ASSESSEMENT OF THE MINING PRACTICES EFFECTS ON THE WATER QUALITY IN THE IBAR RIVER WITHIN THE LEPOSAVIĆ MUNICIPALITY
ASSESSEMENT OF THE MINING PRACTICES EFFECTS ON THE WATER QUALITY IN THE IBAR RIVER WITHIN THE LEPOSAVIĆ MUNICIPALITY

Summary/Abstract: Exploitation, development and primary extraction of the minerals result in release of theharmful substances, e.g. heavy metals, toxic gases, dirt, etc, that are often uncontrolled deposit inthe environment. Those deposited and overlooked substances remain as a heritage and challengefor the coming generations that would involve abundant human, technical and financial resourcesfor the environmental reclamation. The mining activities of the Trepča – RIF Kopaonik has bothpositive and negative influences within the Leposavić municipality, i.e., industrial development andenvironmental degradation. As a result of the mining activities the air, land and water resources bothsurface and underground are severely polluted. The main objective of this paper is to present adverseeffects of the mineral resources (lead and zinc) exploitation and primary extraction on the Ibar Riverwater quality degradation mainly by heavy metals. Since the heavy metals are frequently ingestedby the people through the food chain and given the high toxicity of them they are crucial parametersfor the water quality monitoring practices that should be carefully assessed and controlled. Thus thispaper includes comprehensive analyses of the heavy metals concentration (Pb, Zn, Cu, Cd and Fe)in the Ibar River within the Leposavić municipality.

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