An overview on persistent organic pollutants levels in the White Drin River, Kosovo

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to assess the concentrations of persistent organic pollutants in the White Drin River, Kosovo region. The study focused on organochlorine pesticides, polychlorinated biphenyls, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylenes. The White Drin River originates from Peja, Kosovo, and extends to the Albanian border near Kukesi, making it a significant water body. It is potentially affected by anthropogenic pollution due to its passage through Kosovo’s urban areas, villages, farms, and industries. Sampling was conducted at 15 stations along the river, from the river waterfall to the Albanian border, during two distinct periods in 2023 (January – February and August – September). Organochlorine pollutants were concurrently extracted using liquid-liquid extraction followed by analysis using capillary gas chromatography equipped with an electron capture detector. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons were isolated through a two-step liquid-liquid extraction, with dichloromethane and hexane. Benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylenes were isolated using headspace solid – phase microextraction assisted by polydimethylsiloxane fibre. Qualitative and quantitative analyses of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylenes, were conducted via gas chromatography with a flame ionization detector. The analyses showed the presence of persistent organic pollutants in the river water samples during both sampling periods. Elevated concentrations of volatile polychlorinated biphenyls, benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylenes, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, were observed in the water samples during both periods. This study underscores the significance of investigating organic pollutants in Kosovo’s water systems, considering both local geographic concerns and the broader global issue of environmental pollution