This study presents a detailed investigation of the Velika Vrbica loess-palaeosol sequence, situated in the Wallachian Basin of northeastern Serbia, with the aim to reconstruct palaeoenvironmental changes spanning Marine Isotope Stages (MIS) 3 to 1. Using optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) dating, low field magnetic susceptibility (χlf), and mass accumulation rates (MARs), we have developed a robust geochronological framework and analysed sedimentary and environmental processes over the last glacial–interglacial cycle. The OSL chronology reveals consistent loess deposition from ~41 to 3 ka, with peak accumulation rates recorded during MIS 3 and late MIS 2. The MAR data challenge conventional models of loess formation, as higher deposition rates are observed during the interstadial MIS 3 compared to the Last Glacial Maximum. This finding suggests regional variations in aeolian activity and climate dynamics that differ from the widely accepted pattern of intensified dust deposition during colder glacial periods. The environmental magnetic record of the Velika Vrbica loess sequence presented here shows more similarities with equivalent sections in the Wallachian Basin than in the Vojvodina region. These findings contribute to the broader understanding of loess formation processes and palaeoenvironmental variability on a continental scale, reinforcing the importance of high-resolution chronological and sedimentological studies in disentangling global vs. regional influences on past dust deposition.

The ultrasound-assisted extraction process with microwave pretreatment was modeled and optimized to maximize the yield of antioxidants from green walnut husks using a response surface methodology with Box–Behnken design. In this design, the ultrasound-assisted extraction time (10–40 min), ultrasound-assisted extraction temperature (40–60 °C), and microwave pretreatment time (20–60 s) were selected as the factors, while the total antioxidant content was defined as the response. The solvent of choice for extracting antioxidants was 50% (v/v) ethanol. After optimization using the desirability function, an ultrasound-assisted extraction time of 23 min, ultrasound-assisted extraction temperature of 60 °C, and microwave pretreatment time of 60 s were proposed as the optimal conditions and their validity was verified. Under these conditions, the experimentally determined total antioxidant content was 3.69 g of gallic acid equivalent per 100 g of dry matter. In addition to phenolics, UHPLC–ESI–MS/MS analysis indicated the presence of lipids, quinones, terpenoids, and organic acids in the extract. After the antioxidant extraction, the solid residue was further processed to isolate cellulose in line with the concept of sustainable manufacturing. The structural characterization and hydration properties of cellulose were analyzed to identify its key features and assess its potential for value-added applications. The results demonstrate that green walnut husks are a valuable and cost-effective agro-industrial byproduct for extracting antioxidants and isolating cellulose. This aligns with the principles of a circular economy and the sustainable production of natural compounds.

Soils are among Earth’s most vital yet slowly renewable natural resources. Chernozem stands out as the most fertile soil globally, capable of yielding high agricultural productivity, and it continues to play a significant role in modern agriculture. The Vojvodina region of Serbia is renowned for its fertile soil, including Chernozem. This study aims to evaluate the current condition and geotourism potential of ten captivating Chernozem sites in the Vojvodina region by using the method for assessment of tourism potential of soil sites. The analysis emphasizes that all evaluated sites possess notable tourism potential due to their natural attractions and appeal to visitors. However, the findings underscore the need for improved services and infrastructure to facilitate tourism development at these sites, essential for attracting larger tourist groups. This study serves as an initial step towards creating educational soil trails to promote the natural, socio-economic, and cultural aspects of this pedo-geoheritage. Additionally, this article aims to provide insights into key aspects of the current tourist features at these destinations that could benefit from further enhancement.

In this study, in a pioneering effort, glomalin proteins were extracted and geochemically characterized from soil in Serbia. Standard chemical (dry combustion, Walkley-Black) and spectroscopic methods (fourier trans form infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), dynamic light scat tering (DLS), scanning electron microscope (SEM)) were used to gain insight into the glomalin proteins. Samples from the City of Novi Sad (Serbia) were used for character ization and comparison. The soil contained an average of 17 mg/g of glomalin, representing ≈21% of the soil organic matter. DLS zeta potential analysis and the FTIR spectra reveal two significant differences before and after glo malin extraction, indicating a relationship between sand fractions and organic matter that affects particle aggrega tion and erosion potential. A comparison of SEM images and DLS results reveals that the glomalin extract consists of two particle size groups (0.08–1 and 6 µm), suggesting that the extraction process isolates only a smaller fraction of proteins and less tightly bound particles, indicating that soil aggregation is influenced by both mineralogy and the characteristics of organic matter. Hence, our research raises important questions about the role of glomalin in mitigating soil degradation processes, particularly soil ero sion. Our study will enhance the overall understanding of glomalin, inspire future research, and prove beneficial for the sustainable restoration of degraded lands.

The Middle Danube (Carpathian) Basin is considered to encompass some of the thickest and most complete records of aeolian dust deposition in Europe, covering the last two glacial–interglacial cycles. In this study, independent, published chronologies based on absolute dating methods were compiled for 34 loess-palaeosol sequences and modelled using Bayesian statistics. Mass accumulation rates (MARs) calculated from the Bayesian age models range from 50 to 1922 g m−2 a−1 with a mean value of 317±35 g m−2 a−1. The glacial–interglacial changes of the MAR estimates only partially agree with the accepted dust deposition model, where high accumulation rates are observed during the cold glacial stages, while low values are typical for the warmer interglacial periods. There is a rapid increase of MAR values during Marine Isotope Stage (MIS) 2, with the highest deposition in most cases observed ~25–18 ka. During MIS 3, the dust deposition was 1.8 times higher than during MIS 4. Regionally, the MARs appear to be highest in the northern part of the Middle Danube Basin, showing decreasing values towards the south. However, due to a variety of factors such as low dating resolution, age distribution, and biases in the dating method, it is debatable whether these results are representative estimates of atmospheric dust activity in the Middle Danube Basin during MIS 5–MIS 1.