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Abstract The expanding demand for new critical raw materials can lead to their increased release to the environment in the form of emerging environmental contaminants (EECs). However, there has never been a comprehensive study that takes into account the total EEC content, the content of various EEC fractions, their behaviour in floodplain soils, and potential ecological and human health risks. The occurrence, fractions, and influencing factors of the seven EECs (Li, Be, Sr, Ba, V, B, Se) originating from historical mining in floodplain soils of various ecosystems (arable lands, grasslands, riparian zones, contaminated sites) were investigated. Based on the evaluation of the overall levels of EECs (potentially toxic elements) in comparison to the soil guideline values set by European legislation for Be, Ba, V, B, and Se, it was found that only Be did not exceed the recommended limits. Among the elements analyzed, Li had the highest average contamination factor (CF) of 5.8, followed by Ba with 1.5 and B with 1.4. Particularly concerning was the discovery of a potential serious health risk associated with Li exposure for children, as indicated by hazard quotients ranging from 0.128 to 1.478. With the exception of Be and Se, the partitioning of the EECs into the different fractions revealed that the EECs are primarily bound with the residual fraction. Be (13.8%) had the highest percentage of exchangeable fraction as the most bioavailable in the first soil layer, followed by Sr (10.9%), Se (10.2%), Ba (10.0%), and B (2.9%). The most frequently observed correlations were between EEC fractions and pH/KCl, followed by soil organic carbon and manganese hydrous oxides. Variance analyses confirmed the impact of different ecosystems on EEC total content and fractions.

Regional products are considered an important element of European cultural identity, contributing to the development and sustainability of rural areas. The article presents the research of regional labels from the territory of the Slovak Republic. Our research was aimed at determining the views of producers towards the regional product labeling scheme. The survey took place from January 2020 to April 2020 using an online questionnaire via Google Docs. The results obtained from the questionnaire survey were statistically processed: t-test, Fisher’s exact test, and Pearson correlation coefficient. We used Microsoft Excel and IBM SPSS Statistics 23 software. Based on the research results, we can state that two-thirds of producers (71.8%) are aware of the concept of a regional product. Most producers (82.0%) associate this concept with tradition and a specific region. They consider regional product labeling to be a tool to support the development of tourism (36.0%). A quarter of producers (25.7%) joined this scheme in order to add value to their products and help make consumers perceive them as safer products of higher quality. Based on the research results, we would recommend increasing the promotion of regional products on the part of the label coordinator.