Geochemical characteristics and estimation of groundwater pollution in catchment areas of Timok and Pek Rivers, Eastern Serbia: Determination of early-stage groundwater pollution in mining areas

Long-term mining activities in the Bor and Majdanpek porphyry copper mining areas located in Eastern Serbia have led to serious environmental problems, the most notable being surface water pollution by heavy metals downstream of the mining sites. However, the geochemical characteristics and environmental impact on groundwater in the mining areas are not clear. This study clarified the geochemistry of groundwater in catchment areas of Timok and Pek Rivers including the Bor and Majdanpek mining areas. In this study, it was also examined whether the combination of geochemical maps and threshold values is appropriate for determination of early-stage groundwater pollution associated with mining activities.