02/11/2022

Show “Ecological Hour”: River Pollution in Timočka Krajina as a Consequence of Mining (VIDEO)

In the latest episode of “Ecological Hour,” the results of the first sampling cycle of surface waters, sediment, and ichthyofauna in Timočka Krajina were presented as part of the project “Environmental Response to Mining Expansion in Timočka Krajina,” funded by the EU and implemented by the Association “Za Drinking Fountains” in collaboration with partner organizations from Bor and Zaječar.

On this topic, Toplica Marjanović and Dragan Ranđelović from the Association of Young Researchers Bor discussed the sampling conducted from August 31 to September 3, 2022. This is the first of four samplings planned during the project implementation. The reference laboratory from Belgrade collected water and sediment samples at approximately 10 locations in rivers, including Crni Timok, Veliki Timok, Brestovačka River, Borska River, Pek, and the Danube at the Timok estuary.

The study aims to assess the current state and monitor the detrimental impacts of mining and urban development on the environment in Timočka Krajina.

According to the Regulation on the categorization of watercourses, the Pek River belongs to Class III from the source to its confluence with the Danube. Crni Timok, from the source to Zaječar and from Zaječar to its confluence with the Borska River, belongs to Class II, while from the confluence of the Borska River to its confluence with the Timok, it belongs to Class III. The Borska River, from the source to Bor, belongs to Class II, while from Bor to its confluence with the Timok, it belongs to Class IV. The Danube River belongs to Class II.

Based on the laboratory test results and in accordance with the Regulation on the limit values of pollutants in surface and groundwater and sediment and the Regulation on the categorization of watercourses, it can be concluded that pollution exists in the examined rivers of Timočka Krajina, as stated in the report from the reference laboratory, elaborated further in the “Ecological Hour” episode.

The measurement results are published on the website http://www.ekoloskiodgovor.rs/ in the database section, including the year, sampling location, and water analysis https://ekoloskiodgovor.rs/baza/.

Another cycle of sampling and analysis will be conducted by the end of this year.

This show 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 show is entirely responsibility of these associations and do not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union.