Study on the quality of ground, spring and river waters in south-east Serbia

Zorica Stojanovic,Jaroslava Svarc-Gajic,Marika Djordjevic,Snezana Kravic,Ana Djurovic,Jovica Vasin,Nada Grahovac

doi:10.2298/hemind131115033s

Zorica Stojanovic, Jaroslava Svarc-Gajic + Show 5 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.2298/hemind131115033s

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Abstract

The study deals with mineral characterization of natural waters from South-East Serbia. The contents of aluminium, arsenic, calcium, cadmium, cobalt, chromium, cooper, iron, potassium, magnesium, manganese, sodium, nickel, lead and zinc were analysed in spring, ground and river waters by inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES) technique. The study area was in the Southern Serbia, and included slopes of Rtanj, Ozren, Bukovik, Vrdenik and Cemernik mountains, and the valley of South Morava. Obtained contents were compared with Serbian regulations on the quality of water for human use, and directive of World Health Organization (WHO) for maximum allowed concentrations of chemical substances. High contents of macro-elements, namely calcium, magnesium and potassium, were detected in several spring and ground water samples which are believed to be due to direct influence of rock minerals. Some water samples contained iron, manganese and copper in concentration up to 84.2 ?g dm-3, 8.10 ?g dm-3 and 14.9 ?g dm-3, respectively, but within the permissible limits. Other heavy metals were not detected in analysed samples. Based on the derived results, tested ground and spring water samples have significant potential to be used as sources for the production of bottled water, but further investigations are necessary. Additional investigations have to be focused on complete physical, chemical and microbiological assessments of water resources. Systematic hydrogeological assessment also should be performed in all seasons. In the meantime, precautionary measures should be immediately taken to protect and preserve these water resources.

Highlights

The study deals with mineral characterisation of natural waters from South–East Serbia
The obtained results indicated that the concentrations of almost all of the analysed elements and heavy metals in water samples were considerably below the maximum allowed concentrations (MAC) stipulated in Official Gazette of the Republic of Serbia and World Health Organization (WHO) (Figure 2)
According to conducted study focusing on quality control of natural spring, river and ground waters in South-East Serbia, it can be concluded that majority of samples were free of heavy metals

Summary

Introduction

The study deals with mineral characterisation of natural waters from South–East Serbia. In Serbia there are two regulations concerning the quality of water for human use: Regulation on the hygienic acceptability of potable water [5,6], and Regulation on quality and other requirements for natural mineral water, spring water and bottled drinking water [7]. Regulation on quality and other requirements for natural mineral water, spring water and bottled drinking water defines the MAC of certain chemical parameters that can be a risk to human health, indicators of water quality and nomenclature of mineral waters. Due to the importance of drinking water for human life, lack of water sources and the increased consumption of mineral waters, there is a need to assess the quality of water from various potential water resources. As a part of water resources management, water protection measures need to be prioritised and implemented in order to ensure sustainability for future generations

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