Until recently, the wetlands have been destroyed as worthless areas due to the ignorance of their role in the processes that take place in the stream corridors. The paper presents an overview of their roles in the hydrologic cycle, biogeochemical cycling and supporting biodiversity. In addition, their significance in the stream corridor preservation, protection and restoration is discussed. Both, the knowledge of their role in and their significance for the stream corridors, is essential for preventing further imprudent destruction thereof, successful planning and preparation of the stream restoration projects, and the recognition of their possible usage in satisfying human needs.

During 2003 the referent monitoring of chemical quality of surface waters and sediments in Vojvodina (Serbia, Serbia and Montenegro) was conducted as a supplement to the regular monitoring program in Vojvodina. The aim of the study was to establish the chemical quality of surface waters and sediments. It is concluded that the water quality satisfies the criteria of the 1st/2nd class according to our legislation, with the exception of a few monitoring stations which showed a slight contamination with mineral oils and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs)/ With regard to contamination of sediments with PAHs, organochlorine pesticides and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) the Begej-Klek monitoring station may be considered as potentially problematic as the reference values according to Dutch legislation were exceeded for three classes of pollutants.

One-year monitoring program was organized with the aim to assess the quality of sediment and water in these Vojvodina watercourses: the Begej, the Sava, the Botos, the Tisza, the Tamis, the Danube and the Danube-Tisza-Danube (DTD) Canal regarding metal content (Cr, Cd, Cu, Ni, Pb, Zn, Hg) in them. Water was the 1st/2nd class by MPL of national requirements, except occasionally for the copper concentration on some locations. The highest concentrations of zinc, cadmium, chromium, copper and mercury were detected in the Begej sediment. Maximum nickel concentration was in the Sava sediment, and for lead in the Danube sediment.

Water quality studies of the Danube river in Belgrade region (Serbia and Montenegro) were performed at five locations, in June and September, 2003. Results of the qualitative, quantitative and saprobiological analyses of plankton and macrozoobenthic communities were used for the water quality assessment and the categorization of the watercourse examined. The bioindicator analysis points to the presence of mild organic pollution, water quality varying between the 2nd and 3rd class.

The paper presents the results of the water quality studies of the Sava river in Belgrade region (Serbia and Montenegro). The investigations were performed in June and September, 2003. The sampling area covered five locations along the 61.5 km of the river course. Studies included the qualitative, quantitative and saprobiological investigations of plankton and macrozoobenthic communities. The bioindicator analysis points to the presence of mild organic pollution indicating thus 2nd and 3rd-2nd class of water quality.

The paper presents the results of investigation of benthic algae of the river Rasina. During April, 2001, it was determined 110 algal taxa from the divisions Cyanophyta, Bacillariophyta and Chlorophyta, which indicate the high biodiversity of algae in this river. With 97 algal taxa, Bacillariophyta is dominant. The community of benthic algae is typical for this kind of aquatic ecosystem during the spring period. Great number of algal bioindicators of highly polluted water indicates the presence of high concentration of organic compounds in this aquatic ecosystem.

The puddle Slatina is the old meander of the river Tamis. It is periodically fill with moderate salt and high alkaline (pH 9) water. During our investigation it was determined 65 algal taxa from 5 divisions. Qualitative analysis points out on the domination of Cyanophyta, Euglenophyta and Chlorophyta, while quantitative analysis indicate the dominance of Cyanophyta. During spring 2003, total number of algae was 1.026 x 10**6 cel/l. High values of chlorophyll a (20 microgram/l) and total number of algae, as well as low transparency point out the progressive eutrophication.

Pilot screening of sediment quality on selected stretches of HS DTD and transboundary water bodies in Vojvodina Province (Serbia and Montenegro) was set as an objective of this paper. The results of sediment toxicity tests indicated the necessity for remedial activities of the following stretches: DTD Vrbas - Bezdan - sampling site Vrbas - Canal Banatska Palanka - Novi Becej - sampling site Kajtasovo and Begej - sampling sites Klek and Stajicevo.