Assessment of heavy metal pollution of sedimentation in the Sitnica river based on pollution indicators

Abstract

Purpose. To show the impact of the Mitrovica Industrial Park landfill on the Sitnica River pollution through sediment analysis. For this purpose, to assess the level of pollution and ecological impact pollution indicators were used: geo-accumulation index, contamination factor, pollution rate, and modified pollution rate, enrichment factor, potential ecological risk index, pollution load index. Methodology. The ISO 5667-15:2009 standard method was used for sediment sampling. At the same time, the standard method ISO 11885:2007 was used for the determination of selected elements by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). Analytical methods were used to calculate pollution indicators. Findings. From the obtained results it can be concluded that the concentrations of heavy metals in the sediment of the river Sitnica have exceeded the allowed values. According to our estimates, the impact of the landfill on the pollution of the river Sitnica is undeniable. Originality. The paper provides new data on the impact of the MIP landfill on the pollution of the Sitnica River and, respectively, on its ecological status. The findings are based on the obtained results from the analyzed samples and their comparison with the allowed values for sediments. Pollution also affects the food chain as the water of this river is used for irrigation of gardens; moreover, fish are harvested in this river. Practical value. It should be taken into consideration that the content and the problematic delved in this paper are vivid and represent a prominent interest to those who deal with this issue.