GIS Based Decision Support System for Brownfield Redevelopment: The Case Study Municipality of Prokuplje, Serbia

Over the past 30 years, wastelands have increased in Serbia, particularly in the south and southeast. Prokuplje and surrounding municipalities lack protected areas and face significant depopulation and contamination issues. The Toplica region, with 88,900 inhabitants, is strategically located with key transportation routes, but former military sites in Prokuplje present challenges due to contaminated soils and proximity to urban areas, necessitating remediation and redevelopment. Three zones are ecologically suitable for conversion in Prokuplje, while one is moderately suitable. Two brownfields near the Niš-Prokuplje-Merdare-Priština road pose remediation challenges due to contamination with mercury(I) oxide, aluminum, and boric acid. Shallow contamination near densely populated areas makes remediation difficult. Legal regulation, homeowner assessment, and in-depth chemical analysis are essential for effective remediation. Essentially, Prokuplje has three areas suitable for conversion and one moderately suitable. However, the two brownfields near the Niš-Prokuplje-Merdare-Priština road face significant remediation challenges due to contamination with mercury oxide, aluminum, and boric acid. Addressing these issues requires legal regulations, homeowner assessments, and detailed chemical analysis to ensure safe redevelopment and boost investor confidence. Future efforts may include spatial analysis of former military sites, expanding to the Toplica region.