Distribution of Naturally Occurring Asbestos in the Mitrovica Region: Geochemical and Mineralogical Characterization

This study investigates the presence of naturally occurring asbestos (NOA) in the Bajgora region of Mitrovica, Republic of Kosovo. Rock samples were collected and analyzed using X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD) and scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM/EDX). The analyses confirmed the presence of the chrysotile mineral, which is part of the asbestos mineral family, while the minerals of the serpentine group, lizardite and antigorite, were identified. Also, in the last sample, in the flyschite sandstone formations, quartz was identified. XRPD enabled the identification of mineral phases, while SEM/EDX provided detailed morphological and chemical characterization, essential for confirming asbestos structures. The detection of asbestos near residential areas raises serious public health concerns, as airborne fibers may be inhaled during routine daily activities. Exposure to these fibers is linked to severe diseases, including asbestosis and mesothelioma. These findings highlight the need for continued monitoring and comprehensive assessment of asbestos contamination in the Bajgora region. The findings point to the need for continuous monitoring and comprehensive assessment of the Bajgora region for asbestos contamination. Furthermore, the ecological risks to human health resulting from the dispersion of asbestos mineral fibers in the soil, where their presence may be found in surface waters and in the air, these fibers represent a significant environmental risk that requires urgent attention by establishing a monitoring system for the benefit of public health.