2-mercaptobenzothiazole (MBT) is a chemical compound which is widely used in various processes in chemical industry, and it was also detected in environmental samples. Most of the researchers employed liquid chromatography (LC) or gas chromatography (GC) for determination of MBT. When GC was used, derivatization was necessary in order to prevent decomposition of MBT inside of the hot GC inlet. In this study, a new approach for preventing decomposition of MBT using programmable temperature vaporization (PTV) was presented. The sample was injected in a cold inlet (40?C) and the temperature was raised gradually until the analyte was evaporated. Contrary to hot splitless injection, no decomposition of MBT was observed using PTV. Compared to derivatization, PTV requires no chemicals and the duration of analysis is reduced.

Arsenic and toxic metals can reach food and honey through water and air, thus endangering the safe consumption of the same. These toxic substances can damage human health through the food chain, which is contrary to the goals of sustainability related to health and food safety. It is necessary to continuously control and measure the concentration of pollutants to ensure the safety of food produced near mining areas. The arsenic content of honey samples from a territory up to 32 km in diameter from the mine (Bor town, east Serbia, and its surroundings), as determined by ICP-MS, is presented in this paper. PM10 particles and water were also analyzed for arsenic content. Pearson’s correlation and hierarchical cluster analysis were used for statistical analysis. The obtained results showed that the content of arsenic in honey was below the maximum allowable concentration (MAC) value. The honey was not contaminated, although the results showed that the concentrations of arsenic in water and PM10 particles were elevated. The results indicate that the environment in these areas is damaged and point towards caution.

Adequate soil sampling with the implementation of quality control guaranties high accuracy outputs of chemical analysis of the sampled soil. Mining and Metallurgy Institute Bor, as accredited scientific institution, sampling the soil from various locations according to the previously established sampling plan and to the standards ISO 18400-101 and 180400-104. The standards define the sampling scheme. Control of compulsory monitoring of sampling quality is done by ISO 18400-106 standard. Monitoring the quality control of the sampled soil, means formation of Trip blanks and Field blanks. Developed quality control plan monitors the status of the mentioned blanks, which considers the initial chemical composition of the zero blank, its way of packing and transport to the place where sampling occurs, preservation and storage as well as chemical analysis on specific elements. During 2019, Mining and Metallurgy Institute conducted quality control after every sampling on 6 locations. Comparative chemical analysis of the blanks after the sampling, started with zero blank, resulted in non-existence of cross contamination of the sampled soil. Conclusion is that the sampling was implemented according to the given procedures and standards.

The authors would like to make the following corrections to the published paper [...]