Research on the natural features of karst water, on the example of some water intakes

Abstract

The existence of safe and abundant raw water sources is a priceless treasure for any country. Water resources are of particular importance for Montenegro, especially for the development of tourism and agriculture which represent the backbone of its economic development. With respect to water potential, Montenegro is at the top of Europe. However, it is not a sufficient factor, but the very way it is used and protected, as well as the improvement of its valorization. Economic development which is not based on the conservation and good governance of natural resources may have negative consequences for the overall development. The aim of the paper is the study of natural properties of karst ground waters and their changes through interrelation of some ions, as indicators, on the example of five intakes in use. The paper presents the results of the research on the said waters and the values of indicators which point to their exceptional benefits for the water supply. However, the effects of the anthropogenic factor are evident, which are reflected in the range of the mole ratio of Ca /Mg ions ranging from 5.4 to 9.6, and the values (eqv.SO4/Cl) ranging from 0.3 to 2.0. Protection of the environment, especially preservation of the quality of water resources of Montenegro, imposes the urgency of implementation of the objectives of the Water Framework Directive.

Overview of the Chemical and Isotopic Investigations of the Mareza Springs and the Zeta River in Montenegro

“…Protection and sustainable management of karstic groundwater require sound evaluation of recharge based on adequate delineation of recharge areas, which is regularly supported by the use of a variety of natural or artificial geochemical and isotopic tracers [7][8][9]. The Mareza aquifer, which provides drinking water for more than 60% of the municipal area of Podgorica (120,000 inhabitants), has been the subject of many scientific investigations [10][11][12][13][14][15], but until now, isotopic tracers have not been used. The origin of the Mareza spring and the nearby Zeta River water was interpreted on the basis of hydrogeological characteristics and structure of the terrain.…”