Distribution of stable isotopes in the River Sava in Serbia

Abstract

Grab water samples were collected from the research ship ARGUS at four locations in Serbia, Ostruznica (17 rkm), Sabac (103.6 rkm), Sremska Mitrovica (136.4 rkm), and Jamena (195.0 rkm) from the mid-river, and near the left and right banks during longitudinal survey of the River Sava performed in August 2006. The stable isotope ratios of hydrogen and oxygen ((2)H/(1)H and (18)O/(16)O) were determined along with other physicochemical and biological parameters. The delta(18)O values of river water ranged from -9.2 parts per thousand to -8.5 parts per thousand, and delta(2)H values ranged from -66 parts per thousand to -61 parts per thousand. Samples taken from the mid-river along the main stem of the Sava at all examined locations appeared to be isotopically the same stream water with a value of -9.0 +/- 0.1 parts per thousand for delta(18)O and -65 +/- 1.0 parts per thousand for delta(2)H. The results are considered in relation to the isotopic changes known to occur in water subjected to evaporation and mixing.