Estimation of the groundwater quality in the western part of Lipjan (Kosovo)

The study of the effect of anthropogenic activity on the water quality was carried out in the western part of Lipjan (Kosovo). The software “Statistica 6.0” was used for calculations of basic statistical parameters and anomalies (extremes and outliers). The levels of some physicochemical parameters of groundwater are compared with the World Health Organization standards for drinking water. Our results show significant pollution (high values of electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids and consumption of KMnO4) of groundwaters as a result of anthropogenic activity coming from settlements, pollution of small rivers (Vodavoda and Grika) and wastewaters in the surrounding area

First survey of atmospheric heavy metal deposition in Kosovo using moss biomonitoring

Bryophytes act as bioindicators and bioaccumulators of metal deposition in the environment. The atmospheric deposition of Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, Ni, Mn, Pb, and Zn in Kosovo was investigated by using carpet-forming moss species (Pseudocleropodium purum and Hypnum cupressiforme) as bioindicators. This research is part of the European moss survey coordinated by the ICP Vegetation, an International Cooperative Programme reporting on the effects of air pollution on vegetation to the UNECE Convention on Long-range Transboundary Air Pollution. Sampling was performed during the summer of 2011 at 25 sampling sites homogenously distributed over Kosovo. Unwashed, dried samples were digested by using wet digestion in Teflon tubes. The concentrations of metal elements were determined by atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS) equipped with flame and/or furnace systems. The heavy metal concentration in mosses reflected local emission sources. The data obtained in this study were compared with those of similar studies inneighboring countries and Europe (2010–2014 survey). The geographical distribution maps of the elements over the sampled territory were constructed using geographic information system (GIS) technology. The concentrations of Cr, Ni, Pb, and Zn were higher than the respective median values of Europe, suggesting that the zones with heavy vehicular traffic and industry emission input are important emitters of these elements. Selected zones are highly polluted particularly by Cd, Pb, Hg, and Ni. The statistical analyses revealed that a strong correlation exists between the Pb and Cd content in mosses, and the degree of pollution in the studied sites was assessed

Water Quality Assessment of Sitnica River (Kosovo): A Statistical Evolution

Degradation of water quality is very important issue in Kosovo. Discharge of untreated or partially treated industrial and domestic wastewater, leaching of pesticides and residues of fertilizers; and navigation are often factors that affect the quality of water. The aim of this study was to analyze the river water quality of Sitnica. Exact geographic coordinates were measured by GPS and locations were well described. Water samples were collected in 10 sampling points and the following physico-chemical parameters were analyzed