THE MIDDLE COURSE OF THE IBAR RIVER AS A ZONE OF HEAVY METAL CONTAMINATION

This paper highlights the severely degraded ecological condition of the middle course of the Ibar River, resulting from the long-standing industrial influence of the “Trepča” mining and metallurgical complex and associated mining waste landfills. Based on the results of field and laboratory analyses conducted during the 2022–2023 period, as well as previous literature data, elevated concentrations of lead, cadmium, zinc, and iron have been confirmed in water, sediments, and soil. The most affected zones were identified near the industrial plateaus in Zvečan and Leposavić. In addition to the alarming level of ecological risk, the paper emphasizes the potential for applying ecoremediation measures, particularly phytostabilization, as an approach to mitigating the consequences of long-term contamination. The paper underscores the necessity of continuous monitoring, an interdisciplinary approach, and the urgent planning of remediation activities in the Ibar River basin