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Determination of anionic surfactants in effluents using liquid membrane electrode modified with carbon particles
No full textAnionski tenzidi su površinski aktivne tvari s jednom ili više funkcionalnih grupa, koje u vodenim otopinama ioniziraju dajući negativno nabijene površinski aktivne organske ione. Najčešće se koriste u obliku praškastih detergenata i dodaju se sredstvima za osobnu njegu. Općenito, tenzidi se mogu analizirati titracijskim, spektrofotometrijskim i kromatografskim metodama te metodom injektiranja u protok. Potenciometrijska titracija je titracija u kojoj se za detekciju završne točke koristi ion-selektivna elektroda (ISE). đMBAS metoda je referentna metoda za određivanje anionskih tenzida u otpadnim vodama u kojoj se kao kationska boja koristi metilensko plavilo. Uz pomoć automatiziranog uređaja za titraciju određene su koncentracije anionskih tenzida u dva uzorka otpadnih voda iz kućanstava, te u jednom uzorku otpadne vode industrije detergenata. Korištena referentna elektrodabila je Ag/AgCl, dok je indikatorska elektroda bila ion-selektivna elektroda s tekućom membranom u kojoj je kao senzorski materijal korišten dimetildioktadecilamonijev tetrafenilborat (DDA-TPB). Membrana je dodatno modificirana česticama ugljika (10%). Dobiveni rezultati uspoređeni su s rezultatima dobivenim referentnom metodom za određivanje anionskih tenzida u otpadnim vodama.Anionic surfactants are surface active compounds with one or more functional groups which are ionized in aqueous solution to yield negatively charged surface-active organic ions. Most often they are used in the form of powder detergents and added to personal care products. In general, surfactants can be analyzed by titration, spectrophotometric, chromatographic and flow injection method. Determination of surfactants concentration is usually carried out by potentiometric titration using ion-selective electrode (ISE). The analysis of anionic surfactants as Methylene Blue active substances (MBAS) is used as a standard method for effluents. Concentrations of anionic surfactants were determined, in two samples of effluents from households and one sample of effluent from chemical industry, using automated titration device. The reference electrode used was Ag / AgCl, while the indicator electrode was ISE with liquid membrane with dimethyldioctadecylammonium tetraphenylborate (DDA-TPB) as the sensor material. Membrane was modified with carbon particles (10%). Results were compared with the results obtained by the standard method for determinaton of anionic surfactants in effluents
Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy characterization of surfactant sensor with multi walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT)
No full textKonstruiran je cjenovno povoljan čvrsti anionski tenzidni senzor visoke osjetljivosti uz dodatak ionskog para, višestjenčanih ugljikovih nanocjevčica (eng. Multi walled carbon nanotubes, MWCNT) i jeftine grafitne mine iz olovke kao nosioca senzorskog sloja. Cilj rada bio je ispitati tenzidne senzore s različitim masenim udjelom MWCNT elektrokemijskom impedancijskom spektroskopijom, a potom modelirati eksperimentalne podatke prema pretpostavljenom modelu strujnog kruga. Eksperimentalni rezultati su pokazali da se povećanjem udjela MWCNT u ispitivanim senzorima smanjuje impedancija odnosno otpor prijenosu naboja te da promjena koncentracije anionskog tenzida (natrijevog dodecilsulfata) ne utječe na izgled impedancijskog spektra. Impedancijski spektri ispitivanih tenzidnih senzora modelirani su pomoću ZView računalnog programa. Pretpostavljeni model strujnog kruga je uključivao otpor otopine (), otpor prijenosu naboja (), kapacitet dvosloja na međupovršini MWCNT/otopina (), te Warburgov element (W) koji se odnosio na procese difuzije. Utvrđeno je da pretpostavljeni model strujnog kruga dobro opisuje ispitivani sustav budući da nisu uočena veća odstupanja eksperimentalno dobivenih i matematički modeliranih impedancijskih spektara.Low cost solid-contact anionic surfactant sensor with high sensitivity was constructed, with the addition of ion pair, multi walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) and cheap graphite pencil from the pen as the sensor layer carrier. The aim of this study was to investigate surfactant sensors with different mass fraction of MWCNT with electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and then model the experimental data according to the assumed model of the electrical circuit. Experimental results have shown that by increasing the MWCNT fraction in the tested sensors, the impedance or charge transfer resistance is reduced and that the change of the concentration of anionic surfactant (sodium dodecyl sulphate) didn`t affect the appearance of the impedance spectrum. Impedance spectra of the investigated surfactant sensors were modeled using the ZView computer program. The assumed model of electrical circuit included resistance of the solution (), charge transfer resistance (), double layer capacitance at the MWCNT / solution interface (), and Warburg element (W) related to the diffusion processes. It was found that the assumed model of electrical circuit describes well the investigated system since no greater deviations of the experimentally obtained and mathematically modeled impedance spectra were observed
Electrochemical characterization of L-carnosine
No full textElektrokemijska svojstva L-karnozina u puferima pH vrijednosti od 3,5 do 8,0 ispitivan je diferencijalnom pulsnom voltametrijom, cikličkom voltametrijom i kronoamperometrijom. Kao radna elektroda u troelektrodnoj elektrokemijskoj ćeliji korištena je elektroda od staklastog ugljika. Cilj rada bio je ispitati oksidaciju i adsorpciju L-karnozina, pratiti utjecaj pH na potencijal i struju oksidacijskog strujnog vrha, odrediti granicu detekcije Lkarnozina te pokušati modificirati površinu elektrode od staklastog ugljika karnozinom. Ustanovljeno je da L-karnozin oksidira pri navedenim eksperimentalnim uvjetima pri čemu dolazi do adsorpcije njegovog oksidacijskog produkta na površinu elektrode. Visina oksidacijskog strujnog vrha L-karnozina varirala je s promjenom pH vrijednosti (optimalna pH vrijednost za oksidaciju je 4,8), određena granica detekcije L-karnozina iznosi 1∙ mol i uspješno je modificirana elektroda od staklastog ugljika. U metodičkom dijelu rada osmišljen je mini projekt pod nazivom "Od aminokiselina do polipeptida" predviđen za učenike četvrtog razreda gimnazije. Trajanje mini projekta je 4 školska sata, a uključuje obradu novog gradiva, rješavanje zadataka i pokuse.Differential pulse voltammetry, cyclic voltammetry and chronoamperometry were used to determine the electrochemical properties of L-carnosine in a buffer solutions with pH values from 3,5 to 8,0. Glassy carbon electrode was used as a working elektrode in the three electrode electrochemical cell. The aim of this thesis was to determine oxidation and adsorption characteristics of L-carnosine, monitor the influence of pH on potential and current of the oxidation peak, determine the detection limit of L-carnosine and to attempt to modify the surface of the glassy carbon electrode with carnosine. L-carnosine showed one oxidation peak, which decreased with successive scans indicating the adsorption of the oxidation products on the electrode surface. Oxidation peak current varied with the change in pH (optimal pH for oxidation was 4,8), detection limit of L-carnosine was successfully determined and it amounts 1∙ mol and the surface of the glassy carbon electrode was successfully modified. In methodical part of this thesis mini project entitled "From amino acids to polypeptides" suitable for the 4th grade Gymnasium students was described. Duration of the mini project is 4 school periods and includes learning of new material, solving numerical problems and experiments
Potentional sources of formaldehyde air pollution in the school premises
No full textFormaldehid je važna kemikalija koja ima široku primjenu u različitim granama industrije kao što su industrija namještaja, građevinarstvo, medicina, tekstilna industrija, itd. U prirodi nastaje fotokemijskom razgradnjom ugljikovodika. Također u prirodu dospijeva emisijom iz antropogenog i biogenog podrijetla. Formaldehid pripada skupini spojeva koje emitiraju materijali koji se koriste u izgradnji i opremanju prostora te sredstva za čišćenje i dezinfekciju prostora, time je značajna njegova prisutnost u zraku zatvorenih prostora. Stoga izloženost čovjeka formaldehidu najveća je u zatvorenom prostoru gdje provodi većinu svog vremena. U ovom radu prikazani su rezultati pilot istraživanja mjerenja koncentracije formaldehida u dvije srednje škole u Osijeku. Koncentracija formaldehida mjerena je u zraku zatvorenog i vanjskog školskog prostora. Uzorkovano je četiri do pet dana tijekom 2012. godine, korištenjem pasivnog uzorkivača (Radiello Code 165) s odgovarajućim adsorbensom, a nakon toga analizirano je HPLC-om s UV-detektorom. Metodički dio diplomskog rada sadrži pripremu za nastavnu jedinicu Aldehidi i ketoni, radne listiće za pokuse i radni listić za ponavljanje na kraju sata. Nastavni sat je zamišljen kao blok sat s ciljem da učenici pomoću demonstracijskih pokusa i teorijskog dijela upoznaju temeljne pojmove, nomenklaturu, kemijska i fizikalna svojstva te primjenu aldehida i ketona u svakodnevnom životu.Formaldehydes are important chemicals widely used in different industries such as the furniture industry, the construction industry, medicine, the textile industry, etc. They are formed in nature through hydrocarbon degradation. Emissions of anthropogenic and biogenic origin also account for their presence in nature. Formaldehydes are compounds found in materials used in construction and furnishing as well as in cleaning products and disinfectants, which accounts for their significant presence indoors. People are mostly exposed to formaldehydes indoors, where they spend most of their time. This study presents the findings of a pilot study that measured the concentration of formaldehydes in two high schools in Osijek. The formaldehyde concentration was measured both indoors and outdoors. Samples were taken for four to five days in 2012 using a passive sampler (Radiello Code 165) with the appropriate adsorbent and were consequently analysed with a HLPC UV-detector. Teaching part of the thesis contains a lesson plan for a lecture called Aldehydes and ketones, worksheets for experiments and revision worksheets for the end of the class. One lesson plan encompasses two-hour lecture experimental and theoretical part that contain basic terms, the nomenclature, chemical and physical features as well as the use of aldehydes and ketones in everyday situations
Determination of BOD and COD parameters and anionic surfactants using MBAS method in industrial wastewaters
No full textOtpadne vode pročišćuju se na mnoge načine, a u ovom radu bit će opisan aerobni bioreaktor. Bioreaktor se nalazi u sklopu industrijske zone u Koprivnici, a izgrađen je 1975. godine. Pokazatelji ukupnog onečišćenja otpadnih voda su biokemijska potrošnja kisika (BPK) i kemijska potrošnja kisika (KPK). Određivanje BPK5 provodi se pomoću OxiTop senzora koji rade na principu mjerenja pritiska unutar zatvorenog sustava. KPK određuje se spektrofotometrijskom metodom, korištenjem dikromata u sumpornoj kiselini kao oksidacijskog sredstva uz srebrov sulfat kao katalizator. U sastav otpadnih voda ulaze i anionski tenzidi, a njihova svrha je pranje i čišćenje postrojenja. Ispitivanje anionskih tenzida provodi se MBAS (engl. methylene blue active substances) spektrofotometrijskom metodom. Pomoću OxiTop senzora dobivena BPK5 na ulazu u uređaj za pročišćavanje iznosi 650 mg /L, a na izlazu uređaja 10 mg /L. Spektrofotometrijskim određivanjem KPK, dobivene su vrijednosit koje na ulazu uređaja iznosi 1175 mg /L, a na izlazu uređaja 119 mg /L. MBAS metodom dobivene su koncentracije anionskih tenzida koje na ulazu u uređaj iznose 0,92 mg/L, a na izlazu uređaja 0,14 mg/L. U metodičkom dijelu obrađena je nastavna jedinica "Voda". Obradom nastavne jedinice za 7. razred osnovne škole učenici su naučili o važnosti vode, upoznali se s tipovima vode te s njenim svojstvima kao i potrebom obrade otpadnih voda. Priprema obuhvaća detaljnu razradu sata te se u njenom prilogu nalazi radni listić i upute učeniku za izvođenje pokusa. Provođenjem pokusa, učenici su vježbali korištenje i rukovanje laboratorijskim priborom.Wastewater can be purified in many ways, and in this thesis aerobic bioreactor was described. The bioreactor was located in the industrial zone in Koprivnica, and had been built in 1975. Indicators of total pollution in wastewater are biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) and chemical oxygen demand (COD). Determination of BOD5 was carried out using OxiTop sensor that operate on the principle of measuring the pressure within the closed system. COD was determined by spectrophotometric method, using dichromate in sulfuric acid as an oxidizing agent with silver sulphate as a catalyst. Wastewater was also comprised of anionic surfactants used as production facility cleansers. Determination of anionic surfactant was carried out by using Methylene Blue Active Substances (MBAS) spectrophotometric method. At the entrance to the wastewater treatment plant the amount of BOD5 was 650 mg /L, and at the output of device 10 mg /L. Spectrofotometric determination of COD value gave the following results: at the entrance of the device measured value was 1175 mg /L and at the output of the device 119 mg /L. Concentration of anionic surfactants measured by MBAS method showed at the entrance of the device a value of 0,92 mg/L, but at the output of the device it was found 0,14 mg/L. In the teaching methodology part, lesson unit 'Water' has been processed. It was shown that students of grade 7 learned the importance of water, types of water, its properties and elements of wastewater treatment Teacher's lesson plan consists of detailed elaboration of the lesson including specific exercises and description of class experiment. By conducting experiments, students practiced the use and handling of laboratory equipment
Analysis of data of tropospheric ozone in National park Plitvice lakes
No full textOzon, kao sekundarni polutant u atmosferi, koji nastaje djelovanjem prekursora kao što su dušikovi oksidi i hlapljivi organski spojevi, štetno djeluje na ljudsko zdravlje i na okoliš. U ovom radu prikazani su rezultati mjerenja ozona na području Nacionalnog parka Plitvička jezera. Mjerna postaja je ruralna i pozadinska i smještena je u mjestu Plitvice selo. Izmjerene koncentracije ozona za 2013. godinu pokazuju smanjenje koncentracije za sva godišnja doba, osobito za proljeće, jer su koncentracije ozona dostizale vrijednosti do 90 µg/m3, dok su koncentracije ozona u 2012. godini, za proljeće, imale vrijednost i preko 100 µg/m3. Visoke koncentracije ozona u proljeće karakteristične su za Zemljinu sjevernu polutku zbog stratosferskih intruzija. Metodički dio diplomskog rada napravljen je u obliku mini projekta, tj. projektnog dana, povodom svjetskog dana ozona. Sadrži zadatke i plan projektnog dana, pripremu za nastavni sat pod naslovom "Ozon i ozonski omotač" i pripremu za pokuse. Cilj projektnog dana je povećati brigu o prirodi i okolišu, kao i brigu za očuvanjem ozonskog omotača i smanjenja ozonskih rupa.Ozone is created in the atmosphere by secondary formation from precursors such as nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds, causing the air pollution toxic to human health and environment. This document represents the results of measurement of ozone in the area of National Park "Plitvice lakes". Measuring station is located in the village Plitvice in rural sourrondings. Measured ozone concentration for 2013 showed a decrease in the concentration in all four seasons, especially in the spring, when the ozone concentrations reached value of only 90 µg/ m3, while the concentration of ozone in 2012 reached value of over 100µg / m3,in the spring as well. High concentration of ozone in the spring more likely seems to appear at the Earth's northern hemisphere due to stratospheric intrusion. Besides research results, in accordance with teacher preparation requirements, the thesis includes a mini project "Ozone and ozone layers " for the elementary school chemistry class. It contains teaching plan including experiments, handouts, and complete instruction for a teacher how to conduct the project day in the occasion of World Ozone Day. The aim of this project day is to raise the awareness of caring about the environment and also about conserving the ozone layer and lowering the risk of ozone holes
Analysis of data concentrations of benzene in indoor and outdoor school premises
No full textBenzen se nalazi među brojnim onečišćujućim tvarima koje utječu na zdravlje ljudi i okoliša. U ovom radu su prikazani rezultati mjerenja koncentracija benzena u zraku u 2012. godini, dobiveni pilot istraživanjem. Istraživanje su proveli Zavod za javno zdravstvo Osječko-baranjske županije i SZO (Svjetska zdravstvena organizacija). Zrak je uzorkovan pasivnim uzorkivačima u dvije škole tj. šest učionica i na vanjskim točkama ispred škola. Uzorci su analizirani plinskom kromatografijom s plamenoionizacijskim detektorom. Prosječne vrijednosti koncentracija benezena nisu prešle granične vrijednosti propisane Zakonom o zaštiti zraka, ali su veće vrijednosti primijećene u školi 2. Rezultati su pokazali kako i vanjski izvori onečišćenja zraka kao npr. udaljenost škola od parkirališta, blizina gustog cestovnog prometa i industrijska postrojenja doprinose povećanoj koncentraciji benzena. Također, rezultati su ukazali ina izvore onečišćenja zraka unutar škole, tj. na vrste materijala unutar školskih zgrada (laminatni parket, drvo, iverica, boje, dezinfekcijska sredstva i sl. ) i renoviranja u proteklih 12 mjeseci koji također utječu na povećanje koncentracije benzena. U metodičkom dijelu diplomskog rada obrađena je nastavna jedinica "Areni" za 4. razred gimnazije u obliku sata s ciljem upoznavanja njihove strukture i svojstava te primjene u svakodnevnom životu. Na satu profesor će izvesti demonstracijski pokus kojim će biti prikazana svojstva benzena kao npr. boja plamena.Benzene is placed among many pollutants that are affecting human's health and ourenvironment. This paper shows the results on concentration measurements of benzenein air in 2012, performed as a pilot study. The research was implemented by theDepartment of Public Health Osijek Baranja County and the WHO (World HealthOrganization). The passive samplers were used in two schools i.e. six classrooms andthe outer points in front of the schools. The samples were analysed by gaschromatography with flame ionization detection (GC - FID). Average concentrations ofbenzene have not exceed the limiting value as prescribed by the Law on Protection ofAir, however, higher concentration has been recorded in the school 2. The resultsshowed that the external sources of air pollution for example distance of schools fromthe parking lot, the proximity of dense road traffic and industrial plants contribute to anincreased concentration of benzene. Also, The results indicated the sources of airpollution within the school as well, i.e. the kind of material inside the school buildings(laminate flooring, wood, chipboard, paint, disinfectants, etc.) and renovations in thepast 12 months which also affect the increase in the concentration of benzene.In the teaching methods part of the thesis, a topic on Aromatic hydrocarbons for the4th year of high school, was prepared as one hour lecture. The aim of the lecture is toanalyse educational problems and to show the composition of aromatic hydrocarbons,its properties and applications in everyday life. Teacher will perform a demonstrationto show some properties of benzene
Development and Characterization of Optical Sol-Gel Sensor for pH Determination
No full textCilj ovoga diplomskog rada je pripraviti optički sol-gel senzor za mjerenje pH. Sol-gel struktura sintetizirana je kombiniranjem dviju prekursorskih molekula, tetraetoksisilana (TEOS), propiltrimetoksisilana (pTriMOS) u etanolu kao otapalu, a uz HCl kao katalizator. Unutar gel strukture su ugrađene molekule pH indikatora bromokrezol ljubičasto i bromokrezol zeleno i njihova kombinacija. Pripravljeni senzorski slojevi pokazuju gotovo identična svojstva kao i same otopine indikatora. Količina indikatorske boje utječe na apsorbanciju slojeva, što je više indikatora veća je apsorbancija i između količine indikatora i apsorbancije postoji linearna ovisnost. Kod slojeva je uočen efekt ispiranja boje iz gel strukture. Staklo je pokazano kao bolji nosač sol-gela u odnosu na PVC foliju. Pripremljeni senzosrki slojevi mogu biti korišteni kao indikatori završne točke kod titriranja. U metodičkom djelu rada opisana je obrada teme kiselo-bazne reakcije za učenike drugog razreda srednje škole. Učenici bi prvo upoznali pojmove vezane za kiselobazne reakcije (neutralizacija, indikatori i titracije), a zatim bi samostalno izveli pokus i rješavali postavljene zadatke.The aim of thesis is to prepare optical sol-gel sensor for pH determination. Sol-gels are prepared from two precursors molecules, tetraetoxysilane (TEOS) and propyltrimethoxysilane (pTriMOS) in ethanol as solvent and HCl solution as catalyst. Molecules of pH indicator dyes bromocresol purple and bromocresol green and their combination are immobilised inside gel structure. Sensor layers with pH dyes shows almost the same properties as pH dyes in solution. Amount of pH indicator dyes have influence on UV-Vis apsorbance, more dye in sensor layer gives higher apsorbance. This dependence is linear. Leaching effect was observed on sensor layers, some dye molecules came out of gel in water. Glass showed better properties for sol-gel sensor carrier than PVC foil. This sol-gel sensors can be used for determination of end point in titrations. In teaching part of this thesis there is an interpretation of two high school chemistry lessons where students would learn about acidbase reactions. Students are taught the acid-base reactions, titrations and pH indicators in the first lesson. The second one would be dedicated to student's practical work and solving chemistry problems
The chemistry of vitamin B6 and synthesis of novel analogues of vitamin B6
No full textVitamin B6 je generički naziv za skupinu od šest spojeva: piridoksin, piridoksal piridoksamin i njihove 5'-fosfate odnosno 3-hidroksi-2-metil-5-hidroksimetil piridinske derivate. Prva totalna sinteza vitamina B6 je provedena kondenzacijom 1-etoksipentan-2,4-diona i cijanacetamida. Svim živim bićima potreban je vitamin B6 za opstanak. Međutim, samo su mikroorganizmi i biljke sposobni sintetizirati ga de novo. Uloga vitamina B6 je vezana uz brojne metaboličke procese, te također ima ulogu i kao kofaktor u nekim enzimski kataliziranim reakcijama. Vitamin B6 je esencijalan za više od 100 enzima koji su uključeni u sintezu proteina. Najviše je proučavana koenzimatska aktivnost piridoksal-5'-fosfata (PLP), PLP-ovisni enzimi su uključeni u važne korake metabolizma aminokiselina, procesima dekarboksilacije i racemizacije, formiranja hemoglobina i biosintezi klorofila. Vitamin B6 bi mogao imati ulogu u sprečavanju oksidativnog stresa stanica. Manjak vitamina B6 u ljudskoj prehrani uključuje niz posljedica, odnosno nastanka bolesti, ozbiljnih i manje ozbiljnih kao npr. hiperhomocistein anemija i povećan rizik za artelosklerozu.Vitamin B6 exists in three basic chemical forms: pyridoxine (an alcohol), pyridoxal (an aldehyde) and pyridoxamine (a primary amine). The three major forms can be phosphorylated at the 5'-hydroxymethyl group. The first total synthesis of vitamin B6 was obtained by the condensation of acetylacetone and cyanacetamide. All living beings need vitamin B6 for their existence. However, only microorganisms and plants are able to synthesize it de novo. The role of vitamin B6 is related to a number of metabolic processes , and also plays a role like a cofactor in certain enzyme-catalyzed reactions. Vitamin B6 is essential for more than 100 enzymes involved in protein metabolism. The most studied coenzymic activity is one of the pytidoxal-5'-phosfate (PLP), PLP-dependent enzymes are involved in important steps of amino acid metabolism, processes of decarboxylation and racemization, hemoglobin formation and chlorophyll biosynthesis. Vitamin B6 could have a role in preventing oxidative stress of the cells. A deficiency of vitamin B6 in the human diet encompasses the full spectrum of clinical disorders, some of them more serious, such as hyperhomocysteinaemia and increases the risk for atherosclerosis
Analysis of measuring concentrations particulate matter ( i ) at Croatian protected areas
No full textLebdeće ĉestice(engl. Particulate Matter, PM) nalaze se među brojnim onečišćujućim tvarima koje utječu na zdravlje ljudi i okoliša. U ovom radu su prikazani rezultati mjerenja koncentracija lebdećih čestica ( i ) na području Parka prirode Kopački rit i Nacionalnog parka Plitvička jezera za 2012., 2013. i 2014. godinu. Prosječne dnevne vrijednosti koncentracija PM čestica nisu prešle granične vrijednosti propisane Zakonom o zaštiti zraka, ali su veće vrijednosti primijećene tijekom zimskog perioda. Postoji jaka korelacija među koncentracijama i u NP Plitvička jezera, dok je u Parku prirode Kopački rit vrlo slaba korelacija. Prosječne srednje vrijednosti koncentracija PM čestica, kao i maksimalne i minimalne vrijednosti ovih koncentracija za promatrano razdoblje su veće u Parku prirode Kopački rit. U metodičkom dijelu diplomskog rada obrađena je nastavna jedinica "Zrak" u obliku blok sata s ciljem upoznavanja važnosti zraka za život, njegovim sastavom i zagađenjem kao i potrebe za brigu o prirodi i okolišu.Particle pollution, also called particulate matter (PM) or particulates are among many matters that are affecting human's health and our environment. This paper shows the results on concentration measurements of particulates ( i ) within the area of Kopaĉki rit Nature Park and Plitviĉka jezera National Park covering the period from 2012. up to 2014. On a daily basis, an average level of particulates concentration did not exceed the limiting value as prescribed by the Law on Protection of Air, however, higher concentration has been recorded during the winter period. There is a high corelation between ( i ) concentrations in the area of Plitviĉka jezera National Park, while the respective corelation is low within the area of Kopaĉki rit Nature Park. Discussing teaching methods in the thesis, a topic on "Air" was prepared in block teaching model where the teaching is spread over a period of two hours. The aim of the lecture is to analyse educational problems and to show the composition of air, its importance in life processes, and problems connected with air pollution. Learning outcome is to take care about the environment