Groundwater quality assessment of protected aquatic eco-systems in cross-border areas of Serbia and Croatia

Research results define basis for specific monitoring programs of groundwater quality in wetland eco-systems in Serbia and Croatia. The main purpose of the research was to determine the impact of nonpoint diffuse source pollution on the groundwater quality, as well as seasonal variations on the concentration levels of selected physicochemical parameters. Statistical analyses, PCA, HCA, ANOVA and t-test, encompass 18 monitored parameters in groundwater. Statistical data indicated that protected area in Serbia has a significantly higher load of pollution from agricultural activities compared to Wetlands Tompojevci. The highest load in groundwater was detected from total nitrogen, ammonia and nitrogen anions, indicating contamination of groundwater by nitrogen-based fertilizers. The results obtained within the two-year seasonal monitoring program, from 2018 to 2020, are highly essential for achieving a comprehensive database that could be used as platform for high-quality groundwater management in selected protected areas with the aim of minimizing environmental pollution.

Automated summary

Research results show that agricultural activities have a significant impact on groundwater quality in wetland ecosystems in Serbia and Croatia, mainly due to the use of nitrogen-based fertilizers. Statistical data analysis provides a reliable basis for establishing high-quality groundwater management.