Analysis of macro- and microelements in drinking water from the Požarevac city public water supply system

Abstract

This study aims at analysing physical, chemical and microbiological properties, and content of macro- and microelements in the water from the Požarevac city public water supply system. Analysis shows an increased content of Ca in drinking water, as a result of the position of Požarevac on the sediments of river terrace of accumulative character of t1 type, predominantly consisting of quartzite. The water from the public water supply is alkaline ('calcic', 'bicarbonate water') and very hard, due to the increased Ca content. Beside Ca, potassium and aluminium exceed the maximum contaminant level, while Pb and Cd are at the very limit. Calculated data show that there are no short-term health risks regarding elements exceeding allowed concentrations found in the public water supply system. Data analysis regarding long-term health risks shows that Cd present in drinking water poses the only relevant threat to human health. Cancer risk is present in 202 out of 1000 inhabitants using this water.

Keywords

• drinking water
• scale
• calcium
• heavy metals
• požarevac