Surface Water Pollution of Major Rivers in the Republic of Macedonia

In this paper an analysis of the concentrations of BOD5, total ammonium, nitrates, nitrites and orthophosphates in the major rivers (Vardar, Bregalnica and Crna River) in Republic Macedonia for the period 2000-2008 will be conducted. In our country the pollution of rivers is particularly serious in the urban areas due to the growing amount of wastewater that is often discharged without treatment. The regression analysis indicates that there hasn’t been a record of a downward trend with the parameters and in certain periods an increased average annual value is recorded. These results reflect the status of the inefficient treatment of urban and industrial wastewater and inadequate protection of river basins. This paper aims to show the situation in Republic of Macedonia regarding this issue and to indicate the measures taken to reduce and prevent water pollution and thus achieving good ecological status or potential of the waters.