engleski

Analysis of water quality of Vučica-Karašica River

Constantly increasing world population leads to intensive agricultural production and fast urbanization. With every year, agricultural production implements more and more of various types of fertilizers, especially nitrogen fertilizers which not only increase yield of agricultural products, but are a significant source of water pollution. In the last several decades, increasing attention has been dedicated to the problem of water quality and pollution, especially by nitrates. Though nitrates are necessary for growth and development of plants, increased concentrations are toxic for aquatic organisms and have a negative impact on the environment, such as eutrophication, which is especially pronounced in lowland rivers of Europe. Problem is further complicated by negative impact of nitrates on human health, such as development of methemoglobinemia and some types of cancer. This paper gives an overview and an assessment of water quality of Karašica-Vučica River, which is located in area with intensive agricultural production. Samples were taken over the period of ten years, and cover several locations along the river flow. Obtained results indicate that Karašica-Vučica River is facing eutrophication. Analysis of physical and chemical parameters indicates a decrease of water quality, depending on location and year. Generally, water quality of Karašica-Vučica River, upstream form industrial complex (Kudeljara, Črnkovci ; Našicecement d.d., Našice), can be characterized as moderately polluted, with no odor and sufficient concentration of oxygen. Such conditions are ideal for excessive algal and aquatic plant growth, leading to increased eutrophication. Downstream from industrial complex, level of water pollution is greater, water has decreased amount of oxygen and a specific odor. Water quality at two locations, canal Karašica and Karašica Črnkovci, is very poor, but on one location, Crnac-Krčenik, water quality was determined to be very good. Obtained results indicate that it is necessary to take actions to protect Karašica-Vučica river form further pollution. Potential sources of pollution (agriculture, sewage, industry) should be minimalized, systems for water purification should be modernized, by agricultural production already jeopardized and vulnerable areas should be identified and protected, for instance by limiting application of nitrogen fertilizers. Further continuous monitoring of water quality is necessary to insure adequate implementation of the aforesaid measures.

water quality, nitrogen compounds, nitrates, nitrites, ammonia, surface waters, agricultural activity, eutrophication

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