Relatively dense network of irrigation channels in Vojvodina is exposed to various point and non-point pollutants impacts. Therefore, deposited channel sediments-sludges can be contaminated with high concentration of dangerous and harmful substances such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH). These sediments could have long lasting harmful effects on environmental status, quality and usability of channel water, and especially on surrounding agricultural soil, where dredged sediments are deposited or scattered. In this paper above mentioned conclusions are illustrated by quality analysis of specific irrigation channels sediments in terms of PAH contents in them.

This paper presents the concentration of Pb, Cd, Zn, Cu and Ni in the surface sediment samples, determined by EDPXRF. Also, a horizontal distribution of these metals is given for seven investigated sites in the coastal sea of Montenegro, from the entrace to the Bokakotorska Bay to the mouth of the river Bojana. A trend of increase in the concentration of metals with the distance from the coast is noticed in the studied area. The possible causes of this distribution should be sought in the direction of movement of sea currents in the Adriatic Sea as well as the fate of suspended material after entering the river Bojana.

A batch adsorption test was conducted to examine the adsorption characteristics of cadmium and copper on bed sediments of the Sava river and its relation to the concentration of dissolved metals. The adsorption of ions were studied using equilibrium technique as a function of adsorbate concentration. The adsorption data, over the whole range of concentrations used, follow the Langmuir adsorption isotherm. Cu2+ and Cd2+ adsorption isotherms were measured on some sediment samples obtained from 3 different sites.

The results of sediment quality monitoring gathered during the period 2002-2008 were processed and shown in the current work to assess the overall sediment quality in Vojvodina watercourses regarding heavy metals content. Since Serbia does not have legislation for sediment quality, Canadian and Dutch sediment criteria were used for evaluation of sediment quality. The elevated concentrations of heavy metals in Vojvodina watercourses are a consequence of the discharge of untreated or partially treated industrial and municipal wastewaters, but also of the corosion of metal structures and constructions (Cu, Zn) as well as the influence of difussion sources, principally agriculture (Cd, Cr, Hg) and transport (Pb).