Assessment of PAH and PCB concentrations in Bor River bed sediments affected by mining and metallurgy

The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in river bed sediment samples collected from the Bor River, an area strongly influenced by mining and metallurgical activities. The concentrations of PAHs and PCBs were determined using gas chromatography - mass spectrometry (GC-MS), which provides high sensitivity and reliability for the detection of such compounds. The results showed that the levels of PAHs and PCBs in the analyzed samples were below the limits of quantification. The results showed that, despite intensive mining and metallurgical activities in this area, there is no increase in the levels of these organic compounds in river sediments. The importance of this research lies in assessing the influence of mining and metallurgy on the environment and in evaluating the current ecological status of the Bor River.