Environmental geological assessment of naturally occurring asbestos based on mineralogical and spatial analysis: The Bajgora-Mitrovicë Area, Kosovo

Purpose. To evaluate the spatial distribution and mineralogical variability of naturally occurring asbestos (NOA) in the Bajgora region and assess its environmental significance in relation to geological conditions and current land-use patterns, to identify asbestos-bearing zones and provide a spatial basis for environmental hazard assessment.

Methods. A combined mineralogical, statistical, and geospatial approach was applied. Twenty representative rock samples were collected across the study area and analyzed using X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX) to identify and quantify asbestos-related mineral phases. Descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and principal component analysis (PCA) were used to evaluate mineralogical variability and phase associations. Spatial interpolation using Kriging was performed in GIS software to visualize the distribution of serpentine-group minerals and chrysotile and to support environmental hazard zoning.

Findings. The results indicate pronounced mineralogical heterogeneity within the Bajgora region, dominated by serpentine-group minerals, including lizardite (with multiple polytypes), antigorite, and subordinate chrysotile. Lizardite is the most widespread phase, reflecting low-temperature serpentinization, whereas antigorite locally dominates under higher-temperature, higher-pressure conditions. Chrysotile occurs discontinuously and is spatially restricted to specific structural zones, such as fracture systems and lithological contacts. Statistical and multivariate analyses confirm non-random spatial patterns and strong geological control on mineral distribution.

Originality. This study provides one of the first integrated mineralogical-statistical-spatial assessments of NOA in the Bajgora region, linking detailed phase characterization with spatial modeling to support site-specific environmental risk evaluation in ophiolitic terrains of the Western Balkans.

Practical implications. The generated spatial distribution maps provide a practical tool for environmental risk zoning, land-use planning, and prioritizing monitoring and mitigation measures in areas affected by naturally occurring asbestos.