4. The non-conformities related to Principles 4, 6 and 9 appeared to be significantly influenced in occurrence by country development; less often in the UK compared with the other four countries.

UDK 630*93:502(497) Within last few years, all Western Balkan countries have adopted new forest legislation aiming to introduce internationally accepted concepts of forest management. Due to specific social, political and economical realities that these countries have passed through, a number of nature protection regulations have been integrated into forest legislation. This paper compares nature protection regulations in Laws on Forests in Croatia (2005), Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina (2002) and Serbia (2010). It examines differences and commonalities in above mentioned Laws. Furthermore, the paper analyzes the level of consistencies between Laws on Forests and Laws on Nature Protection in Croatia (2005), Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina (2003) and Serbia (2009) in terms of “openness” and “greening” of forest related legislation. The results show that protection regulations within forest legislation, particularly those referring to forests with special management regime, can be strengthened by introducing the concept of high conservation value forests (HCVF). This concept includes also strategic changing of forestry sector position - from an inferior towards more proactive role in nature protection dialogue. The results of this paper can contribute to further improvements of current countries’ forest related legislation in domain of analyzed issues as well as creation of consistent forest and nature protection policies aimed at fostering cross-sectoral dialogue and cooperation.