ASSESMENT OF THE HEAVY METALS PRESENCE IN THE WATER, SOIL AND LANDFILL OF THE DRENICA RIVER – NEARBY THE INDUSTRIAL BY COMPLEX FERRONICKEL

The concentration of several heavy metals as possible contaminants were evaluated in air, water, land, and discharges from wastewater after the technological process of the Ferronickel factory. Such a study remains of immense importance due to the possibility that these contaminants can enter accumulate and bio-magnify in the environment. The study involved heavy metals such as; Zn, Pb, Cu, Fe and Ni. The reported results indicate that the concentration of these metals has exceeded the concentration values imposed by EU regulations. As results of this we propose that local government should take precautions and legislative directness to control the situation created in this context. The results obtained within this study indicate that presence of metal contamination in the study area is strongly influenced mining activities. The results presented here can serve national agencies in taking measures to implement monitoring programs for heavy metals in the areas surrounding the “Ferronickel Complex”.