The main goal of this work was to suggest to authorities concerned a monitoring network on main rivers of Kosovo. We aim to suggest application of WFD (Water Framework Directive) in Kosovo as soon as possible. Our present chemical research could be the first step towards it, giving an opportunity to plan the monitoring network in which pollution locations will be highlighted. In addition to chemical, future ecological studies could be performed. Waters of the rivers Drini i Bardhë, Morava e Binçës, Lepenc and Sitnica, which are of supra-regional interest, are investigated systematically along the river course. 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 eco-toxic metals: Cu(II), Pb(II), Cd(II), Zn(II) and Mn(II) in waters of four main rivers of Kosovo, using Anodic Stripping Voltammetry (ASV), Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (AAS) and Ultraviolet-Visible (UV-VIS) Spectrometry. Also some physico-chemical parameters are determined: water temperature, electrical conductivity, pH, alkalinity, total hardness and temporary hardness. Results of concentrations of eco-toxic metals in water are compared with concentrations found in sediments at the same locations. Statistical methods are applied to determine anomalous regions Classification of waters at each sampling station of our work was tentatively performed based on metal indicators, using Croatian standards. Our results are showing that concentrations of Zn in all waters are low and pose no risk for living organisms. Exception is water at S5 station, where concentration is above permanent toxic level. Concentrations of Pb and Mn are high at D5 station on Drini i Bardhë River (14 km from boarder to Albania) and at all stations along Sitnica River. Cadmium in high concentrations which is above permanent toxic level is measured in water only at two stations, one (M1) on Morava e Binçës River and the other (S5) on Sitnica River (56 km from boarder to Serbia). Comparison with available results from the past shows that water pollution with respect to toxic elements decreased since 1989, what is explained with closing of heavy industry since then. Continuation of water and sediment monitoring using more than one experimental technique is highly recommended, particularly at locations S2 and S5 with anomalous concentrations of toxic elements, as well as establishing of permanent network of monitoring stations by Kosovo authorities. Remediation of sediments at polluted locations in Sitnica River would be desirable.

The objective of this research was assessment of environmental toxic elements downstream the river of Morava e Binces (Kosovo) and this study is a continuation of earlier studies of surface waters in our country. The sampling and analysis are conducted in accordance with EU and WHO standards. This study uses both quantitative and qualitative analysis to assess the water quality in several points along river. The concentration of major and minor elements was determined by Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectroscopy (ICP-MS). The concentration of toxic elements which we received from surface waters are compared with the results received for the source where anthropogenic effects aren't present (the part of river in the source). The study firstly shows that Morava e Binces River is considerably polluted. Results obtained by the box plot method showed the regions with determined anomalous element concentration values in water River of Morava e Binces. This study strongly recommends the immediate correction of these issues to protect the health of population from water borne diseases.

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Atomic absorption spectroscopy has been used to analyses and assesses the heavy metal content in water of the Llapi river, Kosovo. In this study, the assessment of heavy metals in water was realized in the summer period. Statistical studies have been carried out by calculating basic statistical parameters, anomalies (extremes and outliers) and correlation coefficients between different pairs of variables. The concentration of Cr, Ni, Zn, Cu and Fe in all sample stations were found to be under WHO recommended norms. But the concentration of Cd and Pb in all sample stations and concentrations of Mn at several stations were found to be above WHO recommended norms originated from mineral sources (ores) in this area. The statistical regression analysis has been found a highly significant positive relationship of Cd with Ni, Mn, Fe and Pb originated mainly of sulphide ores in this area.

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