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All content in this area was uploaded by Fatbardh Gashi on Nov 08, 2016
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759
Chemistry: Bulgarian Journal
of Science Education
Volume 24
Number 5, 2015
Природните науки
в образованието
Science & Society
Наука и общество
QUALITY ASSESSMENT OF RIVER’S WATER
OF LUMBARDHI PEJA (KOSOVO)
Fatmir Faiku, Arben Haziri, Fatbardh Gashi, Naser Troni
University of Pristina, Kosovo
Abstract. The surface waters in Kosovo are predominately polluted, and it is evi-
dential that domestic and industrial wastewaters treatment plants still don’t exist in any
of the cities in Kosovo. In this research work we have analyzed 67 elements in the water
of Lumbardhi Peja. Results of some toxic elements are as: Cu (4.0 - 13.5 μg dm-3), Zn
(7.1 - 34.1 μg dm-3), Pb (0.8 - 4.32 μg dm-3), Cd (0.15 - 0.07 μg dm-3), Mn (2.7 - 120 μg
dm-3), As (0.18 - 0.71 μg dm-3), Cr (0.5 - 1.5 μg dm-3), Fe (30 - 760 μg dm-3), Ni (1.3 –
19.5 μg dm-3), Sb (0.05 - 0.1 μg dm-3), Al (79 - 418 μg dm-3). Also some physico-chem-
ical parameters are determined: air temperature, water temperature, pH, electrical con-
ductivity (EC), total hardness, Cl-, SO42-, NO3- and NO2- . Results of some parameters and
ecotoxic ions are as: Conductivity (216-399 μS cm−1), pH (8.2-8.58), NO2- (0.015-0.045
mg dm-3), NO3- (0.01-1.1 mg dm-3), Cl- (1.55-2.95 mg dm-3) and SO42- (4.2-9.2 mg dm-3).
Results obtained by the box plot method showed the regions with determined anoma-
lous element concentration values in the water of Lumbardhi Peja. Even that in Kosovo
we don’t have yet any legislative convent for allowed concentrations of toxic metals
for natural water resources, the results from this study are a small contribution to gain a
clear overview of the statement in this field of environmental quality assurance.
Keywords: water, Lumbardhi River, pollution assessment, heavy metals, physi-
co-chemical parameters, ICP/MS
Introduction
Water is an important constituent of all living organisms present on the Earth and
has most significance for humans for adequate life.
Kosovo is regarded as place with developed river network. Its small size and dy-
namics of relief have not created circumstances that can form any major river ow.
Kosovo has no navigable river, but existing rivers have been the deciding factor for the
development of life, the establishment of settlements and communication links through
their valleys.
Geographical position of the river Lumbardhi Peja (Fig. 1) has its origins from
Mokna Mountains (Mountains humid) near Cakor Alps. One of its subsidiaries is lo-
Fatmir Faiku, Arben Haziri, Fatbardh Gashi, Naser Troni
760
cated at an altitude of 1849 m above sea level and the other side has located at 2000
m above sea level. From its origins in the city of Peja, the river ows in a river bed
which is long 34 km. The river Lumbardhi Peja is supplied by groundwater ows in the
mountainous area that means from Bjeluha and Jezer on the right side and Boga, Drela
and Alag on the left side (Fazliu, 2012).
Scarcity and misuse of fresh water pose a serious and growing threat to sustainable
development and protection of the environment. Human health and welfare, food secu-
rity, industrial development and the ecosystems on which they depend, are all at risk,
unless water and land resources are managed more effectively in the present decade and
beyond than they have been in the past.1)
Overexploitation of nature and uncontrolled use of natural resources, including in-
adequate processing of industrial wastes have caused large contamination of world
ecosystems by toxic metals (Hg, Pb, Cd, Cu, Zn, Ni, Mn). The major contaminates
are metals and metalloids, which are causing the effect (Censi et al., 2006; Fernandes
et al., 2008). They have the ability to bioaccumulates in organisms living in the water
system (Arain et al., 2008; Pyle et al., 2005; Szymanowska et al., 1999). Studies on
toxic metals and metalloids in lakes, rivers, groundwater and fishes have been the main
Fig. 1. Lumbardhi Peja river
761
Quality Assessment of River’s Water of Lumbardhi Peja
environmental focal points, particularly over the last decade (Christensen et al., 2006;
Guggenmos et al., 2011; Peng et al., 2008; Sadiq et al., 2003; Issa et al., 1996).
Water quality monitoring has a high priority for the determination of current condi-
tions and long term trends in effective management. The supply of unsafe water has a
magnificent impact in the anticipation of water transmitted diseases.
Nowadays, determination of total quantitative and qualitative metals and distribu-
tion of all their physical and chemical forms in traces (speciation) in natural water equi-
librium resources is to be considered as the main challenge for most of the scientists
(Kester, 1975). Based on the results of such studies, it will be possible in the future to
propose protection and detoxification measures of affected river waters and general
protection and remediation of ecosystems. This work is a continuation of earlier studies
of surface waters in Kosovo (Gashi et al., 2009; 2011; 2013; 2014; Faiku et al., 2011;
2014).
Materials and methods
Sampling and sample preparation
Samples were taken from along the banks of the sampling station on June 2013.
Sampling tools were washed and dried with water before the next sample was collect-
Fig. 2. Study area with sampling stations
Fatmir Faiku, Arben Haziri, Fatbardh Gashi, Naser Troni
762
ed. Water samples were collected from surface waters below 10 cm (Gupta, 2009). The
collected samples were stored in polythene plastic containers. Weather was cloudy and
rainy, with middle water levels, which was very suitable for sampling. Extraction of
champions and elaboration of samples were done according to standards methods for
surface water2) (Baba et al., 2003). The study area with the sampling locations is shown
in Fig. 2 and the details about all sampling sites are presented in Table 1.
Table 1.The water sampling points in the River Lumbardhi Peja with detailed
descriptions
Sampling point
Pollutants
Location Type of
relief
The water
level
Potential
L1Haxhaj Steep The above Agricultural land
L2The city Soft The above Traffic, agricultural land,
wastewater
L3Transit bridge Soft The above Traffic, agricultural land,
wastewater
L4Near the bridge
of Klina
Soft The above Traffic, agricultural land,
wastewater
The numbers of sampling spots is 4 and in every sampling spot were taken samples
in order to determine the chemical parameters. Each sampling spot of water in the river
of Lumbardhi Peja, have been marked by codes L1, L2, L3 and L4.
Determination of physicochemical parameters
For determination of the quality water parameters we have used standard meth-
ods for water analyzes including classical and contemporary methods. Temperature
of water was measured immediately after sampling, using digital thermometer, model
“Quick 63142”. Measurements of pH were performed immediately after sampling us-
ing pH/ion-meter, model “Hanna Instruments, pH & EC”. Electric conductivity was
measured by “HANNA Instrument HI 8424” conductivity meter. Total hardness of wa-
ter was measured using chemicals of p.a. purity. Total hardness was determined by
EDTA nitration using Mercurochrome black T indicator. Chlorides determined using
argentimetric methods. Some of physic-chemical parameters (NH4+, NO3-, PO43-) were
determined using UV-VIS spectrometer method. “WTW S12 Photometer”, “SECO-
MAM Prim Light spectrophotometer” and “SECOMAM Pastel UV RS232 spectro-
763
Quality Assessment of River’s Water of Lumbardhi Peja
photometer” were used with a monochromatic irradiation in spectral range of 190-1100
nm. Its measurement region, in a caveat of 10 mm, was 340-800 nm, is dedicated for
drinking waters analysis, discharged and sea water.
Determination of major and trace elements
We used the ICP/OES (Inductively coupled plasma in combination with optical
emission spectrophotometer) method to determine the concentration of elements.
Statistical analysis
Program Statistica 6.03)was used in statistical calculations of this work, such as: de-
termination of basic statistical parameters and two dimensional box plot diagrams for
determination anomalies (extremes and outliers) for solution data.
Results and discussion
Physicochemical parameters
In Table 2 are shown several physico-chemical parameters measured in water of
Lumbardhi Peja: water temperature, air temperature, electrical conductivity (EC), pH,
total hardness, sulphates, nitrates, nitrites and chlorides.
Table 2.Physico-chemical parameters determined in river waters: water temperature,
air temperature, electrical conductivity (EC), pH, total hardness, sulphates, nitrates,
nitrites and chlorides
Parameters Sampling point
L1L2L3L4
Water temperature/ 0 C 6.5 8.5 10 12.5
Air temperature/ 0 c 26 26 26 26.2
ECκ/μS cm-1 216 236 283 399
pH 8.2 8.45 8.58 8.50
Total hardness/ 0D7.2 7.8 8.0 8.2
SO42-/ mg dm-3 6.2 4.2 6.4 9.2
NO3-/ mg dm-3 0.01 0.042 0.55 1.1
NO2-/ mg dm-3 0.015 0.019 0.031 0.045
Cl-/ mg dm-3 2.95 1.55 1.8 2.1
Temperature is an important biologically significant factor which plays an import-
ant role in the metabolic activities of organisms. It is also an important parameter in
Fatmir Faiku, Arben Haziri, Fatbardh Gashi, Naser Troni
764
determining water quality as it inuences pH, alkalinity, acidity and Dissolved Oxygen
(DO). The temperature values recorded in water samples from the study area ranges
between 6.5 0C (L1) and 12.5 0C (L4) as summarized in Table 2 with mean temperature
of 9.375 0C. Therefore, temperature values recorded were within the World Health
Organization’s standard for drinking water.4)
The pH is a measure of the intensity of acidity or alkalinity and measures the con-
centration of hydrogen ions in water. Basically, pH is determined by the amount of dis-
solved carbon dioxide (CO2) which forms carbonic acid in the water. The pH values of
the surface water sampled in the area varied from 8.20-8.58 as against the World Health
Organization’s standard range of 6.50-8.50 and with mean value of 8.433. From these
data we can see that the water from the river Lumbardhi Peja is slightly basic.
Electrical Conductivity (EC) is a measure of water capacity to convey electric cur-
rent. It is a determination of levels of inorganic constituents in water (Awofolu et al.,
2007). EC values returned by the samples were in the range of 216-399 μS cm-1. The
highest conductivity was recorded in the sampling point L4 while the lowest value was
recorded at the sampling point L1. This increase in terms of river ow Lumbardhi Peja
is added as a result of salts and other ingredients of water. The Electrical Conductivity
(EC) from the analysis was below the WHO recommended value of 400 μS cm-1 value
indicating low amount of dissolved inorganic substances in ionized form.
The total hardness was 7.2 0D (sampling point L1), 7.8 0D (sampling point L2), 8.0
0D (sampling point L3) and 8.20 0D (sampling point L4). The lowest total hardness is
observed at L1 (7.2 0D) and the higher value of the hardness was observed at point L4
(8.20 0D). From the results we can see that this water should consider as mild.
Sulphate content in excess of 100 mg dm
-3
tends to give water a bitter taste and
has a laxative effect on people not adapted to the water (Ibrahim &Ajibade, 2012).
Also ailments like catharsis, dehydration and gastrointestinal irritation have been
linked with it when concentration is high. In the water samples analyzed the results
revealed that all the water sampled have low sulphate content ranging from 4.2-9.2
mg dm
-3
(Table 2). So, the concentration of sulphates is below the maximum value
allowed.
4.5)
Nitrate content in the water samples analyzed ranged from 0.01 mg dm-3 in L1 to 1.1
mg dm-3 in L7. These fall within the allowable value, when compared with recommend-
ed guidelines.4) Nitrate fouls the water system and epidemiological studies have shown
that exposure to nitrate causes Methemoglobinemia disease (Adeyemo et al., 2002).
The amount of chloride and nitrites ions ranges from 1.55 -2.95 mg dm-3 and
0.015-0.045 mg dm-3, respectively. So, the concentration of these chemical param-
eters is below the maximum value allowed4,5) with the exception of nitrates in the
sampling points L4.
765
Quality Assessment of River’s Water of Lumbardhi Peja
Concentration of major and trace elements
In Table 3 are shown concentrations of 67 elements in water of river Lumbardhi
Peja.
Table 3. Concentrations (μg dm-3) of 67 elements in water
of the river Lumbardhi Peja
Element/ μg dm-3 Sampling point
L1L2L3L4
Na 560 598 925 1335
Li <1 <1 1 1
Be <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 <0.1
Mg 3560 2520 2630 3510
Al 115 79 90 418
Si 1400 1200 1200 2200
K370 280 410 460
Ca 20000 20000 20000 20000
Sc 1 <1 <1 1
Ti 0.8 0.7 1.0 2.0
V0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1
Cr 0.7 0.8 0.5 1.5
Mn 2.7 6.1 6.2 120
Fe 30 50 60 760
Co 0.04 0.04 0.1 1.20
Ni 3.5 1.3 4.2 19.5
Cu 4.0 10.5 4.2 13.5
Zn 34.1 13.1 7.1 13.8
Ga 0.01 0.02 0.02 0.1
Ge <0.001 <0.01 <0.01 0.01
As 0.18 0.23 0.25 0.71
Se <0.02 <0.02 <0.02 <0.02
Br 5 3 3 4
Rb 0.27 0.15 0.21 0.49
Sr 47.2 129 130 184
Y 0.08 0.09 0.08 0.08
Zr 0.02 0.02 0.01 0.04
Nb 0.005 0.005 0.005 0.005
Mo <0.1 0.1 <0.1 <0.1
Fatmir Faiku, Arben Haziri, Fatbardh Gashi, Naser Troni
766
Ru <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01
Pd <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01
Ag <0.2 <0.2 <0.2 <0.2
Cd 0.15 0.03 0.04 0.07
In 0.001 0.001 0.001 0.001
Sn 55 52 25 0.2
Sb 0.1 0.1 0.05 0.08
Te <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 <0.1
I2111
Cs 0.01 0.02 0.02 0.03
Ba 20.1 15.1 14.4 30.1
La 0.04 0.05 0.04 0.60
Ce 0.11 0.14 0.12 1.50
Pr 0.015 0.025 0.025 0.23
Nd 0.04 0.06 0.05 0.93
Sm 0.022 0.032 0.022 0 .3 5
Eu 0.01 0.01 0.02 0. 0 8
Gd 0.01 0.02 0.02 0. 3 2
Tb <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 0.04
Dy 0.015 0.015 0.015 0 . 2 0
Ho <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0. 0 01
Er 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.11
Tm <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 0.015
Yb 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.02
Lu <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 0.01
Hf 0.01 0.01 0.01 <0.001
Ta 0.001 0.001 0.001 <0.001
S<0.002 <0.002 <0.002 <0.002
Re 0.001 0.001 0.001 0.001
Os 0.002 0.002 0.002 0.002
Pt <0.3 <0.3 <0.3 <0.3
Au 0.002 0.002 0.002 <0.002
Ti <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 0.01
Pb 1.72 3.81 0.8 4.32
Bi <0.3 <0.3 <0.3 <0.3
Th 0.001 <0.001 <0.001 0.018
U0.06 0.10 0.10 0.24
Hg <0.2 <0.2 <0.2 <0.2
767
Quality Assessment of River’s Water of Lumbardhi Peja
The world health organization recommends that the zinc content of drinking water
should not be greater than 3 mg dm-3. Zinc concentration was observed to vary from
7.1-34.1 μg dm-3 with a mean of 17.03 μg dm-3 (Table 4) for all the samples. Zinc con-
centration in the water samples is under the WHO guideline.
The sodium content ranged from a minimum of 560 μg dm-3 to a maximum 1335
μg dm-3 respectively. The minimum values of samples can be explained on the basis
of lower microbial activity. No limit is established4)for drinking water but a maximum
standard of 100 mg dm-3 has been proposed for general public.
The major source of potassium in natural fresh water is weathering of rocks (Narayan
et al., 2013). Potassium content in the water samples varied from 280-460 μg dm-3. No
guide and acceptable limits have been specified for potassium levels in the WHO stan-
dards for drinking water.
Magnesium ions are directly related to hardness. Magnesium content in the investi-
gated water samples was ranging from 2520-3560 μg dm-3 which are below the WHO
guidelines of 200 mg dm-3. It is known that Ca2+ and Mg2+ ions in water are essential for
human health and metabolism metabolism (Kortatsi, 2007).
Most groundwater supplies contain some iron because it is one of the most abundant
metals in the earth crust and is essential for plant and human being. But excess iron is
drinking water produces inky taste and muddy smell. The world health organization
recommends that the iron content of drinking water should not be greater than 0.2 mg
dm-3 because iron in water stains plumbing fixtures, cloths during laundering, incrusts
well screens and clogs pipes (Maureen et al., 2012). Iron concentration was observed
to vary from 30-760 μg dm-3 with a mean of 225 μg dm-3 (Table 4) for all the samples.
Iron concentration in the water sample L4 is above the EU guideline.5)
Cadmium level in all the samples were in the range of 0.03-0.15 μg dm-3 with a
mean value of 0.07 μg dm-3 (Table 4). Relative cadmium concentration for individual
samples is indicated in Table 3. L2 has the least cadmium content and L1 has the highest.
In the case of cadmium the highest concentration was recorded at the sampling point L1
(0.15 μg dm-3), where this high concentration comes from the face of the earth geology.
The values are lower than the WHO recommended standard of 3 x10-3 mg dm-3. Excess
cadmium concentration in water is highly toxic and is responsible for adverse renal
arterial changes in kidneys (Sanjoy& Rakesh., 2013).
Copper detected in the water samples very low and far below the recommended
limits of 2.0 mg dm-3 set by the World Health Organization.4) Copper concentration was
observed to vary from 4.0-13.5 μg dm-3 with a mean of 8.05 μg dm-3 (Table 4) for all
the samples.
Lead level in all the samples were in the range of 0.8-3.81 μg dm-3 with a mean
value of 2.66 μg dm-3 (Table 4). Relative lead concentration for individual samples is
Fatmir Faiku, Arben Haziri, Fatbardh Gashi, Naser Troni
768
also indicated in Table 3. L3 has the least lead content and L2 has the highest. The World
Health Organization has recommended 0.01 mg dm-3.4) The values are lower than the
recommended standard of 0.01 mg dm-3.4)
Aluminum level in all the samples were in the range of 115-418 μg dm-3 with a
mean value of 175.50 μg dm-3 (Table 4). Relative aluminum concentration for individ-
ual samples is indicated in Table 3. The world health organization recommends that
the aluminum content of drinking water should not be greater than 0.2 mg. Aluminum
concentrations in the water sample L4 is above the WHO guideline.
Antimony ranges from 0.05 μg dm-3 (L4) to 0.1 μg dm-3 (L1 and L2), barium ranges
from 14.4 μg dm-3 (L3) to 30.1 μg dm-3 (L4), bromium ranges from 3 μg dm-3 ( L2 and
L3) to 4 μg dm-3 (L4), chrome ranges from 0.5 μg dm-3 (L3) to 1.5 μg dm-3 (L4), manga-
nese ranges from 2.7 μg dm-3 (L1) to 120 μg dm-3 (L4), nickel ranges from 1.3 μg dm-3
(L2) to 19.5 μg dm-3 (L4) and uranium ranges from 0.06 μg dm-3 (L1) to 0.24 μg dm-3
(L4). So, the concentration of these elements is below the maximum value allowed.4)
The data from the Table 3 shows that the concentrations of the elements beryllium,
germanium, selenium, palladium, silver, tellurium, sulfur, platinum and bismuth are
below the limit of the detection.
Results of heavy metals show us that their concentrations are within the standard rules,
except for some sample places where we have the increasing concentration of some heavy
metals. Removing heavy metals from surface water is important. Metals, as Cu
2+
, Hg
2+,
Pb
2+,
Zn
2+,
Ni
2+,
Cd
2+,
represent a harmful and noxious water contamination for human and
animal consumption, mostly due to their tendency to be accumulated in the food chain.
Their removal can be done with chemical precipitation, coagulation and occulation, ad-
sorption onto plant wastes and special treatments, as nanofiltration or reverse osmosis.
So these kind of waters before being used for human utilization must be treated by
intensive physical and chemical treatment, extended treatment and disinfection, e.g.,
chlorination to break-point, coagulation, occulation, decantation, filtration, adsorption
(activated carbon), disinfection (ozone, final chlorination). The vulnerability of water
quality is followed by serious changes of its properties, resulting undesirable effects,
like: lack of oxygen, reduction in pH value, increase of heavy metal complexion capac-
ity, increase of toxicity and hazardous substances accumulated in the food chain. Water
resources in Kosovo are limited and the major ingredients of surface water are rivers
excepting of some artificial accumulation lakes.
Global concern for environment, in spite of fact that efforts were done and are being
done to overcome it, permanent monitoring of polluted waters with pollutants now and
in the future will be a big challenge for us and all scientific institution entire Kosovo.
Water like a natural resource with general interest, should be rationally used and it must
be protected from eventual degradation.
769
Quality Assessment of River’s Water of Lumbardhi Peja
Determination of basic statistical parameters
Table 4 presents basic statistical parameters for 67 elements in four samples, which
can be considered as preliminary values until a larger dataset has been collected. For
each element, the values are given as arithmetic mean, geometric mean, median, mini-
mal and maximal concentration, standard deviation, skewness and kurtosis.
Table 4. Basic statistical parameters for four major and 67 minor elements in samples
of river Lumbardhi Peja
Descriptive Statistics
Mean Geometric Median Minimum Maximum Variance Std. Dev. Skewness Kurtosis
Na 854.50 801.91 761.50 560.00 1335.00 129457.7 359.8023 0.98571 -0.53582
Li 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 0.0 0.0000 - -
Be 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.0 0.0000 - -
Mg 3055.00 3016.67 3070.00 2520.00 3560.00 309633.3 556.4471 -0.02674 -5.76589
Al 175.50 135.97 102.50 79.00 418.00 26363.0 162.3669 1.94922 3.82225
Si 1500.00 1451.20 1300.00 1200.00 2200.00 226666.7 476.0952 1.77918 3.13495
K380.00 373.87 390.00 280.00 460.00 5800.0 76.1577 -0.69728 0.54875
Ca 20000.00 20000.00 20000.00 20000.00 20000.00 0.0 0.0000 - -
Sc 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 0.0 0.0000 - -
Ti 1.13 1.03 0.90 0.70 2.00 0.4 0.5965 1.74903 3.09087
V0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.0 0.0000
Cr 0.88 0.81 0.75 0.50 1.50 0.2 0.4349 1.50411 2.64620
Mn 33.75 10.52 6.15 2.70 120.00 3308.9 57.5230 1.99517 3.98433
Fe 225.00 90.94 55.00 30.00 760.00 127366.7 356.8847 1.99264 3.97593
Co 0.35 0.12 0.07 0.04 1.20 0.3 0.5707 1.98545 3.94926
Ni 8.78 4.73 3.85 1.30 26.10 134.9 11.6159 1.93110 3.78889
Cu 8.05 6.99 7.35 4.00 13.50 22.3 4.7233 0.33586 -4.07722
Zn 17.03 14.46 13.45 7.10 34.10 138.6 11.7738 1.59574 2.98844
Ga 0.04 0.03 0.02 0.01 0.10 0.0 0.0419 1.92252 3.77000
Ge 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.0 0.0000 - -
As 0.34 0.29 0.24 0.18 0.71 0.1 0.2468 1.91346 3.73475
Se 0.02 0.02 0.02 0.02 0.02 0.0 0.0000 - -
Br 3.75 3.66 3.50 3.00 5.00 0.9 0.9574 0.85456 -1.28926
Rb 0.28 0.25 0.24 0.15 0.49 0.0 0.1483 1.37292 2.02645
Sr 122.55 109.86 129.50 47.20 184.00 3183.6 56.4235 -0.72403 1.79270
Y 0.08 0.08 0.08 0.08 0.09 0.0 0.0050 2.00000 4.00000
Zr 0.02 0.02 0.02 0.01 0.04 0.0 0.0126 1.12934 2.22715
Nb 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.0 0.0000 - -
Fatmir Faiku, Arben Haziri, Fatbardh Gashi, Naser Troni
770
Mo 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.0 0.0000 - -
Ru 101.00 101.00 101.00 101.00 101.00 0.0 0.0000 - -
Pd 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.0 0.0000 - -
Ag 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.0 0.0000 - -
Cd 0.07 0.06 0.06 0.03 0.15 0.0 0.0544 1.46825 1.90772
In 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.0 0.0000 - -
Sn 33.05 10.94 38.50 0.20 55.00 661.6 25.7218 -0.72827 -1.85050
Sb 0.08 0.08 0.09 0.05 0.10 0.0 0.0236 -1.19382 0.43573
Te 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.0 0.0000 - -
I1.25 1.19 1.00 1.00 2.00 0.3 0.5000 2.00000 4.00000
Cs 0.02 0.02 0.02 0.01 0.03 0.0 0.0082 0.00000 1.50000
Ba 19.93 19.04 17.60 14.40 30.10 52.5 7.2426 1.35546 1.26999
La 0.18 0.08 0.04 0.04 0.60 0.1 0.2784 1.99829 3.99420
Ce 0.47 0.23 0.13 0.11 1.50 0.5 0.6884 1.99804 3.99339
Pr 0.07 0.04 0.03 0.01 0.23 0.0 0.1043 1.98762 3.96050
Nd 0.27 0.10 0.06 0.04 0.93 0.2 0.4401 1.99793 3.99312
Sm 0.11 0.05 0.03 0.02 0.35 0.0 0.1624 1.99498 3.98282
Eu 0.03 0.02 0.01 0.01 0.08 0.0 0.0337 1.88710 3.57612
Gd 0.09 0.03 0.02 0.01 0.32 0.0 0.1517 1.99417 3.98114
Tb 0.01 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.04 0.0 0.0195 2.00000 4.00000
Dy 0.06 0.03 0.01 0.01 0.20 0.0 0.0925 2.00000 4.00000
Ho 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.0 0.0000 - -
Er 0.04 0.02 0.01 0.01 0.11 0.0 0.0500 2.00000 4.00000
Tm 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.01 0.0 0.0070 2.00000 4.00000
Yb 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.02 0.0 0.0050 2.00000 4.00000
Lu 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.01 0.0 0.0045 2.00000 4.00000
Hf 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.00 0.01 0.0 0.0045 -2.00000 4.00000
Ta 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.0 0.0000 - -
S0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.0 0.0000 - -
Re 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.0 0.0000 - -
Os 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.0 0.0000 - -
Pt 0.30 0.30 0.30 0.30 0.30 0.0 0.0000 - -
Au 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.0 0.0000 - -
Hg 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.0 0.0000 - -
Tl 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.01 0.0 0.0045 2.00000 4.00000
Pb 2.66 2.18 2.77 0.80 4.32 2.8 1.6754 -0.17484 -4.14949
Bi 0.30 0.30 0.30 0.30 0.30 0.0 0.0000 - -
Th 0.01 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.02 0.0 0.0085 2.00000 4.00000
U0.13 0.11 0.10 0.06 0.24 0.0 0.0790 1.64590 3.10321
771
Quality Assessment of River’s Water of Lumbardhi Peja
Fig. 3. Scatter/box two dimensional diagrams for arsenic, copper, cadmium, zinc,
lead, iron, manganese and chromium
Fatmir Faiku, Arben Haziri, Fatbardh Gashi, Naser Troni
772
From experimental data (Table 3) and box plot approach of Tukey (1977), we have
determined the abnormal date (extremes and outliers) for some elements in river Lum-
bardhi Peja.
In Fig. 3 are shown the Scatter/box two dimensional diagrams for heavy metals ar-
senic, copper, cadmium, zinc, lead, iron, manganese and chromium in river Lumbardhi
Peja samples. Arsenic, copper, cadmium, zinc, lead, iron, manganese and chromium do
not show any extreme and outlier in water samples.
In Kosovo we do not have standards yet, so we decided to use the Croatian standards
to classify the water quality of the river Lumbardhi Peja.6)
In Table 5 are shown the classifications of water samples of the Lumbardhi Peja,
based on the concentrations of toxic metals.
Table 5. Classification of water Lumbardhi Peja based on some trace metals as
pollutant indicator
Metal/ μg dm-3 Water class
I II III IV V
Cu <2 2-10 10-15 15-20 >20
L1, L3 L2, L4
Zn <50 50-80 80-100 100-200 >200
L1, L2, L3, L4
Pb <0.1 0.1-2.0 2.0-5.0 5.0-80 >80
L1, L3 L2, L4
Cd <0.1 0.1-0.5 0.5-2.0 2.0-5.0 >5.0
L1, L2, L3, L4
Based on Croatian standards for drinking water, the water from the river Lumbardhi
Peja was classifed in first class (no anthropogenic pollutions)-according to the con-
centrations of zinc and cadmium. According to the concentration of cuprum and lead,
the water was classified in the second (the concentration of toxic metals are more pro-
nounced than usual concentrations of their natural) and third class (the toxic metal
concentrations are lower than those of their permanent level).
Conclusion
Based on our results we can conclude:
(1) Our analyses about water of the river called Lumbardhi of Peja relate that water qual-
ity is good, except in some sample places where they appear like anthropogenic pollutants.
(2) Results of heavy metals show us that their concentrations are within the standard
rules, except for some sample places where we have the increasing concentration of
773
Quality Assessment of River’s Water of Lumbardhi Peja
some heavy metals. The heavy metals like copper, nickel, manganese, zinc, lead, cad-
mium, chrome and antimony in water samples of the Lumbardhi Prizren are within the
World Health Organization’s recommended value.
(3) The alkaline earth metals like calcium, magnesium, sodium, barium, potassium,
and lithium in water of the Lumbardhi Prizren are within permissible limits of the
World Health Organization. The chlorides, sulphates, nitrates, nitrites, pH and electri-
cal conductivity are within the WHO recommended value.
(4) According to pH the water is basic (pH=8.2-8.58).
(5) According to hardness the water is more or less mild (7.2-8.2 0D).
(6) Based on Croatian standards for drinking water, the Lumbardhi water was clas-
sifed in first class according to the concentrations of zinc and cadmium.
(7) Based on Croatian standards for drinking water, the Lumbardhi water was clas-
sified in the second and third class, according to the concentration of cuprum and lead.
(8) Even that in Kosovo we do not have yet any legislative convent for allowed
concentrations of toxic metals for natural water resources, the results from this study
are a small contribution to gain a clear overview of the statement in this field of envi-
ronmental quality assurance. We have concluded that water resources of Kosovo’s are
endangered by the pollution caused by human bean. As first step further, surface water
pollution has to be stopped and to improve the existing condition. It is necessary pre-
vention, monitoring and reduce of scale pollution, to ensure the quality level, biological
equilibrium and these water ecosystem and at those places where quality rehabilitation
is possible. We are very concerned about these facts but we hope that is still time to
prevent the quality of Kosovo’s surface waters.
NOTES
1. Agenda 21: Governments at the United Nations Conference on Environment and
Development (UNCED), Rio de Janeiro, 1997.
2. Standard methods for the examination of water and wastewater,Washington, 2005.
3. Stat Soft, Inc. Statistica (data analysis software system), version 6, 2001.
4. World Health Organization: Guidelines for drinking water quality, Geneva, 1993.
5. EU’s drinking water standards, Council Directive 98/83/EC on the quality of water
intented for human consumption: adopted by the Council, on 3 November 1998.
6. Directive about water classification (in Croatian, legislative act).NarodneNovine,
107/95, 1998.
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* Dr. Fatmir Faiku (corresponding author)
Department of Chemistry,
Faculty of Natural Sciences,
University of Pristina,
10000, Pristina, George Bush Street, p.n.,Kosovo
E-mail: f_faiku@hotmail.com
