ORGANIC POLLUTANTS IN STREAM SEDIMENTS OF KUPA RIVER DRAINAGE BASIN

Abstract

SUMMARY This paper presents the first results of distribution of or-ganic pollutants in 44 sediment samples (fraction 0.02 ppm) for 7 sediment samples. Total phenols were determined above 0.65 ppm for 23 sediment samples, which was characterized as heav-ily polluted sites. Mineral oils above 100 ppm were found in 13 sediment samples, which are, therefore, moderately polluted. Total lindane isomers in all sediments were below the detection limit of 0.0004 ppm, and, therefore, far below the toxic level of 0.0009 ppm. Results have shown unexpectedly that the western part of Kupa River drainage basin, with karst aquifers of high risk located in the boarder area of Croatia and Slovenia, has sediments, which were more polluted with organic con-taminants from those affected by the war in the middle and eastern part of the basin. Further studies of sediments and protection of karst aquifers in this region is suggested.