Screening analyses of wastewater and danube surface water in Novi Sad Locality, Serbia

Abstract

The article focuses on the reliable screening analyses of water quality of the Danube section near Novi Sad, Serbia. Sampling of the wastewater discharged into the Danube and the Danube surface water in Novi Sad surroundings was carried out in December 2011. The water samples were analysed by GC-MS. The compounds occurring most frequently in the analysed water samples were phthalates, PAHs, bisphenol A, caffeine, terpenes, fatty acids, industrial and lubricant oils and defoaming agents. Dibutyl phthalate, diethyl phthalate, dioctyl phthalate and bisphenol A, which are on the NORMAN list of emerging substances, and di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate, which is on the list of the WFD priority substances, were detected in all the examined samples. A large group of terpenes, such as nerol, citronellol, menthol, ionone, and compounds as camphor, ethyl citrate or methyl jasmonate that could be found in cosmetics, personal care products or home cleaning products were determined in all waste and river water samples. The presence of hormones in all the surface water samples indicates human or animal faecal pollution, while the detected caffeine in all samples confirms an anthropogenic impact. Such contamination of the Danube could affect the security of the drinking water supply, since the Drinking Water Treatment Plant of Novi Sad is very close to the river bank and the raw water is derived from the Danube or from several groundwater reservoirs located in the direct proximity of the wastewater discharge points. © by PSP.