Sharing ideas on invasive plants potential
During the visit to the JRC of the awarded Danubius Young Scientists, many interesting ideas were shared among the participants.
Zorana Miletic, one of the awarded researchers, works at the Department of Ecology at the Institute for Biological Research "Siniša Stankovic" which is part of the University of Belgrade, Serbia. Her main focus of research is on potentially toxic elements (including heavy metals) and their influence on plant species. Collaborating in many projects, a part of her research is also related to invasive/alien plant species, and their effects on the environment. She is interested in understanding the way these plants could help in monitoring pollutants, how their distribution changes over time, and if climate change has an influence on their dispersal and establishment.
The objective of her study is to investigate the potential of native and invasive plant species for the uptake and accumulation of lithium (Li) and strontium (Sr) along the Sava River, focusing on their bioindication and phytoremediation capabilities. Sampling is carried out in riparian zones exposed to different pollution sources in Slovenia, Croatia, and Serbia. Plant samples of native (Salix alba, Populus alba, Populus nigra, Ulmus glabra, Juglans regia) and invasive species (Amorpha fruticosa, Reynoutria japonica, Solidago canadensis, Impatiens glandulifera) are collected. The results suggest that native species are better bioindicators of Li and Sr than invasive species, contributing to the overall understanding of their role in ecosystem health and their potential for environmental bioindication and phytoremediation in soils.
While at JRC, Zorana also visited EASIN Team to learn about JRC work on invasive alien species, supporting the EU Commission services on biodiversity policy formulation and implementation.
All the best for your career, Zorana!
To find out more about Zorana’s research here the full article.