Water quality of Yugoslav rivers (1991–1995)

Yugoslaviaʹs exposure to UN sanctions since 1992 resulted in a production reduction in almost every field of economic activity, and that caused a decrease of pollutant inputs in the water ecosystems. Although the boundary profiles of international rivers registered no change, an improvement was detected in river water quality on profiles that run deeper inside the country. The quality of Yugoslav rivers in period from 1991 to 1995 is presented in this paper. The quality of the Danube, Tisa, Sava, Drina, Morava, Ibar, Bojana and Moraca is evaluated by the concentrations of characteristic parameters. The specific situation where the reduction in industrial and agricultural production occurred, together with reduced traffic activities and uncontrolled black-market import of fertilizers, influence the changes in concentrations of water quality parameters. It is possible to conclude, based on analysed data, that a general improvement in the quality of Yugoslav rivers has occurred during the period of observation, 1991–1995.