In this paper given are basic characteristics and projected functions of the DTD (Danube-Tisza-Danube) Hydrosystem (Yugoslavia), then types, origin and some characteristics of muds - sediments in the hydrosystem channels. It is estimated that in hydrosystem channels gets in averagely about 1.28x10**6 tons of deposits annually, and of that amount in channels are settled about 0.64 x 10**6 cubic meter annually. In 1980-1996 period, it is mudded from channels of the main channel network averagely about 0.19 x 10**6 cubic meter/year, and in 1991-1996 period, usually only about 0.056 x 10**6 cubic meter/year, i.e. about 10 of average amounts which are deposited during the year. Also explained are numerous undesirable influences of muds - sediments on water quality in channels, as well as functions of the DTD (Danube-Tisza-Danube) Hydrosystem in general. At the end, measures for gradually improving conditions that are influenced by muds - sediments are, proposed.

One of the very dangerous pollution of environment are heavy metals. They are "indestructible" at the condition which leads at the environment. Pollution of heavy metals is irreversible process, except if they are physical removed from the environment which they are polluting. We determinated heavy metals (Pb, Cd, Cu, Zn, Cr, Ni and Co) in the mud of three fish ponds by means of sequential extraction, because of possible mobility in the mud and its concentration increase in the water. This method was selected because we wanted to determine distribution of heavy metals by substrates, and analyse was worked by the method of AAS. The results are showing that the concentration of all metals is in the extent of "natural phone" of lakes sediment.

The article gives review of concentration of copper in the water of the Bor lake basin. Content of copper in the mud on the bottom of lake and content of copper in the aerosol are analysed. The investigations have shown that the Bor lake is not polluted by copper.

The paper provides experimental results of testing the content of heavy metals, and other harmful and dangerous matters of the Sava river sludge (Serbia, Yugoslavia). The testing carried out by the Republic Hydrometeorological Service of Serbia (Yugoslavia), has been in compliance with the program of testing the Sava river water and sludge quality along the river flow. The establishing of sludge pollution range is not based upon values of maximum allowable concentrations. The most complex is the issue of heavy metals contents, since these also represent the natural contents of soil and minerals. However, considering the process of migration and distribution of heavy metals, and other harmful and dangerous matters discharged from utilities, industrial and power supply facilities, provides the basis for estimating the environmental pollution as well.

As a result of this study the overload by pollutants and low quality of canal water in the zone downstream of Vrbas and Srbobran towns (Serbia, Yugoslavia) has been recorded. Regarding to started work on demudification of canal bottom in the industrial zone of Vrbas town, in the course of 2000 the additional investigations of mud profile downstrean of wastewater discharge into the canal have been done. In the investigated mud samples the extremely high number of organotrophic bacteria was found (up to 1.7 x 10**10 cfu/ml), but also high number of conditionally pathogenic bacteria (opportunistic bacteria) was recorded. Also, the high number of fecal (thermo-tolerant) coliform bacteria (Escherichia coli and Klebsiella - Enterobacter - Citrobacter group of bacteria), as well as the presence of colifags was found. Such findings indicate possible bad consequences to the health of humans contacting this mud, as well as to the ground water quality, indirectly, via drainage water.

Microbial mats may be an alternative tool for phosphorus (P) remediation of eutrophic coastal waters. The main objective of this work was to determine the importance that the living and non-living components of the mats have on P short-term sorption. Microbial mats were collected in the Paso Seco coastal flat, Argentina (40°38′3.32″S; 62°12′24.85″W), and incubated under controlled conditions in the lab. An adsorption curve was performed with the microbial mats. Active mats had a Freundlich constant 8.9-fold higher than underlying sandy sediments. Collected samples were then treated as follows: maintaining and disturbing their structural integrity (natural and autoclaved, respectively), and both conditions were incubated with filtered seawater, without and with phosphate addition (0 and 5 mg P L⁻¹, respectively). Natural mats had a significantly-higher phosphate removal percentage than autoclaved ones, suggesting that living microorganisms increase P short-term sorption efficiency by ~25%, while non-living matter may account for the rest.

Importance of sediments quantity and quality problems addressing to land reclamation canal network in Vojvodina (Serbia, Serbia&Montenegro) are pointed out in this paper. Necessity for sediments monitoring and criteria definition for environmental discharge are drown. Special attention is paid to agricultural land as recipient of these sediments.

During technological process of coal treatment and coal improvement in RB Kolubara waste water is produced in the waste water cleansing installation and waste mud is separated. The examination have been executed concerning agrochemical and mechanical properties of this material as well as the presence of heavy metals and phenol. Based on the results which appeard during examination, this materail can be included in the biological reclamation process as bonifactor and deposol fertilizer. Inserting such organic materials, the requared organogenic features are increased and the physical and mechanical characteristics of deposol substrate are improved. The economical effects are important for RB Kolubara as well as for Kolubara-Prerada. The most important contribution is to environmental protection and fulfilling the legal regulations for bringing back of degraded soil to the primary purpose.

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.