MONITORING THE WATER QUALITY AND HEAVY METALS PRESENT IN THREE DIFFERENT REGIONS OF THE VARDAR RIVER BY ATOMIC ABSORPTION SPECTROSCOPY (AAS)

Source abstract

The water quality of the Vardar river was monitored in the Taor-Pelince-Trnovec regions through water sampling by the Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS) method. The sampling sites were selected considering their potential for pollution due to anthropogenic factors like high levels of heavy metals, traffic, sewage waste etc., while sampling was conducted during the course of three months (February, March, and April) with comprehensive purpose. At the Hydro-Meteorological Institute, important physicochemical parameters, such as color, turbidity, pH, suspended solids, dissolved oxygen, biochemical oxygen demand, fitered dry residue, chemical oxygen demand and heavy metals were analysed. Important ions were also evaluated to show the mineral composition and nutrient status. Calibrated equipment and high-purity reagents were used to ensure preciseness. Our results concluded that the Vardar river in these respective regions, was highly polluted throught all three months with Taor being the highest affected and Pelince the least affected. These findings, in turn highlight the vital need for water management and pollution reduction strategies in the Vardar river.