Application of water quality index for assessment of surface water, Dukagjini Region, Kosovo

Water quality has deteriorated considerably because of urban runoff, agricultural production, and rapid industrialization. This prosecution's objective is to assess the surface water's quality in the Gjakova location. In general, surface water quality complies with the Water Framework Directive's principles. In 2019, 2020, and 2021, three distinct sampling sites—the Lumbardh River, the Derivative Channel, and the Radoniqi Lake—were used to examine the surface water intended for consumption. According to principal corresponding analysis (PCA), there was a positive association between various physicochemical parameters and total and fecal coliforms. Based on the water quality index for each sampling site and the analyzed surface water parameters, surface water belongs to the medium category. In comparison to the Waste framework directive, most parameters fall into the first category, excluding nitrites, phosphates, and manganese. However, the water treatment for drinking should be related to parameters that exceed the upper limits. Seasonal monitoring of water quality is an effective tool to evaluate treatment processes.