Water Quality of the Bosna River

Abstract

Analysis of the Bosna River water samples from the spring to Kakanj city was performed with the aim of assessing the quality of the Bosna River water and comparing the obtained values with the national, EU regulations and guidelines of the World Health Organization. Samples were collected at eight selected locations, during two sampling periods: unstable weather conditions (precipitation), and stable weather conditions (without precipitation). The following parameters were analysed: pH, electrical conductivity, temperature, residue on evaporation at 105 °C, chloride and phosphate content, and metal content: Cr, Cu, Mn, Pb, Fe, Ni, Cd, Zn, Ca, Mg and Na. The metal content was determined by flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS) and atomic emission spectrometry (AES), phosphate by UV/Vis spectrophotometry, chloride by volumetric method, and evaporation residue by gravimetric method. In the case of metals, the concentrations of which were below the limit of detection of the method used (FAAS), a preconcentration method using an ion-exchange resin was applied. The results showed that the Bosna River in the investigated part of the stream meets most of the parameters required by the regulations and guidelines. In order to obtain a complete status of the impact of numerous factors on the pollution of the Bosna River water, it would be necessary to perform passive sampling, and biological and microbiological analysis of water.

Water Quality of the Trstionica River (Bosnia and Herzegovina)

“…Similar results were obtained in the Bosna River water quality study. 13 The Trstionica flows directly into the Bosna River.…”

“…Trstionica River flows into the Bosnia River. In the same time period, the water analysis of the Bosna River was conducted 13 , and the results obtained in this paper were compared with these data. Similar results were obtained for almost all analysed parameters.…”

“…In the case of metals Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn, the concentrations were below the limit of detection of the method used (FAAS); therefore, a preconcentration method using an ion-exchange resin (Ion Exchanger I, 4.5 W g −1 , 45-55 %, MERCK (Darmstadt, Germany) was applied. 13 UV/Vis spectrophotometer (Carry 50, Varian, Australia) was used for phosphates analysis. Chloride content was determined by volumetric method, mercurimetric titration.…”