ASSESSMENT OF GROUNDWATER QUALITY AND ITS SUITABILITY FOR DRINKING PURPOSES IN WESTERN SERBIA

Groundwater is a vital resource for drinking water supply; however, its sustainable use is increasingly threatened by industrialization and urbanization. To assess suitability for drinking and other purposes, this study analyzes the quality of groundwater samples obtained from a hydrogeological borehole reaching depths > 400 m. In addition to the known hydrogeological characteristics of the aquifer, and the lithological profile of the borehole, and physicochemical, microbiological, biological, parasitological, and radiological analyses of the water were conducted. The results showed that the examined parameters met the regulatory standards, except for elevated concentrations of Fe, Mn, B, and a slightly decreased pH value.