The state and distribution of heavy metals in water environment of Skadar Lake (Serbia and Montenegro)

Abstract

Skadar Lake is the biggest, and the most important, aquatic catchment in Montenegro. The main inflows to the lake (from Montenegro) are the Moraca and Crnojevica Rivers. These rivers flow through industrial and urban settlements, which may ultimately result in pollution of lake water. The objective of this study was to provide more detailed information on the eco-chemical properties of the lake system through measurement of metal concentrations and the role of sediment - water in controlling their mobility and speciation. Sediments and water samples were taken from 15 sites and analysed for iron, copper, zinc, cadmium and lead. The results indicate certain difference of chemistry between waters from examined sites, and similarities of metal distributions between extracted phases of sediment, as well as between sediment and water. The results suggest that the overall aquatic ecosystem of the lake is still in a relatively pristine state.