Main Characteristics of Spring Water on the Territory of Belgrade (Serbia)

This paper presents main physicochemical and microbiological characteristics of the spring water on the territory of Belgrade city (Serbia) and estimates the possibility of their utilization for public water supply purposes. Analysis of 23 springs on the wider territory of Belgrade is done. The following physicochemical parameters were analyzed: turbidity, pH, TDS, EC, Cl – , , Ca 2+ , Mg 2+ , , , K + and Na + , Ca 2+ , Mg 2+ , Na + and K + ions, as well as and Cl – , were determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS). Total Fe was determined by atomic absorption spectroscopy. was determined by volumetric titration. was determined by gravimetric method, and was determined by colorimetric method. Microbiological testing was done by Most Probable Number method. Water from 23 springs is defined as Ca–Mg–HCO 3 type of water. The most common problem that was recorded is microbiological inappropriateness of water (analyzed: aerobic mesophilic bacteria, coliform bacteria, streptococcus, proteus species, clostridia, pseudomonas aeruginosa or isolated microorganisms presence in water above maximum allowed value), on the first place, and in some cases physicochemical deviations. Among the undesired physicochemical characteristics of several springs, elevated nitrate content due to anthropogenic impact on the shallow aquifer groundwater and elevated magnesium content due to the presence of dolomite, stand out as dominant. An increase in the nitrate content is evident at the area away from the city centre that belongs to the rural type of settlement with a larger number of septic tanks, individual agricultural production with the use of fertilizers as well as individual animal breeding. Other physicochemical parameters are mostly within the proposed limits for human use. Analyzed water would see far greater application if it was treated in order to correct their microbiological quality, as well as nitrate content.