Basic physico-chemical parameters of the Zapadna Morava river water quality in the Ovčar-Kablar gorge Area

Abstract

The Zapadna Morava river is an important component of the Republic of Serbia hydrosystem. During 2004, physico-chemical analyses were made of the Zapadna Morava water in the Ovčar-Kablar Gorge, a protected natural property where two hydroelectric power stations and two reservoirs are located. The physicochemical analyses results show that the Zapadna Morava river water in 2004 was of lower quality than being prescribed for the I-II class. Throughout the greater part of the year, the water was polluted with ammonia. Nitrite and phenol concentrations were also occasionally higher than the I-II class standard prescribed. The presence of toxic substances in the water was due to a discharge of non-purified municipal and industrial waste waters. Toxic ammonia and nitrite effects on the living world of the river, on fish in particular, were determined.