Occurrence of Heavy Metals in Drini Bardhë River

The occurrence of heavy metals in water ecosystems and sediment can impact human life, due to their possible transfer to food chain and adverse effects. Therefore, it is crucial the evaluation of the status of heavy metals in water and sediments in order to evaluate water quality and their environmental impacts. Current study aims to evaluate the occurrence of heavy metals in water and sediment as well as the water and sediment pollution of Drini Bardhe River in Kosovo. Three representatives sampling sites were selected along Drini Bardhe River to collect water and sediment samples. Heavy metals concentrations in water and sediment samples were determined by using atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS). The data of heavy metal concentration in water were compared with EC Directives 75/440/EEC and 2008/105/EC in order to evaluate water quality. The degree of sediment pollution was evaluated by using Enrichment Factor (EF) and Geo-accumulation Index (Igeo). Based on obtained data of heavy metals concentration in water, the values of iron and arsenic were over acceptable values of EC directives. Enrichment factor (Ef) calculations showed that sediments have moderate severe enrichment for Cd and Ni, minimal enrichment for Cu, Cr, and Pb, whereas no enrichment for Fe, Mn and Zn. Based on Geo-accumulation Index (Igeo) calculations sediments result strongly polluted with Cd and Ni, moderately polluted with Cr, unpolluted to moderately polluted with Cu, Mn, Pb and Zn, and unpolluted with Fe. The Occurrence of heavy metals in water and sediments indicates potential risk of some heavy metals as their amounts were over acceptable limits. Keywords: Heavy metals, Ef, Igeo, pollution, water, sediment.