River Pollution in

Group Members: Visar Xhambazi, Valon Hasanaj, Samet Maloku, Ermira Birinxhiku, Vjendita Hoxha Atlant Rexhaj, Lyra Himaduma

River Pollution in Kosovo

Avdullahi, S., Fejza.I., Tmava, A., (4 Novemeber, 2011) Protecting Water Resources from Pollution in the Lake Batllava, Retrieved: 9 October, 2012, from http://elearning.just.edu.jo/jjce/issues/paper.php?p=2415.pdf

In recent years, the international community has witnessed incidence of climate variability and human activities. The objective of this paper is protecting water resources from pollution in the catchment area of Lake Batllava. The catchment area of Lake Batllava has an area of 225km² and the active storage volume of the lake is assessed to be 34.4 Mill. m³. The current population of the Municipality of Prishtina is estimated to be around 400,000 and Lake Batllava supplies with drinking water around 64% of the population in this area.

We will use this source to support our main idea "Water resources in Kosova are relatively small, and the rivers are seriously polluted"! Moreover, we will download the table (or pic) that shows exactly the branches of Batllava Lake "Figure 3: Sub-basins of the catchment area of Lake Batllava". This is another fact that is a bit to be discussed and will help us as an argument for the project: "Chemical parameters, for which analyses were conducted, are in general in the acceptable range for raw water for water supply. Also, Lake Batllava is used as a recreation area during summer".

Aliu, Leonora. (2011, September). Lumi I Shkatërrimit të Madh. Jeta Në Kosovë. Retrieved September 12, 2012, fromhttp://gazetajnk.com/?cid=1, 978,92

“Lumi I Shkatërrimit të Madh” is translated into “The Destruction of the Great River.” The article was released on September 25th, 2011. In addition, the river is called the White River which is located in the area called Dukagjin. Moreover, the White River is the largest river in Kosovo. It is about 122 kilometers long. In the article, Ms. Aliu explains that the river still continues to not be taken care of by the institution and the community as a whole. Furthermore, the problem that is being explained is that the sand and the rocks that are located in the river are being taken out from the river which causes the river to have a shape of a flat surface. The river tries to gain back the balance of its natural shape, but as much as it tries to do so, the waterway continues to become flat which causes a fast speed of its flow. Despite the importance of the white river, the destruction is reflected by the destruction of the agricultural land, water use, and flooding. The problem occurring because of the destruction of the river is that the community that receives the river is the poor region in Kosovo and so they will not be able to receive any water because of this situation happening. Moreover, the White River is one of the cleanest waters.

Such a great source to write for since the White River is a very important one in Kosova: "The Director of the Commissions for Mines and Minerals states that the case that is happening to the White River is against the law and there are about 170 cases that occurred exactly like this one and about 29 orders that state, it should be prevented. This illegal operation that is being done to the White River still continues without the concern of the society. Furthermore, a political advisor by the name of Gazmend Avdiu states that they are working on a campaign for the awareness that has happened in order to have more people know what is happening to the White river. According to an environmentalist by the name of Gjonbalaj, he states that the ministry will not have any effect on this situation because they will never help with this situation; the White River isn’t the only river that is in destruction." This is an argument telling that people are polluting the rivers in Kosova and creating problems to themselves.

Arbneshi T., Zuzaku I., Beqa L., and M. Water Quality Of The Morava E Binçes River. Rep. Prishtinë: University of Prishtina, Faculty of Natural Science, Department of Chemistry.

Retrieved from :

.

This is an article which talks about the effect of water waste (sewage) on the quality of Morava e Binçes River. Within this article you can find a lot of information about how the quality of water changed through months, and who were the strongest indicators that changed water quality. The article explains that the reason that the river goes near a lot of urban areas has become kind of “sewage collector” and according to the tables inside the article this is the biggest problem and indicator of the water quality. Furthermore, the long term of uncontrolled water sewage has made the water polluted. Therefore this is becoming a very huge concern because if this trend continues, the water will not be potable. Another concern is that, the poor water quality will also lead to different diseases even by swimming.

Behrami, S., Bajraktari, F., & Zogaj, N. Kosovo Environment Protection Agency, (2008). Ground water pollution in Mitrovica and surroundings. Retrieved from http://balwois.com/balwois/administration/full_paper/ffp-1084.pdf The authors argue that the drinking water quality in Mitrovica region is not satisfying. One of the contributors toward this is the pollution from the industry as well as the waste water. Indeed, this pollution includes the river of Ibri and . This report presents the state of surface waters in the two main rivers of Mitrovica, and as such helps one determine the level of drinkable water in Mitrovica region. This Article/Research Paper relates to Mitrovica and its water polution problems. Mitrovica is based in the North of Kosovo and owns the main part of natural resources. According to the article, Mitrovica is not only the most polluted city in Kosovo, but in . The article discusses the water polution caused by exploiting those natural resources, which basically polluts the 3 main rivers that cross the city and from which the city gets the main water supply. It contains a lot of tables to make the contamination of the drinking water clear. The article is originally written in English.

From this link we will discuss about Iber River in Mitrovica and the impact that Trepca mine has in the water quality: "From the industrial objects of “Trepca” corporation, used water goes directly on Iber, which contains;leaden, zinc, and cadmium while having in mind that these are the main elements of pollution that it goes into the river."

Dreshaj, A., Feka, F., Malija, A., (21 August 2012) Pollution of Heavy Metals in the White River Basin, Retrieved 26 September 2012, from http ://modernscientificpress.com/Journals/ViewArticle.aspx?gkN1Z6Pb60HNQPymfPQlZJBZHPzIMhuThoLaiUmXPXdJTRac7Np9OyK+XHqUY9tT

This research paper talks about the dirty water and presenting it as a significant factor for many diseases. In Kosovo, only 9% of freshwater was used for drinking, and the rest was used in agriculture and industry. The waste from industry and agriculture was the biggest polluter of water. In this study, pollution of heavy metals in the White Drin River Basin was evaluated. Some physicochemical parameters of water samples, such as pH value, electrical conductivity, alkalinity, hardness as well as concentrations of HCO3- and CO32- were measured, and concentrations of nine elements in water samples were determined by ICP-MS technique. Franciškovic-Bilinski, S., F., Bilinski, H., (29 May 2010) Establishing of Monitoring Network on Kosovo Rivers (Drini I Bardhë, Morava E Binçës, Lepenc and Sitnica. Retrieved 08 October 2012, from http://balwois.com/balwois/administration/full_paper/ffp-1455.pdf

The main aim of this work was to establish a monitoring network on the main rivers of Kosovo. We aim to apply WFD (Water Framework Directive) in Kosovo as soon as possible, and our research could be the first step towards it. Waters of the rivers such as: Drini i Bardhë, Morava e Binçës, Lepenc and Sitnica, which are investigated systematically. Statistical methods are applied to find locations where integrated water resources management can be suggested. Sediments of these rivers were also investigated at the same monitoring points and results have recently been published by us. In this paper we present results of mass concentrations of ecotoxic metals: Cu(II), Pb(II), Cd(II), Zn(II) and Mn(II) in waters of four main rivers of Kosovo. Results of anomalous concentrations of ecotoxic metals in water are compared with anomalous concentrations of the same elements found in sediments.

Gazeta Express, "Ferizajasve u kerkohet qe te kene kujdes me ujin e pijes". Retrieved February 2012 from: http://www.gazetaexpress.com/?cid=1,15,74624 This news report states that the water in the city of Ferizaj will be contaminated by the melting snow in a few days time. Citizens are advised by doctors from the Public Health Institute to avoid drinking the water that flows from the Ferizaji hydro-station.

GIS Section of Ministry of Environment and Spatial Planning. (June 2002). Provisional institutions of self-government. Prishtine, Kosova: UNMIK.

Retrieved from, http://enrin.grida.no/htmls/kosovo/SoE/design.htm

Hammer, Cliff, (19 March 2007) Kosovo: Water Resources Management, Retrieved: 08 October, 2010, from http://www.emwis.net/thematicdirs/news /2007/03/snews687424 http://www.emwis.net/thematicdirs/news/2007/03/snews687424The relatively high population density and the traditionally and the traditionally irrigated agriculture have to cope with warm and dry summers and lacking waste water treatment. Many regions of Kosovo suffer from water scarcity and poor drinking water quality respectively. This naturally difficult situation in Kosovo regarding water resources management has been aggravated due to the political instability during the past few years, leading to a poor state regarding planning and economical use of resources. In its cooperation with Eastern Europe, seco started a project to support the water resources management in Kosovo, addressing the present shortcomings. The project comprises both technical assistance and investments.

Leonora, A. (2011, September 25) "Lumi i Shkatërrimit të Madh" Gazeta Jeta në Kosovë. Retrieved 'January 10, 2012' , fromhttp://gazetajnk.com/? cid=1,978,92 '> This article talks about an environmental problem – illegal exploitation of sand from the river banks in Kosovo. This environmental problem in Kosovo is probably one of the most important ones since it is spread all around Kosovo, and it is causing deaths and environmental degradation. This article is mainly focused in the degradation made along the banks of the river "Drini I Bardhë". Drini I Bardhë is the longest river in Kosovo (122 km long) and flows through the Western part of Kosovo. It is the most damaged river in Kosovo, and the deviations that are made in its banks are reflected in the ecosystem, respectively damaging the fertile land areas and water supply system. Moreover, there is an increased danger of floods. The article also includes some legal acts and decision that were made to stop this environmental degradation; however, the good results are not achieved yet.

OSCE. (2008). Water supply issues in kosovo. Retrieved from http://waterwiki.net/images/f/f9/Water_supply_issue_in_kosovo-osce.pdf This Research Paper written by the OSCE´s Monitoring Department deals with the Water supply issues that are present in Kosovo. It tells about water shortages that exists in Kosovo, as no household is provide with water for 24 hours, and it talks about the water management problems that exist. The article also deals with the future competences for water management and supply, including the financial and political problems that regard the realization of these projects. The article is originally written in eglish.

Portali Qendra.info © (2011). Kosova, tepër e ndotur për të jetuar. Retrieved 09 October, 2012 from http://www.qendra.info/aktualitet/kronike/13904- kosova-teper-e-ndotur-per-te-jetuar.html

Shumë prej lumenjve të vendit ndoten nga derdhjet industriale që bëhen pa asnjë kriter, duke i degraduar ata nga klasa e dytë, në atë të tretë dhe katërt. 73 për qind e popullatës së vendit ka qasje në ujësjellës publik, kurse rreth 58.4 për qind e resurseve ujore vijnë nga akumulacionet artificiale.

Translation. Many Rivers are contaminated from industrial waste that is done without any regulation. As a result, 73 percent of the population has access on public water, but 58.4 percent of water resources comes from artificial accumulations.

Rexhepi, F., Rugova, A., Arbneshi, T. (2010). **Assessment of Heavy Metal Pollution in Ibër River* **{}Sediment{}*. Ohrid, Republic of Macedonia: BALWOIS. Retrieved in September 16, 2011, from http://balwois.com/balwois/administration/full_paper/ffp-1681.pdf _ _ This research paper written by Fatos Rexhepi, Ardian Rugova, and Tahir Arbneshi in English was intended to determine the quantity of lead, cadmium, copper and zinc in the sediment of the Ibër River as well as identification of the potential pollutants of this water. The authors conducted this study by the side of Department of Technology and the Department of Chemistry in University of Prishtina in 25, 29 May 2010. This article written by Rexhepi, Rugova, and Arbneshi, contains a research over the heavy metal pollution in the aqua system, specifically in the Iber River. This river is a subject to this kind of pollution being very close to the major mines of lead and zinc in Zvecan and Mitrovica. The result from the research, which included an experiment of the water composition, showed that Iber contains copper, zinc, cadmium and increasing quotes of lead. This research gives data in one of the major environment related issue - that is water pollution. Thus it can be very useful in backing up the arguments over the water pollution in Kosovo.

REC field office in Kosovo. (2000). Strategic Environmental Analysis Of Kosovo. Retrieved fromhttp://archive.rec.org/REC/Publications /CountryReports/Kosovo.PDF The article "Strategic Environmental Analysis of Kosovo" outlines two major environmental problems such as the waste management and water problems. In addition, the article provides several of recommendations that do help on developing a strategic plan in order to solve the current ongoing issues.

Report,The state of water in Kosovo. (n.d.). Kosovo Environmental Protection Agency. Retrieved September 19, 2011, fromwww.ammk-rks.net /repository/docs/raporti_ujerave_2010-angl.pdf (http://%20www.ammk-rks.net/repository/docs/raporti_ujerave_2010-angl.pdf) This is an annual report about the state of water in Kosovo, published by Kosovo Environmental Agency. This report shows the institutional legal frame work, the policies about the environment, the strategies on plans for water, the water resources available, the usage of water, the quality of water and the pollution on water.

Ruzhdi Pllana, Vahdet Pruthi, Arsim Ejupi, Valbon Bytyqi.(2010). Water Resources Challenges in Kosovo and their Trans-boundary Impacts. Retrieved February 2012 from:http://balwois.com/balwois/administration/full_paper/ffp-2042.pdf In this article published in May 2010 for a summit in Ohrid, Macedonia are explained the challenges of the water resources in Kosovo in the context of: socio-economic, natural, and trans-boundary impacts. It is also explained how geographical positions and terrain affected the flowing of Kosovo river system in the sea more specifically the , Black Sea, and Aegean Sea. Suganya, S, S. S. (2011). Long term effects of water pollution on environment. National Research Council, Retrieved fromhttp://www.buzzle.com /articles/long-term-effects-of-water-pollution-on-environment.html

The article is about the effects of water pollution on environment. As we all know, the quality of water is one of the most important determining factors of welfare of creatures in the world. Water with different kinds of contaminations is the major cause of diseases which affect people`s lives. That`s why this article is written to know the importance of good quality water and the effects that the contaminated water brings.

Sihna, Kumar Manoj.(2001) "Protection of the Environment During Armed Conflicts- A Case Study of Kosova" www.worldii.org

This article discusses the impact of NATO bombing in Balkan Peninsula especially in Kosova. It also elaborates the impact in river Danub. The main point of this article is to elaborate what kind of damage it caused to the environment and indirect impact to the people. The article describes which of the places are affected most like Kragujevac or Novi Sad which called HOT SPOTS. IT also issues the affect of the depleted uranium in the environment and what it has been don to correct the damage

Ujërat e zeza e lënë Kosovën shumë larg BE-së. (2011). KohaNet, (Sewage System in Kosovo). Retrieved fromhttp://koha.net/?page=1%2C13% 2C61300 This article talks about the sewage system in Kosovo. The sewage treatment is important especially because among the conditions and criteria to be met for entry into the wide family of European Union (EU) is emphasized with capital letters and wastewater treatment plants with. *United Nations Development Programme, UNDP. (n.d.). **Environment_ _. Retrieved September 19, 2011, from UNDP website:*http://www.kosovo.undp. org/?cid=2,124  This web page discusses the major climate changes that have been going on in Kosovo and its environment due to a vast amount of pollution being emitted from old energy power plants. They lightly mention how the Kosovo legislation that is covering the issue of the environment is having a hard time actually implementing and enforcing it and that environmental awareness in general is very low among the public of Kosovo

Water and Waste Regugulatory Office (WWRO) (July,2011). Annual Performance Report for the Water and Waste Companies in Kosovo. Received from http://www.wwro-ks.org/English/Publications/AnnualPerfor/Annual_Performance_Reports_2010.pdf

This report was published in July 2011 – Water and Waste Regulatory Office under the name “ Annual Performance Report for the Water and Waste Water Companies in Kosovo”. The report talks about water supply and waste water and the direct and indirect impact of the effects in customers. Further, the report aims to regulate the waste water in Kosovo and make it qualitative and reliable for consumption. The key issue is to provide population in Kosovo with drinking water, monitoring the wastewater collection as well as ensuring proper water supply for the local population. The report highlights also the importance of meeting the quality environmental standards.

World Bank., (2011) Kosovo, Cost Assessment of Environmental Degradation, Institutional Review, and Public Environmental Expenditure Review, Retrieved 2012, from http://siteresources.worldbank.org/INTKOSOVO/Resources/KosovoCEA.pdf

In this source which is a study made by the World Bank the third most important issue is the water pollution that is caused in different ways by creating serious problems in having clean water.

For sanitary biological water quality, the rivers are all classified as being polluted and having unacceptable levels of biological oxygen demand as well as lack of dissolved oxygen in the rivers, particularly in smaller streams and downstream of the discharge of untreated sewage (table 3.2).Industrial water needs are 150 million cubic meters (m3) a year, around 30 percent of total water consumption. Main industrial polluters are the Kosovo Energy Corporation (KEK), Ferronikeli, and Sharrcem, as well as Trepca, Kishnica, Artana, and other mines. Polluted water from industry and mining is mainly acidic, with heavy metals such as cadmium and lead in the wastewater. Water quality at river springs is good ( World Bank, 23).