Physicochemical Analysis of the Water Wells in the Area of Kosovo Energetic Corporation (Obiliq, Kosovo)

The authors analyzed the physicochemical parameters and heavy metals characterizing the wells at three different sites (nearby villages) in the area of KEC (Kosovo Energetic Corporation). The KEC power plants are the only ones in Kosovo that use fossil-fueled energy (lignite) for the production of the electricity. This process may pollute the environment through the release of airborne aerosols (contaminated with metals), ash (a part of its content that leaches in the underground waters), etc. This pollutes air, surface water, groundwater and soil. In addition, the coal exploitation activity as raw material for power plants, excavating from mining basins, conveyor belt transport, separation before combustion and other processes involving the formation of dust sources and coal particles in the air also contribute to the pollution. Thus, it is of utmost importance to evaluate the water quality of the wells that are used as drinkable water sources by the people that live in this industrial area.