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POLLUTION ASSESSMENT OF THE RIVERS FLOWING THROUGH BULGARIAN CITIES. A COMPARATIVE STUDY
Abstract
This research compares the water quality in four river bodies passing through different cities in Bulgaria. An eco-chemical approach was applied including physicochemical and analytical measurements, as well as calculation of different pollution indices and the distribution of the element species as an indicator of their bioavailability. The results from analytical measurements and calculated pollution indices show that all the studied water bodies were polluted regarding P-PO43?, N-NH4+, Mn, and Pb. The highest values were measured in the Struma River, which is the result of both natural origin, due to the presence of coal mines, and the unsustainable management of mining and metallurgy activities in the past. The second most polluted is the Iskar River near Sofia city, mainly a consequence of the increased population in recent years. Thermodynamically calculated species of trace metals show that free Mn2+ ions dominate in all rivers being highest in Struma river. They are dangerous for aquatic fauna as free metal ions easily interact with ligands of organic compounds found in the bloodstream and/or within organs. Free ions are also calculated for Zn, but it is less dangerous because its content is significantly less. It was found only at single stations in the Maritsa and Danube rivers. Cu and Pb are potentially the riskiest elements for plants as their dominant organometallic species are easily accumulated by them. Regarding Al, its dominant hydroxy specie
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