The Distribution of Metals in Sediments of the Likova, Kumanova and Pçinja Rivers: Spring Season

The pollution of rivers is an important issue because the utilization of polluted water has a direct effect on the health of people and other living beings, economy, etc. Sediments represent a very suitable indicator for monitoring and detecting pollution sources of river waters. The aim of this study is to analyze the contents of selected metals in the sediments of the rivers Likova, Kumanova and Pçinja rivers. The water samples were taken in June 2014 from six sampling stations. Several physicochemical parameters of rivers were determined and the contents of twenty-two metals was indicated in the sediment samples taken from these rivers. The obtained physico-chemical quality of the water from these rivers resulted in classification to the first/second category. The sediments were mostly polluted by Al, Ca, Na and Mg. The metals that exceeded the Dutch standard were: Ba, Ni, Zn, Cr and Cu. The order of metals in sediments was as follows: Fe > Al > Ca > Na > Mg > K > Mn > Ba > Sr > Cr > Zn > V > Ni > Cu > Pb > Li. The study results reveal a mild pollution in rivers caused by urban, agricultural and industrial activities.