The plain part of Vojvodina province is characterized by a relatively favourable soil, climatic and hydrological situation. However, in the course of the last two centuries extensive measures have been undertaken to protect the land from the action of unfavourable external waters and from excessive waters, along with the development of the system for irrigation. All these measures have created the conditions enabling fine regulation of the soil water-air regime as the basis for agricultural production and the development of the region as a whole. This paper is review of natural characteristics of area and the size of water engineering projects grew (flood protection, drainage, irrigation), followed by numerous practical problems. In recent years it has become more and more evident that within the present water management system still not enough account is taken and use made of the interrelationships within the water systems.

U radu se analizira stanje kvaliteta vode i sedimenata kanalisanog vodotoka Tatarnica. Ovaj vodotok predstavlja i glavni kanal jednog od sistema za odvodnjavanje, koji je lociran dvadesetak kilometara zapadno od Novog Sada (Vojvodina, Srbija). Kvalitet vode i sedimenta ovog vodotoka, pored ostalog, značajan je zbog toga što se njegove vode koriste za navodnjavanje povrtarskih kultura na okolnim obradivim površinama ali i zbog toga što se uliva u Dunav u zoni akvatorije posebne ekološke vrednosti, parka prirode Begečka jama. Na osnovu mesečnog uzorkovanja vode i analize relevantnih indikatora kvaliteta, tokom perioda 2006-2012. godine, prikazani su rezultati sedmogodišnjeg monitoringa kvaliteta vode i sedimenata. Prema većini relevantnih parametara kvaliteta, u najvećem broju uzoraka, voda ima dobar ekološki potencijal. Međutim, konstatovana je i povremena pojava vode neodgovarajućeg kvaliteta, najčešće kada je u pitanju organsko zagađenje iskazano preko povećanih vrednosti biološke i hemijske potrošnje kiseonika (BPK5 i HPK) kod oko 35% uzoraka. Odstupanja od zahtevanog kvaliteta vode konstatovana su i kod ostalih parametara u oko 10-25% uzoraka. Sastav sedimenata, po svim razmatranim parametrima, uglavnom je u granicama koje nemaju negativne posledice na životnu sredinu u kanalu i njegovom okruženju.

In order to achieve a satisfactory quality of water resources in Vojvodina wastewater treatment is certainly necessary. Constructed wetlands may participate in this process, primarily for wastewater treatment in rural settlements. Vojvodina is inhabited by nearly two million people living in 467 settlements. Out of that number 393 settlements have less than 5000 inhabitants. In these settlements 611000 inhabitants are living or 32% of the total population in Vojvodina. The settlements are present spatially in all districts on the territory of Vojvodina. The total amount of waste water from these settlements amounted to 92000 m3 per day, and produce loads on the territory of Vojvodina expressed through BOD5 of 36,7 t; HPK from 73.4 to 91.7 t; suspended solids of 42.8 - 55; total nitrogen content of 7.3 to 9.2 t and total phosphorus of 1.5 - 1.8 t. In these settlements problem of urban waste water can be solved using constructed wetlands. Areas of land necessary for constructed wetland designed for wastewater treatment of these settlements in the territory Vojvodine total amounts to 306 ha.

Water quality conditions of the Tatarnica canalized watercourse are considered in this paper. Tatarnica is the main canal of one of the drainage systems, which is situated about twenty kilometers to the West of Novi Sad (Vojvodina, Serbia). The quality of water and sediments in this canal is important because its water is used for irrigation of vegetable crops on the surrounding arable lands. In addition, its confluence into the Danube is near Begecka jama, which is a nature park with special ecological value. Based on the monthly water sampling and the analysis of relevant quality indicators during the research period, from year 2006 to 2012, the results of seven-year-long water and sediments quality monitoring are presented. According to the most relevant water quality parameters, water has a good ecological potential in most samples. However, occasional occurrence of inadequate water quality was noted, usually due to organic pollution, manifested as increased values of Biological and chemical Oxygen Demand (BOD5 and COD) in 35% samples. Exceptions from the required water quality were determined for the other parameters in about 10-25% of the samples. Sediment properties, according to all analyzed parameters, are generally within limits which do not have negative influences on the canal environment and its surroundings.

The constructed wetland (CW) in the settlement of Gložan is the first system of its kind for wastewater treatment constructed in Vojvodina (Serbia), aimed at treating local municipal wastewater. The common reed Phragmites australis, naturally growing at the CW location, was used as biofiltering vegetation. The monitoring effectiveness of the CW was based on removing suspended solids and reducing the amount of organic matter. The eight-year long study shows that the age of the constructed wetland does not significantly affect the changes (increase) in concentration of suspended particles and organic compounds from the wastewater effluent. We proved that measured values of variables, suspended solids, and biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5) of effluent belong to the same population. The chronological data series of suspended solids and BOD5 of effluent were processed using statistical tests of homogeneity, both parametric (Student's t-test with Fisher's F-test) and nonparametric (Mann-Whitney's U-test). The results of testing homogeneity of the data confirm that the constructed wetland has not been compromised, and that the removal of suspended solids is 93-96% and reduction of organic compounds, expressed in terms of BOD5, is up to 79-84%.

Constructed wetlands are manmade wetlands built to remove various types of pollutants that may be present in water that flows through them. They possess a rich microbial community in the sediment to effect the biochemical transformation of pollutants, they are biologically productive, and most importantly, they are self-sustaining. Unfortunately, this popular method still is not applied wider in our country. The two attempts are just going on in Vojvodina Province. This paper deals with details of two constructed wetland, in Glozan, and in Novo Milosevo. Glozan is a village with 2275 people, and with sewage system, without any industry inflow. Total area of the wetland system of 8400 m(2) is divided into three ponds: settling pond, purification pond, and the pond improvement of treatment effects. The sewerage system of the settlement of Novo Milosevo has been constructed for treatment of the municipal waste waters, assuming 8450 equivalent inhabitants. Treatment of waste water is carried out in several stages that are by passing it through the following sections: primary treatment lagoon, pre-wetland, primary wetland, secondary wetland, and tertiary wetland.The wetland systems in Glozan and Novo Milosevo appeared to be efficient in removing suspended matter, and lowering content of organic matter. Removal of nitrogen matter is also significant, as well as in the removal of phosphorus. The system efficiency is also associated with the role of micro organisms and plant species involved in the wetland, usually common reed. Best results are achieved under optimum conditions of the environment for the micro organisms and plants, i.e. in summer and autumn. It was found that the Glozan wetlands retain in average 293 kg P/year and 2924 kg N/year. The results showed that these elements are taken up by plants. The water balance and the results of pollutants removal confirm that the systems of constructed wetlands may be used under the eco-hydrological conditions of Vojvodina.

Research of the influence of geographical and historical factors on changes in natural features and the quality of ecosystem services is important for the evaluation of the reference state of the quality of the environment and the potential of natural systems for the renewal of functions on which the wildlife on the planet depends. The territory of central Banat in the surrounding of protected areas 'Slano Kopovo' Special Nature Reserve, 'Rusanda' Nature Park and 'Okanj Bara' Special Nature Reserve covering the settlements of Novi Bečej, Kumane, Melenci, Elemir and Taraš was selected for the analysis. Changes in ecosystems were monitored based on available geographical and historical data on the residence and activities of people in this territory during various time periods. Evaluation was conducted by scoring and gradation of impact was carried out by applying approximate values of spatial, qualitative and quantitative change indicators. According to the research results, current effects of the impact on the considered area were between significant and great. Results indicate the alarming state in the environment, since further increase in the scope of influences leads to the exceedance of capacities of the surrounding ecosystems for performing a part of ecosystem services (tremendous impact), or most of ecosystem services (drastic impact).

Salt steppes and marshes represent the most valuable ecosystems in the world, providing numerous ecosystem services that are extremely vulnerable to anthropogenic influences. These types of habitat in the territory of Serbia are most dominant in Banat and a significant portion of them is under protection or in the process of becoming protected. The section surrounding the protected areas of Slano Kopovo Special Nature Reserve, Rusanda Nature Park and Okanj Bara Special Nature Reserve with the non-building area of Novi Becej, Kumane, Melenci, Elemir and Taras cadastral municipalities, has been chosen for the analysis. The aim of this paper was to assess the influence of specific anthropogenic factors on the elements of an ecological network using the analytical method that can generate the required results in a manner suitable for presentation to various stakeholders. To achieve this aim, the Leopold matrix model, used for assessing anthropogenic influence on the environment, has been chosen. The specificity of this issue of protecting and preserving elements of an ecological network resulted in the need to isolate and evaluate the factors affecting the preservation of habitats and functionality of ecosystems, unlike the concept of Leopold matrix, which treats all factors as equally important in the process of evaluation. Evaluation results indicate significant effects of historical, perennial manner of using the area and other resources in the non-building area.

This paper presents results of the nitrate trends in streams of Vojvodina using nonparametric Mann-Kendall test. Data on nitrate sampled on average once a month on the 36 measuring stations for the period 2001-2012 were used. Analysis of the trends discussed in the framework of comparative presentation of linear regression and Mann-Kendall test. Tests have shown that there is declining trend of nitrate concentration on the Tisza at Martonoš and Novi Bečej and on the rivers Brzava and Nera. On some streams, although linear equations indicate an increase or decrease in nitrate, on the Danube at Zemun or Moravica river at Vatin, applied methodology have not been quantified significant trends. On the river Zlatica and DTD canals near Novi Sad and Bač, Mann-Kendall test showed a statistically non-existence of a trend. Nonparametric Sen's method confirmed the significant trend in the Tisza at Martonoš and Novi Bečej and on the rivers Brzava and Nera. On the 11% of measuring stations there is a declining trend, on the 81% of measuring stations is insignificant, and on the 8% of measuring stations statistically there is no trend of nitrate.

The aim of this work is to assess the impact of agriculture on the water quality in a chosen part of the Great Backa Canal, i.e. to make art estimation of agriculture contribution to general pollution of the canal. By analysing the contribution of particular mass loads to the Great Backa Canal it is possible to notice high variations from one parameter to another. While the proportions of ammonium and phosphates are very high at minimum discharge, the proportion of nitrates in the overall pollution is the significant issue at maximum discharges. With this in mind, difficulties still remain in establishing the exact contribution of agriculture to the overall quality of the recipient water, and the highest precision in this domain can be achieved by analysing every quality parameter separately and over a longer period of time. Based on the results of this investigation, certain actions have been recommended that should result in reduction of agricultural pollution in the future.

Water is becoming an increasingly scarce resource and planners are forced to consider any sources of water which might be used economically, ecologically, and effectively to promote further development. At the same time, with populations expanding at a high rate, the need for increased food production is apparent. The potential for irrigation to raise agricultural productivity has long been recognised. Where ever water is scarce, treated wastewater will have to be considered for use in agriculture. Many countries have included wastewater reuse as an important dimension of water resources planning. This paper deals with the theoretical part of wastewater use in agriculture: global water resource limits and water scarcity, sustainable development, sources of wastewater, health protection measures, monitoring and system assessment, socio-cultural and environmental aspects, economic and financial considerations, and policy aspects. At the same time, results from one case study of wastewater application in agriculture in a northern part of Serbia (Vojvodina Province) are presented.

Our paper presents a comparative review of the properties of sediments from drainage canals in Backa and Banat (two regions in northern Serbia). The drainage canals are important for agriculture and water management in the two regions. On the other hand, these canals are exposed to different point and non-point polluters. The resulting accumulation and increased concentration of undesirable substances in sediments may adversely impact the environment in the canals and their surroundings. Thirty-nine samples of canal sediments were collected in each region. The samples were analyzed for concentrations of macronutrients and heavy metals. The content of nutrients was on average 2 to 2.5 times higher in drainage canal sediments than in the arable soil around the canals. The average concentrations of heavy metals in the sediments were 38.84 and 53.75 mg.kg(-1) for Pb; 2.79 and 7.55 mg.kg(-1) for Cd; 52.09 and 42.72 mg.kg(-1) for Ni; 28.73 and 698.36 mg.kg(-1) for Cr; 40.76 and 13.54 mg.kg(-1) for As; 60.32 and 52.33 mg.kg(-1) for Cu; and 200.10 and 222.94 mg.kg(-1) for Zn, for Backa and Banat, respectively. The sediments of studied canals were characterizied by high concentrations of heavy metals, in some of them several times exceeding the allowable maximum concentration. These canals were typically located near large urban areas, directly receiving untreated municipal and industrial waste waters in addition to drainage water. Judging by the number, type and intensity of pollution, the concentrations of nutrients and most of the analyzed heavy metals were higher in the canal sediments from Banat than those from Backa.

JOSIMOV-DUNDERSKI, J., A. BELIC, A. SALVAI and J. GRABIC, 2013. Age of constructed wetland and effects of wastewater treatment. Bulg. J. Agric. Sci., 19: 679-684 Constructed wetland with subsurface flow in Gložan (Vojvodina Province - Serbia) is designed to accept and treat mu nicipal wastewater from settlement. Four-year study of removing suspended solids and BOD 5 has found that the age of the constructed wetland in the study period does not affect the concentration of suspended solids and organic compounds in the effluent. Applying Fisher F-test and Student t-test tested the homogeneity of data determined that the age of the constructed wetland is not affected, and that the removal of suspended solids is up to 96 - 93% and lowering content of organic compounds, expressed via BOD 5 , is up to 84 - 79%.

Water quality for irrigation is evaluated for specific watercourses in the area of Vojvodina, Serbia. The classifications used to assess the usability of irrigation water of various qualities are the FAO classification, USSL classification, the classification according to Neigebauer and the chloride classification of irrigation water. An additional assessment of the usability of irrigation water was also used and included determining the value of the sodium adsorption ratio (SAR), sodium percentage (SSP), residual sodium carbonate (RSC), residual sodium bi-carbonate (RSBC), magnesium content (MAR), permeability index (PI), and Kelly's ratio (KR). The overall assessment is that water analysed for the irrigation systems cannot be used because of its inappropriate effects on soil salinity. An analysis of the suitability of the phreatic aquifer for irrigation showed its inappropriate characteristics. Only a small number of water samples could be recommended for irrigation.

Constructed Wetland System (CWS) in the Glozan settlement is the first such system for wastewater treatment constructed in Vojvodina (Serbia), aimed at treating local municipal wastewaters. The common reed (Phragmites australis (Cav.) Trin. ex Steud.), naturally growing on the CWS location, is used as biofiltering vegetation. The CWS efficiency was monitored based on the water balance, removal of suspended matter, reduction of the amount of organic matter, removal of nitrogen compounds and total phosphorus, bioaccumulation of nutrients in the plant organs, as well as via the number of coliform bacteria. The water balance of the CWS indicates that water is always present. The system appeared to be capable to remove 94% of suspended matter, while the decrease in organic matter, expressed via biological oxygen demand (BOD5), in the investigation period has been 80.9%. The efficiency of removal of nitrogen compounds ranged from 47.3% for nitrates, 47.5% for ammonium, to 78.3% nitrites, while the efficiency of total phosphorus removal was 29.1%. The results of microbiological analyses confirmed the sanitary safety of the effluent. The results of the chemical composition of the reed confirmed the bioaccumulation of nutrients in the plant organs. Best results were achieved at the end of the growing period (autumn).

The constructed wetland system (CWS) located near the village of Glozan is the first system for wastewater treatment built in the Vojvodina Province (Serbia). The CWS at Glozan has been designed to treat municipal wastewater. The CWS uses the reed (Phragmites australis (Cav.) Trina. Ex Steud.) as a biofilter, the plant species that had grown naturally at the site prior to the construction of the CWS. In the study period, the Glozan CWS proved to be capable of effectively removing nutrients from wastewater. Removal rates for nitrogen compounds ranged from 47.3% for nitrates, 47.5% for ammonium, to 78.3% for nitrites, while the phosphorus removal rate was 29.1%. The efficiency of the system is clearly a result of a combined action of microbes and the reed residing in the CWS. The analysis of the chemical composition of the reed confirmed that it acted as a biofilter, i.e., nutrients were found to accumulate in its parts. Reed leaves accumulated largest amounts of nitrogen (up to 42.7 g kg(-1) DM), while the inflorescence accumulated largest amounts of phosphorus (up to 2.1 g kg(-1) DM). The Glozan CWS retained on average 292 kg P year(-1) and 2920 kg N year(-1).

Sediment deposition in canals network is caused by natural and anthropogenic conditions, respectively by canal environment in Voyvodina. Also, different type of point and non-point pollutants, transport characteristic of streams, and others typical canal particularity influence sediment deposition. The primary point of canals functionality and efficiency is their permanent maintain by sediment dredging. Taking one drainage canal as the example, essential chemical properties of the sediment and hazardous and toxic substances contents (heavy metals, PCBs and PAHs) are being analysed and presented in the paper. Importance of sediments quality problems addressing to land reclamation canal network in Voyvodina are pointed out in this paper. Necessity for sediments monitoring and criteria definition for environmental discharge are drown. Special attention is paid to agricultural land as recipient of these sediments.

The paper outlines the significance of studying and analysing sediment deposition issues in irrigation/drainage canals in Vojvodina. This problem needs to be properly addressed considering the total length of the canal network, that is, the total volume of sediment to be removed by dredging if the functional performance of the canal network is to be restored and maintained. Much of the effort needs to be focused to the polluted sediments with a severe risk for the environment. Sediment pollution is caused by the point and non-point sources of pollution. Taking one irrigation/drainage canal as the example, essential chemical properties of the sediment, heavy metals and hazardous and toxic substances contents are being analysed and presented in the paper.

The paper outlines the significance of studying and analyzing sediment deposition issues in irrigation/drainage canals in Vojvodina. This problem needs to be properly addressed considering the total length of the canal network, that is, the total volume of sediment to be removed by dredging if the functional performance of the canal network is to be restored and maintained. Much of the effort needs to be focused to the polluted sediments with a severe risk for the environment. Sediment pollution is caused by the point and non-point sources of pollution, such as agriculture, urban and industrial waste waters, etc. Taking characteristic irrigation/drainage canals as the example, essential chemical properties of the sediment, heavy metals and hazardous and toxic substances contents are being analyzed and presented in the paper. .