Estimation of water quality of Sava River (Vojvodina, Serbia) in the period 2004-2011 using Serbian Water Quality Index (SWQI)

Abstract

A Water Quality Index (WQI) is a numeric expression used to evaluate the quality of water bodies and make it easier understood by managers. This paper aims to assess water quality of Sava River in Vojvodina (North Serbia) for the 2004 - 2011 period. For this purpose authors applied: Serbian Water Quality Index (SWQI) assessment. WQI value is dimensionless, single number ranging from 0 to 100 (best quality) derived from numerous physical, chemical, biological and microbiological parameters. For the Sava River SWQI was mainly rated as very good. This study shows a clear decrease in water quality during warmer periods of the year. Additionaly, this study shows that water quality along Sava River decreases slightly downstream, of Sremska Mitrovica station but it still provides values that according to SWQI descriptive quality indicator have been defined as good (72-83) and very good (84 - 89). Also, this study shows an increase of SWQI downstream of the confluence of Drina River into Sava River. This methodology includes parameters for assessment of organic loading, but does not involve parameters of heavy metals concentration.