International Scientific Journals
of Scientific Technical Union of Mechanical Engineering "Industry 4.0"

Free radicals and reactive species of oxygen are destructive for living organisms. Antioxidants are capable to reduce the effect of free radicals and to recover the organisms’ health. On the other hand, during the fabrication process various chemicals are released into the water ecosystems from the factories, causing harmful effects on the aquatic organisms. The Autonomous Province of Vojvodina in Serbia is rich in thermal waters. Thankfully to the various minerals, they could have antioxidant effect and could be used as raw material for the production of different pharmaceutical products. In this study we examined the possible effect of different thermal water samples on the degradation rate of Vitamin C as an antioxidant with UV radiation. Furthermore, the influence of initial pH value was also investigated. Our results showed that the thermal water reduced the degradation rate of vitamin C. In addition, the lowest removal rate was observed at initial pH 7, which is close to the skin’s natural pH. These findings showed that the thermal water could be used in preparations for skin.

The time being, one of the greatest concerns is the environmental pollution. Nowadays, various dangerous compounds reach to the air, soil and water. Pharmaceuticals, such as 17α-ethinylestradiol (EE2), are one of the most emerging pollutants in water ecosystems. Hence, powerful but green approaches should be developed in order to completely remove the pollutants. Heterogeneous photocatalysis is a sustainable and efficient process in the removal of organic pollutants, such as pharmaceuticals. ZnO is one of the most commonly used semiconductors but also possess some drawbacks. In this study novel synthesis pathway of ZnO nanoparticles from banana peel extract was
obtained. Besides, the photocatalytic efficiency of the newly synthesized ZnO was examined in the degradation of EE2. Both the eco-friendly ZnO nanoparticles, as well as pure banana peel extract showed a promising photocatalytic activity in the degradation of EE2 under simulated solar irradiation (SSI). Namely, EE2 was completely degraded after 60 min of SSI.