Spatial distribution of dissolved trace metals and metalloids in the Sitnica–Llap–Ibar river system, Kosovo

This study aimed to determine the spatial distribution of dissolved trace metals and metalloids in the Sitnica-Llap-Ibar river system in Kosovo and to identify pollution patterns relevant to environmental assessment and river-basin management.A dry-season monitoring campaign was conducted at ten surface-water sampling sites distributed along the investigated river system.Water samples were filtered, acidified, and analysed for Al, As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, Zn, Co, and Mo using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS).The contamination status was evaluated using the contamination factor (CF), and the measured concentrations were compared with international environmental guideline values.The highest mean concentrations were recorded for Fe (595.00 µg/L), Mn (324.61 µg/L), and Al (202.50 µg/L), whereas Cd and Co occurred at comparatively lower levels.The highest individual concentrations were observed mainly at site W2, including Al (760 µg/L), Fe (1620 µg/L), Mn (615 µg/L), and Ni (23.1 µg/L).Pb reached its maximum concentration at W7 (13.2 µg/L), while Zn was highest at W3 (120 µg/L).CF values indicated considerable contamination for Mn and Pb, moderate contamination for Cd, Ni, and Al, and low contamination for the remaining analysed elements.Overall, the results confirmed pronounced spatial heterogeneity, with higher contamination indicators at W2, W3, and W7 and comparatively lower levels at W9 and W10.The study was limited to a dry-season campaign; therefore, seasonal variability and hydrological effects should be addressed in future monitoring.These findings provide useful baseline data for pollution control, environmental monitoring, and integrated river-basin management in Kosovo.The study offers original sitespecific evidence on dissolved trace metal and metalloid contamination in the Sitnica-Llap-Ibar river system and supports future risk assessment and water-quality management.