Analysis of River Water and Air Pollution-Pljevlja as a Hot Spot of Montenegro

The aim of the study was to gather information necessary for the examination of the river Cehotina water quality as well as the air pollution in the urban area of Pljevlja (far north of Montenegro), from 2011 until 2018. The water quality of the Cehotina River was observed by the Water Quality Index (WQI) method, based on ten physicochemical and microbiological parameters from five hydrological stations. In order to examine the air quality, we used data on the concentration of the PM10 particles from the station located in the center of Pljevlja. The obtained results of river water quality indicate that the situation was disturbing (bad quality dominates). The results of the air quality analysis indicate that the situation has been alarming and Pljevlja itself as a hot spot of Montenegro. Annual, seasonal and daily mean concentrations of PM10 particles were above the prescribed limit values, except during summer. Sources of pollution were mostly known, and in order to protect public health, it is necessary to take appropriate measures as soon as possible, primarily the introduction of modern exhaust gas treatment technology TPP ''Pljevlja'' and construction of a heating plant that would replace numerous individual (home) fireplaces in Pljevlja.

Automated summary

The water quality of the Cehotina River in Pljevlja, Montenegro was found to be disturbing with bad quality dominating, while air pollution was also severe with PM10 particle concentrations exceeding prescribed limits most of the time. Immediate measures are needed to protect public health, including the introduction of technology and construction of heating plants.