Assessment of the effects of urban and industrial development on water and sediment quality of the Drenica River in Kosovo

Sediment and water samples were taken at eight points along the Drenica River, Kosovo to determine the distribution of metals (Cr, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, and Cr) in sediments and the water column near potential sources of contamination. The sampling indicated that the largest impact on sediment quality has come from anthropogenic activities, mostly from urban flows, and pollutants from waste water discharges from a nickel refining site. Based on the values of the content of heavy metals in the water and sediment resulting in locations taken in the study, it can be said that a nickel refining site is the biggest polluter of Drenica River. Parameters in waters, such as electrical conductivity, and total dissolved solids in some sampling points reach relatively high values but do not exceed the maximum concentrations allowed under international standards, even on some places are rather close to them. The concentration of dissolved oxygen in vicinity of the factory is very low and approaches values causing fish kills. According to concentrations of some heavy metals, particularly of Ni, sediments on some stations show values characteristic for highly and extremely contaminated sediments. Further regular monitoring of water and sediment in Drenica River is highly encouraged and advised.