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.

Keywords

• Bosna River
• pollution
• metals
• AAS
• chlorides
• phosphates
• preconcentration