The content of As and heavy metals (Pb, Cd,Ni, and Cu) in total suspended particulate (TSP) and PM10 at 3 locations (Park, Institute, and Jugopetrol) near the copper smelter in Bor (Serbia) has been analysed within the period 2004 to 2015 with the aim of investigating the seasonal and spatial changes of those pollutants in the suspended particles.
Air pollution is one of the most important environmental problems in the town of Bor, situated in the eastern of Serbia. The main source of air pollution with sulphur dioxide, heavy metals and other toxic and carcinogenic elements present in particulate matter (PM) and aero sediments is the Copper Mining and Smelting Complex Bor.
In Mining and Metallurgy Basin Bor there are many problems associated with mining and metallurgical wastes, some of these are successfully resolved, and some are in preparation for solving. The recycling of tailings by flotation would not only save the environment but also recuperate metal copper and other valuable compounds which in fact make the cleaning of Bor creek self- financing and profitable.
Mining and mineral processing is still a vital source of income in Serbia, due to mineral abundance in copper, lead, zinc, antimony. Copper mining and metal-processing are located in the east: Bor, Veliki Krivelj, Cerovo, Majdanpek. Abandoned sites from antimony mining and processing and secondary lead smelter are at the western border: Zajača, Krupanj, Stolice. Coal mining and power plants are surrounding Belgrade: Obrenovac (2 power plants), Grabovac (plant ash landfill), Kolubara and Kostolac.
