A. Study and identification of the cellular protective proteins, the metallothioneins, in the protected endemic cave amphibian Proteus anguinus (human fish) is an important part of efforts to ensure its survival. Its natural habitat is receiving many potentially toxic substances leached out of the environment, while its long life means extended exposure to pollutants and their excessive accumulation in particular organs. Initial data were obtained on the selenium status of the Slovene population: concentrations of Se in plasma and its distribution in the plasma selenoprotein P. These data are of importance since they indirectly indicate health status of the population. The data obtained are in the range of "normal" values. In a pilot study on pollution in Žerjav due to past and current lead smelting expected high concentrations of lead in the less than 1km) were confirmed. These high concentrations have alarming implications for the exposure of children. In a later study performed by Erico from Velenje, high lead concentrations in childrens blood were found. In the field of arsenic speciation we are currently among the leading institutions in this area and the only one in Slovenia, which can determine a range of arsenic compounds in various solid and liquid samples including food (also performing analysis for the market in connection with import/export etc.) Our hyphenated method, consisting of high performance liquid chromatography, UV decomposition, hydride generation and atomic fluorescence spectrometry, allows quantification of twelve arsenic compounds which are important from the toxicological, metabolic and environmental points of view. B. Next to the global importance the findings of our program are also relevant for the socio economical development of the Republic of Slovenia. On the basis of the results obtained it will be possible to evaluate the benefits and drawbacks of the situation existing in different (aquatic) environments, which is of special importance for the future planning of land use and changes in the environment. This approach was already applied in the areas of Idrija and the Gulf of Trieste. By combining geochemical research with modeling, an extensive database on the Gulf of Trieste was created which improved our understanding of natural changes in the area from the ice age to the present. Knowing past and current paleoecological processes, the extent of eutrophication and anthropogenic pollution in the Gulf of Trieste was estimated. Similar research is in progress in four mountain lakes in the Triglav National Park, where eutrophication, despite their remoteness, represents a serious problem. Creating a database on the origin, concentration and isotopic composition of gases in the Velenje coal mine is of importance for prediction of gas bursts in the mine. Monitoring can help to detect locations of gas bursts in time which can increase safety in the Mine. A database on the isotopic composition of Slovene wines was created. This allows us to protect the authenticity and quality of Slovene wines, protect the customer and the country's good name in wine production. This was our contribution to the successful integration of Slovene agriculture into the European Union. The research was expanded to other food items like olive oil, honey, vinegar). Stable isotope determinations are also important in archeological research. This research represents a link between the natural and humanistic sciences.