Geographia Technica, Vol 21, Issue 2, 2026, pp. 33-50
HYDROCHEMICAL CHARACTERIZATION AND INTEGRATED WATER QUALITY ASSESSMENT OF TRANSBOUNDARY KARST SPRINGS IN THE ALBANIAN ALPS (ALBANIA–MONTENEGRO)
Arben PAMBUKU 
, Entela VAKO, Sherif LUSHAJ , Rrapo ORMENI , Anita BERBERI , Dhori DAPI, Stela GUXO, Ergest NAKO
ABSTRACT: This study investigates the hydrochemical characteristics and water quality of transboundary karst springs located in the Albanian Alps along the Albania–Montenegro border. Eleven representative springs were sampled and analyzed for 26 physical, chemical, and trace-element parameters during two sampling campaigns conducted in November 2024 (high-flow conditions) and June 2025 (dry season period). The investigated springs are associated with carbonate formations of Triassic, Jurassic, and Cretaceous age, forming highly karstified aquifers characterized by high permeability and rapid groundwater circulation. The hydrochemical composition of the springs was evaluated using major ion analysis, hydrochemical diagrams, and two widely applied water quality indices: the Water Quality Index (WQI) and the Heavy Metal Pollution Index (HPI). Spring discharges range from less than 1 l/s to several tens of liters per second, reflecting the heterogeneity of the karst aquifer systems. Results indicate that most springs are dominated by calcium–bicarbonate hydrochemical facies typical of carbonate aquifers. The calculated WQI values classify the majority of the springs as having excellent to good water quality for drinking purposes, while HPI values indicate minimal heavy metal contamination. The high-water quality observed in the study area is primarily related to the dominance of carbonate aquifers, limited anthropogenic pressure, and the progressive depopulation of rural mountainous areas. However, increasing tourism activity highlights the need for sustainable groundwater management, particularly in a transboundary context. The findings provide valuable baseline data and contribute to improved understanding, monitoring, and joint management of transboundary groundwater resources in the Albanian Alps within the broader Dinaric karst region.
Keywords: Karst hydrogeology; Transboundary aquifer; Groundwater quality; WQI; HPI; Cemi/Cijevna basin; Monitoring network.
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