Evaluation of transboundary pollution levels in the Axios river (Greece, former Yugoslavian republic of Macedonia) - Direct and indirect impacts on man and environment

Abstract

The present paper is a part of a greater research project aiming to determine the transboundary pollution of the Axios river, its water quality and the direct and indirect impacts to human health and environment. In the framework of this project, it has been determined the physicochemical and microbiological quality parameters, the presence of toxic chemical compounds and elements such as metals, pesticides and other related organic pollutants in various sampling stations. The analyses of the Axios river water showed the presence of one or more pesticides in all sampling stations, but in concentrations lower than 0.1 mu g/l, which is the highest permitted limit for each pesticide in drinking water, according to the Directive 778/80 of the European Union. The polychlorinated biphenyls show relatively high total concentrations in all sampling stations in the Greek part of the Axios river sediment. The levels of some heavy metals in river water and sediment are relatively high both in the Greek part and the FYR of Macedonia part of the Axios river. The results showed a significant degradation of the water quality of the Axios river, which is mainly due to the presence of toxic organic pollutants like pesticides, PCBs and heavy metals and it can be assumed that there is an environmental risk, possibly because of irrigation with water from the river.