Assessment of the Quality of Water of the River Una in the National Park Una on the Basis of Selected Microbiological Parameters

Abstract

Una River Water Quality Assessment was conducted in the Una National Park area as field and experimental type. Due to its unique natural values such as water quality, diversity of rare flora and fauna, specific sedimentation Una River belongs to the most beautiful and most interesting rivers in Europe. Earlier researches have proved that Una River water in the Una National Park has a distinctly clean water and clear in layers of blue-green colour. The biggest threat, especially in the area of the Una National Park, is hydrological changes and anthropogenic impacts, which can impair the quality of the Una River water. To determine the microbiological quality of Una River in the Una National Park area on the basis of selected microbiological parameters, including the total coliform bacteria with the emphasis on Escherichia coli is the main task that has been successfully accomplished through this research. A total of 72 samples were sampled from six different sites (Martin Brod, Kulen Vakuf, Orasac, Strbacki Buk, Lohovo, and Ripac) within the Una National Park within six months (January-June) and they were analysed in laboratory using the membrane filtration method. By analysing the microbiological quality of water based on the selected microbiological parameters the emphasis was placed on the presence of coliform bacteria. The results of the tested samples were evaluated as positive or negative. A total of 14 samples were positive, from the Lohovo and Ripac sites. It is known that coliform bacteria are secreted by faeces which through wastewater reach into natural waters and thereby disturb their integrity. To conclude, many anthropogenic influences are found at Lohovo and Ripac sites, compared to other sites whose water samples showed negative results.