Water vulnerability assessment in karst environments: a new method of defining protection areas using a multi-attribute approach and GIS tools (EPIK method)

 Groundwater resources from karst aquifers play a major role in the water supply in karst areas in the world, such as in Switzerland. Defining groundwater protection zones in karst environment is frequently not founded on a solid hydrogeological basis. Protection zones are often inadequate and as a result they may be ineffective. In order to improve this situation, the Federal Office for Environment, Forests and Landscape with the Swiss National Hydrological and Geological Survey contracted the Centre of Hydrogeology of the Neuchatel University to develop a new groundwater protection-zones strategy in karst environment. This approach is based on the vulnerability mapping of the catchment areas of water supplies provided by springs or boreholes. Vulnerability is here defined as the intrinsic geological and hydrogeological characteristics which determine the sensitivity of groundwater to contamination by human activities. The EPIK method is a multi-attribute method for vulnerability mapping which takes into consideration the specific hydrogeological behaviour of karst aquifers. EPIK is based on a conceptual model of karst hydrological systems, which suggests considering four karst aquifer attributes: (1) Epikarst, (2) Protective cover, (3) Infiltration conditions and (4) Karst network development. Each of these four attributes is subdivided into classes which are mapped over the whole water catchment. The attributes and their classes are then weighted. Attribute maps are overlain in order to obtain a final vulnerability map. From the vulnerability map, the groundwater protection zones are defined precisely. This method was applied at several sites in Switzerland where agriculture contamination problems have frequently occurred. These applications resulted in recommend new boundaries for the karst water supplies protection-zones. Received: 27 October 1997 · Accepted: 4 July 1998     

广州都会地区岩溶含水岩组的分布及水文地质特征研究

以广州都会地区水文地质调查、钻孔、抽水试验、水质分析结果等资料为基础,通过对资料进行整理、统计、分析,完成了研究区地下水类型的划分,基本查明都会地区岩溶含水岩组的分布、埋深、岩溶发育特征、富水性、水化学性质和补径排分区等。并按照地层时代对各岩溶含水岩组进行划分和论述。     

Mise-a-la-masse method,tracer tests and cave detection analysis of underground-river karst-conduit distribution and structure: a case study of the Dafengdong conduits in Guizhou Province,China

In karst areas, groundwater movement is dominated by conduit flow; thus, understanding the distribution and structure of karst conduits has great significance for water research, groundwater protection and engineering construction. With the Dafengdong (Guizhou Province, China) underground river karst as an example, a mise-a-la-masse method, tracer tests and cave detection were conducted to study the distribution and structure of karst conduits. Combined with information on the geological and hydrogeological conditions, the geological factors that form karst conduits were determined. It can be concluded that: (1) Under the influence of faults, karst conduits usually develop towards or along faults; (2) multiple karst conduits form easily on both sides of tectonic fracture zones; (3) both lithology and geological structure affect the formation of blue holes, and when the directions of karst conduits change, blue holes easily form in weak parts of the structure; (4) at springs where two aquifers intersect, with strong chemical dissolution of the lower karst aquifer and mechanical collapse of the upper aquifer, blue holes also form easily; and (5) integrated mise-a-la-masse method, tracer tests and cave detection can accurately discern the distribution and structure of karst conduits. Geological factors can be used to preliminarily delineate the distribution and structure of karst conduits in similar areas based on hydrogeological conditions. Such methods hold great significance for groundwater extraction and protection and engineering construction in karst areas.

     

A multi-method approach for groundwater resource assessment in coastal carbonate (karst) aquifers: the case study of Sierra Almijara (southern Spain)

Understanding the transference of water resources within hydrogeological systems, particularly in coastal aquifers, in which groundwater discharge may occur through multiple pathways (through springs, into rivers and streams, towards the sea, etc.), is crucial for sustainable groundwater use. This research aims to demonstrate the usefulness of the application of conventional recharge assessment methods coupled to isotopic techniques for accurately quantifying the hydrogeological balance and submarine groundwater discharge (SGD) from coastal carbonate aquifers. Sierra Almijara (Southern Spain), a carbonate aquifer formed of Triassic marbles, is considered as representative of Mediterranean coastal karst formations. The use of a multi-method approach has permitted the computation of a wide range of groundwater infiltration rates (17–60%) by means of direct application of hydrometeorological methods (Thornthwaite and Kessler) and spatially distributed information (modified APLIS method). A spatially weighted recharge rate of 42% results from the most coherent information on physiographic and hydrogeological characteristics of the studied system. Natural aquifer discharge and groundwater abstraction have been volumetrically quantified, based on flow and water-level data, while the relevance of SGD was estimated from the spatial analysis of salinity, ²²²Rn and the short-lived radium isotope ²²⁴Ra in coastal seawater. The total mean aquifer discharge (44.9–45.9 hm³ year^?1) is in agreement with the average recharged groundwater (44.7 hm³ year^?1), given that the system is volumetrically equilibrated during the study period. Besides the groundwater resources assessment, the methodological aspects of this research may be interesting for groundwater management and protection strategies in coastal areas, particularly karst environments.     

滇东南泸江流域岩溶地下水质量及污染影响因素研究

泸江流域是滇东南典型的喀斯特断陷盆地发育区,主干水系连接着多个断陷盆地及坡立谷.根据最新的地下水污染调查资料,流域喀斯特地下水质量总体以Ⅲ类为主,水质超Ⅲ类的岩溶水点中,东部多,西部少,且暗河占比最大,岩溶泉次之,机井最小.主要污染源是工矿企业及城镇生活垃圾污染源,研究分析了污染影响因素为环境水文地质条件的差异、污染源类型及排污强度、岩溶含水层防污性能的强弱程度和岩溶地下水污染机制的不同.详细阐述了岩溶地下水主要污染机制为落水洞或岩溶洞管灌入污染机制、溶隙溶孔含水介质渗透污染机制及浅覆盖型岩溶含水层越流渗漏污染机制.针对性的提出了3条防治对策:一是调整工业布局,切实减少、杜绝污染源;二是调查污染源及污染途径,重视环境水文地质条件对污染物迁移转化的影响;三是编制地下水开发与保护规划,制定相应的管理措施,有效保护水源.     

Spatial and temporal dynamics of suspended particles and E. coli in a complex surface-water and karst groundwater system as a basis for an adapted water protection scheme,northern Vietnam

Karst aquifers in subtropical regions are characterized by high variability of water availability and quality due to changes associated with rainy and dry seasons. An additional challenge for water management is the combination of surface-water and karst groundwater systems since high spatiotemporal dynamics cause high variability of water quality. In these cases, adapted protection strategies are required. In this study, a protection approach for the catchment of a river-water diversion point in a rural area in northern Vietnam is developed. The variability of water quality was evaluated by rainy and dry season synoptic surveys of suspended particles and microbial contamination at 49 sites and time series at three sets of paired sites under constant hydraulic conditions. The anthropogenic land-use activities in the catchment were mapped to identify potential contamination sources and to highlight the challenging combination of surface-water and karst groundwater management. The analyzed data indicate differences in water quality between the dry and rainy seasons and a higher influence on water quality from land use than from hydrologic conditions. Furthermore, the results suggest a high risk of contamination resulting from residential areas, agriculture, and livestock farming, and reveal the necessity of implementation of appropriate measures such as restricted farming and the hook-up of buildings to municipal sewage disposal. Finally, the data show that water quality can be improved by adjusting water withdrawals by the time of day. The applied methods can be transferred to other surface-water and karst groundwater systems in similar subtropical environments.

     

Karstological study of the new Kunming airport building area (Yunnan, China)

In Kunming area (6.8 mio population), two big interventions are in progress: construction of a new airport, the 23 km² area of which will extend across karst terrain northeast of the city, and extensive uptake of water from karst aquifers for drinking and agricultural use. In the study, an interdisciplinary approach was utilized to demonstrate the need for holistic karstology studies prior to performing extensive interferences in the karst environment. This study included survey of surface karst features and microscopic analyses of rock samples in the area of the new airport location, accompanied by hydrogeological studies and microbiological analyses of two karst drinking water sources in its vicinity (Qinglongdong, Huanglongdong). Results showed the specific characteristics of the subsoil stone forest that indicated a high level of karstification. The direction and characteristics of groundwater flow from the sinking Qiaotou Stream at the margin of the new airport area toward the Huanglongdong Spring were defined with a single tracer test. Additional information about hydrogeological characteristics of the karst aquifer was obtained by individual measurements of physical and chemical parameters of the springs and sinking stream. Selected chemical and bacteriological parameters showed substantial pollution of both springs due to various types of human activities in the catchments. The results of the study pointed to the necessity of taking immediate measures for the springs’ protection and showed the importance of interdisciplinary research when planning anthropogenic activities in the karst.     

Stable isotope (2H, 18O and 87Sr/86Sr) and hydrochemistry monitoring for groundwater hydrodynamics analysis in a karst aquifer (Gran Sasso,Central Italy)

This paper deals with chemical and isotope analyses of 21 springs, which were monitored 3 times in the course of 2001; the monitoring program was focused on the groundwater of the Gran Sasso carbonate karst aquifer (Central Italy), typical of the mountainous Mediterranean area.Based on the hydrogeological setting of the study area, 6 groups of springs with different groundwater circulation patterns were distinguished. The hydrogeochemistry of their main components provided additional information about groundwater flowpaths, confirming the proposed classification. The spatial distribution of their ion concentrations validated the assumptions underlying the hydrogeological conceptual model, showing diverging groundwater flowpaths from the core to the boundaries of the aquifer. Geochemical modelling and saturation index computation elucidated water–carbonate rock interaction, contribution by alluvial aquifers at the karst aquifer boundaries, as well as impacts of human activities.The analysis of ¹⁸O/¹⁶O and ²H/H values and their spatial distribution in the aquifer substantiated the hydrogeology-based classification of 6 groups of springs, making it possible to trace back groundwater recharge areas based on mean isotope elevations; the latter were calculated by using two rain monitoring stations. ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr analyses showed seasonal changes in many springs: in winter–spring, the changes are due to inflow of new recharge water, infiltrating into younger rocks and thus increasing ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr values; in summer–autumn, when there is no recharge and spring discharge declines, changes are due to base flow groundwater circulating in more ancient rocks, with a subsequent drop in ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr values.The results of this study stress the contribution that spatio-temporal isotope monitoring can give to the definition of groundwater flowpaths and hydrodynamics in fissured and karst aquifers, taking into account their hydrogeological and hydrogeochemical setting.     

Investigating the hydrogeological properties of springs in a karstic aquifer in Dorfak region (Guilan Province,Iran)

Karstic aquifers are considered as the main sources of groundwater in the northeast of Rudbar, Iran. The present study was conducted to evaluate the hydrogeological properties of karstic springs in this region. For this purpose, saturation indices (SI values) were calculated using the geochemical PHREEQC model for a number of minerals in the groundwater in the karstic aquifer. Moreover, AqQA-RockWare software packages were used to prepare hydrogeochemical plots for the aquifer, using which the sources of the ions in the water were identified. The origin of bicarbonate, calcium, and magnesium ions in water was determined using chloro-alkaline indices. Moreover, through plotting a Piper diagram for spring water samples, it was discovered that water type of all springs is the Ca-HCO₃ type, confirming the karstic characteristic of springs in the area. A Durov diagram also suggests that the water composition of the springs is of the bicarbonate type with the dominant Ca cation, suggesting the calcareous effects of the region on the quality of groundwater and exhibiting a single source for the springs. The calculated saturation indices show that most of the water samples are undersaturated with respect to calcite, dolomite, and CO₂. The stable isotopes (δ¹⁸O and δ²H) and deuterium excess values were used to get information about transport pathways in groundwater, atmospheric moisture, and the degree of interaction between these reservoirs. The degree of karstification of the recharge area of the karst aquifer was determined to be 5.5 from an analysis of the hydrograph Sefidab Spring.     

典型背斜槽谷区岩溶水资源空间分布格局与水质特征——以宜居河流域为例

文章选取典型背斜槽谷区——宜居河流域作为研究对象,结合不同水文地质单元对流域岩溶泉进行出露特征及水质分析,研究结果表明:(1) 二叠系、三叠系含水层的调查泉点水化学类型全部属于HCO3-Ca型水,而寒武系、奥陶系含水层部分泉点属于HCO3·SO4-Ca型水,这可能与该地区的岩性及人类活动有关;流域内93.8%的岩溶泉点水质等级为优良和良好,可作为饮用水源;(2)流域内岩溶泉流量<10 L·s-1的岩溶泉数量占78%,平均流量仅为0.84 L·s-1;流量≥10 L·s-1的岩溶大泉平均流量达76.56 L·s-1;此外,发现不同岩性地层在岩溶泉发育的数量和流量上皆有差异,表现出岩溶泉发育的极不均一性;(3) 在可溶岩与非可溶岩接触带、断裂构造带、陡崖处、地势较低的弱承压泄流区、深切河谷及峡谷两侧切割处5类地点易出露岩溶泉。      

Karst groundwater management by defining protection zones based on regional geological structures and groundwater flow fields

In a semiarid region, the karst aquifer generally forms a large groundwater reservoir that can play an important role in regional water supply. But because of the specific physical properties of karst aquifers, they are vulnerable to pollution and anthropogenic impacts. Karst groundwater management strategies are vital. As representative of karst springs in a semiarid area, Niangziguan Springs is located in the east of Shanxi Province, China with an annual average rate of discharge of 10.34 m³/s (1956–2003) (Y. Liang, unpublished data). The Niangziguan Spring Basin covers an area of 7,394 km² with an annual average precipitation of 535 mm (1958–2003) (Hao et al. in Carsologica Sinica 23(1):43–47, 2004). Over the past three decades, accelerated groundwater exploitation has caused water-table decline in the aquifer, reduction of the spring discharge, and deterioration of water quality. In this study, three protection zones were defined to ensure the quality and capacity of this resource. The confluence of the 11 spring systems and the discharge areas were defined as I protection zone, the recharge basin was II protection zone, and the slack water area where there is little surface recharge was the III protection zone. Management strategies for each zone were suggested and evaluated to provide a scientific foundation for sustainable utilization.     

Impact of karst water on coal mining in North China

Coalfields in North China encompass more than ten Provinces. They contain six to seven coal seams in the Permo-Carboniferous strata. The lower three seams account for 37% of the total reserves and are threatened with intrusion of karst water from the underlying Ordovician limestone. Hundreds of water inrush incidences have occurred, in which a large amount of water suddenly flows into tunnels or working faces under high potentiometric pressure. Over 50 mines have been flooded over the last 30 years. Large-scale dewatering or depressurizing of the karst aquifer was considered essential to avoid water inrushes and keep the mines safely operational. This practice, however, has caused sinkholes, dry springs, water supply shortage, and groundwater contamination in the surrounding areas. One alternative water control measure is to make full use of the rock layer between the coal seam and the karst aquifer as a protective barrier to prevent or constrain water flow from the underlying aquifer into the mines. Grouting is effective when the hydrogeological conditions are favorable to this technique. Proper design of the grouting program and experience of the contractor are also important for a successful application.     

北京西山黑龙关泉域岩溶水系统边界与水文地质性质

北方岩溶水系统具有固定补给范围和资源要素,是岩溶地下水进行独立循环的基本单元,控制了岩溶水的运移富集、水化学演化特征、资源构成以及环境地质问题。开展岩溶水系统研究的首要任务是确定系统边界位置及其水文地质性质。以北京西山黑龙关泉域岩溶水系统为研究对象,采用地质学、岩溶动力学、流体动力学、水文地球化学、地球物理勘探等方法,确定黑龙关泉域岩溶水系统是由南部大石河背斜岩溶水子系统和北部百花山向斜南翼岩溶水子系统2个次级系统组成;其含水岩层分别为蓟县系铁岭组、雾迷山组和青白口系景儿峪组、奥陶系、寒武系碳酸盐岩。根据边界的水文地质性质可以划分为地表分水岭边界、地下分水岭边界、隔水边界、岩溶含水层深埋滞流性边界等类型。     

Tracer tests, hydrochemical and microbiological investigations as a basis for groundwater protection in a remote tropical mountainous karst area, Vietnam

The Tam Duong karst area in NW Vietnam is among the poorest and remotest regions in the country. The local population largely depends on water from two main karst springs. Due to agricultural activity and untreated domestic wastewaters, the spring water is often microbiologically contaminated. In order to provide a scientific basis for groundwater protection in the area, different field methods have been applied including hydrogeological framework investigations, tracer tests, and hydrochemical and microbiological sampling and analyses. All methods had to be adapted to the conditions of a poor and remote area. These adaptations included, amongst other measures, the use of a portable microbiological water_testing kit and the involvement of the local population in the sampling campaign. The tracer tests showed simple and direct connections between two important swallow holes and the two main springs, and made it possible to determine the linear groundwater flow velocities, which are extremely high (up to 875 m/h). The hydrochemical and microbiological data confirmed the strong impact of the streams sinking into the swallow holes on the spring water quality. Future groundwater source protection strategies should consequently focus on the reduction of polluting activities near the sinking streams and within their catchment areas.     

Numerical simulation of karst groundwater system for discharge prediction and protection design of spring in Fangshan District,Beijing

As the rapid growth of population and social economy, the situation of water resources shortage in Beijing city becomes more and more serious. Karst groundwater in Beijing has great potential for development. The reasonable exploitation of karst groundwater can enhance the water-supply stability of Beijing city. Firstly, the distribution of springs has been investigated in Fangshan, Beijing, and the characteristics of these springs have also been analyzed. Secondly, the hydrogeological conceptual model has been built, based on this, the groundwater flow numerical simulation model was established, and the parameter identification and validation of the model were performed under groundwater level and spring discharge. The results shows that the simulated values of groundwater level and spring discharge are very close to measured values, and the model can be used for groundwater resources evaluation and spring discharge prediction. Finally, a reasonable exploitation design has been developed with three exploitation scenarios considering the spring discharge protection; meanwhile, the quantity of groundwater resources was evaluated in the karst aquifer. The simulation results indicate that different exploitation yields have a significant impact on spring discharge; and the effective measures should be taken to protect the spring discharge     

南方岩溶含水系统结构识别方法初探

岩溶含水系统因其含水介质的高度不均匀性和各向异性而难以刻画。文章选取鄂西岩溶槽谷区典型的岩溶含水系统为研究对象,基于野外地面调查、裂隙测量、洞穴探测、多源高精度地下水示踪试验、地下水动态监测等传统手段,结合新技术、新方法来综合查明岩溶含水系统的结构,探讨岩溶含水系统的边界结构、岩溶发育主控方向、介质空间结构的识别方法,最终刻画出岩溶含水系统结构的概念模型。文章的研究成果旨在为岩溶山区1∶5万水文地质调查工作思路与方法应用提供参考,为提高全国新一轮1∶5万水文地质调查成果的精度与质量做贡献。      

Sustainable yield of a karst aquifer system: a case study of Jinan springs in northern China

Based on the long-term monitoring data of rainfall, groundwater levels, groundwater abstraction, spring flow rates and groundwater quality, an assessment has been undertaken of the sustainable yield of a karst aquifer system in Shandong Province, northern China, to maintain perennial outflow of the karst springs while meeting water demands. One of the fundamental indicators for sustainable yield of groundwater is identified as maximum allowable water-level drawdown. A regional three-dimensional finite-difference numerical model has been developed to optimize the schemes associated with well fields and their locations and sustainable yields, in the Jinan spring catchment and its adjacent karst groundwater catchments, with the aim of maintaining the water level higher than the allowable lowest water level of 27.5?m above sea level. Furthermore, measures necessary to move towards sustainable use of the karst groundwater are outlined, drawing on contingency plans of water-source replacement and artificial recharge, dual water supply (based in water quality), use of the spring waters themselves, and groundwater quality protection.     

Use of molecular approaches in hydrogeological studies: the case of carbonate aquifers in southern Italy

Waterborne pathogens represent a significant health risk in both developed and developing countries with sensitive sub-populations including children, the elderly, neonates, and immune-compromised people, who are particularly susceptible to enteric infections. Annually, approximately 1.8 billion people utilize a faecally contaminated water source, and waterborne diseases are resulting in up to 2.1 million human mortalities globally. Although groundwater has traditionally been considered less susceptible to contamination by enteric pathogens than surface water due to natural attenuation by overlying strata, the degree of microbial removal attributable to soils and aquifers can vary significantly depending on several factors. Thus, accurate assessment of the variable presence and concentration of microbial contaminants, and the relative importance of potentially causative factors affecting contaminant ingress, is critical in order to develop effective source (well) and resource (aquifer) protection strategies. “Traditional” and molecular microbiological study designs, when coupled with hydrogeological, hydrochemical, isotopic, and geophysical methods, have proven useful for analysis of numerous aspects of subsurface microbial dynamics. Accordingly, this overview paper presents the principal microbial techniques currently being employed (1) to predict and identify sources of faecal contamination in groundwater, (2) to elucidate the dynamics of contaminant migration, and (3) to refine knowledge about the hydrogeological characteristics and behaviours of aquifer systems affected by microbial contamination with an emphasis on carbonate aquifers, which represent an important global water supply. Previous investigations carried out in carbonate aquifers in southern Italy are discussed.     

泸西喀斯特断陷盆地地表水与地下水流域边界与水动力性质

在详细调查基础上,采用系统科学及水文地质分析方法,依据地形地貌、地层岩性、地质构造、示踪试验、地下水排泄基准面、喀斯特发育条件及发育规律等剖析论证流域边界,并通过钻探及示踪试验进行验证。研究结果:（1）对泸西喀斯特断陷盆地南东部的水系统边界向北移进行了修正,证实了三塘一带深部不发育的喀斯特是地下水分水岭边界,使得泸西喀斯特断陷盆地流域的径流系统和边界圈化更加准确;（2）泸西喀斯特断陷盆地流域地表水、地下水转化频繁,地表水径流特征主要以小江河在水库、河流、伏流间的径流转化过程为体现,地下水在侵溶山区接受大气降水补给后,上层径流以泉、暗河的形式在泸西盆地底面排泄后转化成地表水,最终汇集于盆地南部、通过工农隧洞及落水洞排向小江,而下层径流则以小江水面为基准,通过深层径流排泄。