28/10/2022

Results of the First Cycle of Sampling and Analysis of Surface Water within the Project “Environmental Response to Mining Expansion in Timočka Krajina”

The Anahem Laboratory from Belgrade was hired by the Association „Za Drinking Fountains“, for sampling and laboratory analysis of water, sediments and ichthyofauna, at 10 locations in the rivers: Crni Timok, Veliki Timok, Borska River, Pek and Danube at the confluence of the river Timok, as part of the project EU-funded “Environmental Response to Mining Expansion in Timočka Krajina”.  The purpose of the study is to examine the current situation and further monitoring of the harmful effects of mining and urban development on the environment in Timočka Krajina. 

Sampling was performed in the period from August 31 to September 3, 2022, and it is the first of a total of four samplings that will be performed during the implementation of this project.

Based on the results of laboratory tests, in order to determine the impact of mining on the quality of the mentioned rivers, and in accordance with the Regulation on limited values of pollutants in surface and underground waters and sediment and the Regulation on the categorization of watercourses, it can be concluded that there is pollution in the investigated rivers in Timočka Krajina.

It is stated in the report of the reference laboratory that the biggest pollution, especially with heavy metals, is in the Borska River, which flows into the Danube via Veliki Timok.

The consequences of mining also affect the quality of the Pek River. Experts advise that the influence of the new Bor mine “Cukaru Peki” on the Brestovačka River should be monitored, due to the increasing production in this mine.

All measurement results will be published on the website ekoloskiodgovor.rs. By the end of this year, another cycle of sampling and analysis will be carried out.

Association “Za Drinking Fountains”

This text was produced within the project “Environmental response to mining expansion in Timočka Krajina” funded by the European Union, and implemented by the Association “Za Drinking Fountains”, the Association of Young Researchers Bor, Civic Library “Europe” Bor and Children’s Center Zaječar. The content of the text is entirely responsibility of these associations and do not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union.