Session E: Thermal Technique and Environmental Protection

Monitoring of heavy metals and their movement through the environment of the city of Kragujevac

Jovana Belošević¹*, Svetlana Belošević², Maja Đukić³
1 University of Belgrade, Faculty of Pharmacy, Belgrade, Serbia
2 University of Pristina in Kosovska Mitrovica, Faculty of Technical Sciences, Kosovska Mitrovica, Serbia
3 State University of Novi Pazar, Department of Natural Science and Mathematics, Novi Pazar, Serbia
Corresponding author: Jovana Belošević · jovanabelosevic2@gmail.com

Abstract

This paper analyzes the presence, distribution and trends in concentrations of heavy metals (lead, cadmium, nickel, zinc, arsenic and chromium) in different environmental media - air, surface water and soil - in the territory of the city of Kragujevac over a three-year period (2022, 2023 and 2024). Special focus is placed on identifying the main sources of pollution, such as industrial activities, traffic and individual combustion plants. Data were collected through regular annual and monthly monitoring reports conducted by city departments and the Serbian Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA). Metal concentrations in suspended particulate matter (PM10) and sediments were analyzed at key measurement sites (Mala Vaga, Medical School). Although most parameters are within the legally permitted limits, continuous monitoring is necessary, especially in urban areas with high traffic volumes. The results for 2024 indicate the need for further integration of local environmental action plans to reduce emissions of carcinogenic metals and protect public health.

Keywords

Heavy metalsAir pollutionSoilMonitoringEnvironment

Cite this paper

Recommended citation · Engineering TODAY style
J. Belošević, S. Belošević, and M. Đukić, “Monitoring of heavy metals and their movement through the environment of the city of Kragujevac”, Proceedings of the XII International Triennial Conference Engineering TODAY (ET 2026), Vrnjačka Banja (Serbia), pp. E61–E65, https://doi.org/10.46793/ET26.E08B, (2026)