Validation of an intrinsic groundwater pollution vulnerability methodology using a national nitrate database

The importance of groundwater for potable supply, and the many sources of anthropogenic contamination, has led to the development of intrinsic groundwater vulnerability mapping. An Analysis of Co-Variance and Analysis of Variance are used to validate the extensively applied UK methodology, based upon nitrate concentrations from 1,108 boreholes throughout England and Wales. These largely confirm the current aquifer and soil leaching potential classifications and demonstrate the benefits of combining soil and low permeability drift information. European legislation such as the Water Framework Directive will require more dynamic assessments of pollutant risk to groundwater. These results demonstrate that a number of improvements are required to future intrinsic groundwater vulnerability methodologies. The vertical succession of geological units must be included, so that non-aquifers can be zoned in the same way as aquifers for water supply purposes, while at the same time recognising their role in influencing the quality of groundwater in deeper aquifers. Classifications within intrinsic vulnerability methodologies should be based upon defined diagnostic properties rather than expert judgement. Finally the incorporation into groundwater vulnerability methodologies of preferential flow in relation to geological deposits, soil type and land management practices represents a significant, but important, future challenge.

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Resumen La importancia de las aguas subterráneas en el abastecimiento de agua potable, y las muchas fuentes de contaminación antropogénica, ha llevado al desarrollo del mapeo de vulnerabilidad a la contaminación intrínseca de aguas subterráneas. Se han utilizado un análisis de co-varianza y análisis de varianza para validar la metodología que se ha aplicado extensamente en UK basada en concentraciones de nitrato de 1108 pozos a través de Inglaterra y Gales. Se confirma ampliamente las clasificaciones actuales de acuíferos y potencial de lixiviación del suelo y se demuestra los beneficios de combinar la información de suelos y derrubios de baja permeabilidad. La legislación europea tal como el Marco Directivo del Agua requerirá evaluaciones más dinámicas del riesgo a la contaminación de agua subterránea. Estos resultados demuestran que se requieren varias mejoras en las metodologías futuras de vulnerabilidad intrínseca a la contaminación de agua subterránea. Tiene que incluirse la secuencia vertical de las unidades geológicas de modo que las unidades que no son acuíferos puedan zonificarse de la misma manera que los acuíferos con fines de abastecimiento de agua, mientras que al mismo tiempo se reconozca el papel que tienen en la influencia de la calidad de agua subterránea en acuíferos profundos. Las clasificaciones de las metodologías de vulnerabilidad intrínseca deberían basarse en las propiedades diagnósticas características más que en el juicio experto. Finalmente la incorporación de flujo preferencial en las metodologías de vulnerabilidad de agua subterránea en relación a las formaciones geológicas, tipo de suelo y prácticas de manejo de la tierra representa un desafío futuro no solo significativo sino que importante.

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Résumé Limportance des eaux-souterraines pour lalimentation en eau potable, et les multiples sources de contaminations anthropiques, ont conduit au développement de cartes de vulnérabilité intrinsèque des eaux souterraines aux pollutions. Une analyse de la co-variance et lanalyse de la variance sont utilisées pour valider la méthodologie extensive utilisée en UK, basée sur les concentration en nitrates de 1108 forages en Angleterre et en Ecosse. Ceci confirme les classifications courantes basées sur la nature des aquifères et le potentiel de lessivage des sols, et démontre le bénéfice que lon peut tirer à combiner linformation dérivant des sols et des faibles perméabilités. La législation européenne telle la Directive Cadre Européenne demandera des évaluations plus dynamiques des risques de pollution affectant les eaux souterraines. Ces résultats démontrent quun certain nombre daméliorations sont nécessaires aux futures méthodes de vulnérabilité intrinsèque des eaux souterraines. La succession verticale dunités géologiques doit être pris en compte, de telle manière que les parties non-aquifères puissent être zonées de la même manière que les aquifères pour lapprovisionnement en eaux potables, et reconnaître par la même occasion leur influence sur la qualité des eaux souterraines dans les aquifères profonds. Les classifications utilisées dans les méthodes de vulnérabilité intrinsèque devraient être basées sur les propriétés dun diagnostique défini plutôt que sur un jugement expert. Finalement lincorporation, dans les méthodes de vulnérabilité intrinsèque, des écoulements préférentiels en relation avec les formations géologiques, les types de sol et les pratiques daménagement du territoire représentent un challenge futur significatif et ortant.

     

A combined methodology to assess the intrinsic vulnerability of aquifers to pollution from agrochemicals

The groundwater vulnerability indices are valuable tools for the development of agrochemicals management strategies based on environmental/agricultural policies. The groundwater vulnerability methods of LOS, SINTACS, DRASTIC, Pesticide DRASTIC, GOD and AVI were applied for the agricultural fields of Sarigkiol basin (Northern Greece). The results of the aforementioned methods were examined and discussed in order to show how the dissimilarities in the vulnerability assessment approaches may become an advantage. The results of the methods were used to propose a combined conceptual approach which adds another two dimensions (depth and time) in the current two-dimensional vulnerability mapping (longitude, latitude) procedures. The LOS method provided information about the intrinsic vulnerability of the topsoil (30 cm) to water (+conservative pollutants) and nitrogen losses, and the AVI method described the vulnerability of the unsaturated zone to allow pollutants to reach the aquifer while the aquifer vulnerability was analysed using SINTACS, DRASTIC, Pesticide DRASTIC and GOD. In this study, the results of the SINTACS method were found more accurate to describe the local aquifer conditions. The final conceptual approach provided a stratified vulnerability (dimension of depth) of the overall hydrogeologic system using LOS for the topsoil, AVI for unsaturated zone and SINTACS for the aquifer. The dimension of time was introduced by the LOS and AVI methods, which provide quantitative results in time. The use of LOS method also highlighted the basic limitation of the other methods to describe the potential contribution to pollution of areas (especially upland areas) which are out of the aquifer boundaries.     

青木关岩溶槽谷地下水水源地固有脆弱性评价

岩溶地下水脆弱性评价是基于保护岩溶含水层从而有效地管理和利用地下水提出的有效方法和手段。我国西南岩溶区大多数地区缺少应有的地下水保护带,地下水比较容易受到污染。通过采用改进的斯洛文尼亚模式,考虑四个因子:覆盖层(O)、径流特征(C)、降雨条件(P)、岩溶发育程度(K),对重庆市青木关岩溶槽谷地下水水源地的固有脆弱性进行了定量评价。结果表明:流域范围内12.6%为高脆弱性地区;43%为中等脆弱性;44.4%为低脆弱性区域。消水洞及周边100m和消水河及其两边10m,以及岩溶管道发育地区为高脆弱性区。大部分岩溶区为中等脆弱性区。砂岩地区为低脆弱性地区。评价结果与实际吻合。该评价结果为各级决策部门合理规划利用和保护地下水资源提供简单明了的科学依据。该方法对于川东岩溶槽谷地区脆弱性评价有推广价值。     

西辽河平原(内蒙古部分)地下水固有脆弱性评价

在西辽河平原地下水资源评价的基础上,选取影响西辽河平原固有脆弱性的最主要的7个影响因子,利用GIS平台的空间分析功能,将研究区划分为14365个评价单元,运用基于DRASTIC的模糊综合评价方法对该区的地下水固有脆弱性进行了综合评价,并绘制了脆弱性分布图。评价结果表明西辽河平原(内蒙古部分)地下水脆弱性存在3个分区:大部分地区为地下水稍易污染区;南部的黄土地区为地下水稍难污染区;而西辽河和乌尔吉木伦河的中上游为地下水相对略易污染区。评价结果对该区地下水资源保护、防止地下水污染具有指导作用。     

西辽河平原(内蒙古部分)地下水固有脆弱性评价

在西辽河平原地下水资源评价的基础上,选取影响西辽河平原固有脆弱性的最主要的7个影响因子,利用GIS平台的空间分析功能,将研究区划分为14365个评价单元,运用基于DRASTIC的模糊综合评价方法对该区的地下水固有脆弱性进行了综合评价,并绘制了脆弱性分布图。评价结果表明西辽河平原(内蒙古部分)地下水脆弱性存在3个分区：大部分地区为地下水稍易污染区;南部的黄土地区为地下水稍难污染区;而西辽河和乌尔吉木伦河的中上游为地下水相对略易污染区。评价结果对该区地下水资源保护、防止地下水污染具有指导作用。     

Numerical modelling of groundwater vulnerability: the example Namibia

The UNSAT-H, HELP3 and MACRO4.3 computer codes, which have been developed for simulating the water balance of the unsaturated zone of soils and unconsolidated sediments, are also capable simulating water flow in low-porosity media such as fractured rock. The codes can be used to model the ability of rocks and overlying soils in the vadose zone to protect the groundwater in the uppermost aquifer. The net infiltration rates simulated by the different codes are compared against recharge determined by the chloride-balance method in Namibia. The dual-permeability code MACRO4.3 was found to produce more realistic estimates of net infiltration than the UNSAT-H and HELP3 codes, which are based on a single-permeability or effective-continuum method. The net infiltration rate together with the water storage in the unsaturated zone and the groundwater depth are used to calculate the residence time of pore water in the unsaturated zone. This parameter determines the intrinsic vulnerability of the aquifer.     

安徽淮北平原浅层地下水水质特征分析

以安徽淮北平原浅层地下水中的水质状况为研究对象,有针对性地采集了浅层地下水水样151个,应用多种方法测试了26种水样指标。综合分析结果表明:安徽淮北平原浅层地下水色度、浊度超标率小于10%;pH均值为7.6,为中性偏碱性水;HCO3—Na.Ca、HCO3—Na、SO4—Na、HCO3.SO4—Na.Mg等4种水化学类型占62.9%;硬度和TDS均值分别为481mg/L,641mg/L;Fe、Mn超标率分别为50.8%,46.9%;F-均值为1.4mg/L,低洼地势含氟矿物的溶解是导致F-局部偏高的主要原因,最高可达4.1mg/L;CODMn变化范围为1.0～3.5mg/L,有机污染程度低;三氮浓度随深度的增加而减少,农药化肥的过量使用是导致NO3--N和NH4+-N超标的主要原因,NO2--N超标19.1%,且与Fe2+浓度呈正相关关系(相关系数为0.933)。主成分分析发现,地下水的交换吸附作用、溶滤作用,原始沉积环境以及农业生产活动是影响其水质的主要因素。     

Vulnerability of groundwater to acid deposition, Jizerské Mountains, northern Czech Republic: construction and reliability of a GIS-based vulnerability map

The area of the Jizerské Mountains in the northern part of the Czech Republic is known to have suffered from heavy acid atmospheric deposition which has led to mass extinction of the forest cover in apical parts of the mountains and to degradation of groundwater quality. A methodology for construction of groundwater vulnerability maps, using a Geographical Information System (GIS), has been developed as a tool for protecting the groundwater resources. The maps were constructed by using four subsidiary layers, each of which reflects a particular parameter that governs acidification. The factors that determine vulnerability are: (1) elevation above sea level, (2) morphology of the terrain, (3) areal extent and type of vegetation cover, and (4) lithology of the aquifer. A step-wise analysis and application of the data in each of the layers was accomplished to compare changes in the quality of groundwaters, and to obtain the best weighting factors for the individual parameters. Changes in alkalinity of the groundwater during the last 30 years were used as a test criterion. The vulnerability map should be a valuable tool to identify and outline areas most vulnerable to acidification and also areas considered for reforestation. Electronic Publication     

The use of geoprocessing to assess vulnerability on the east coast aquifers of Rio de Janeiro State,Brazil

The east coast of Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil, shows a worrying overlap between areas with intrinsic groundwater vulnerability and the most significant urban expansion zones. It experienced a rapid population growth in recent years, mainly due to the tourism industry, resulting in a significant pressure on drinking groundwater resources. In this regard, development and use of techniques to control and protect areas susceptible to contamination is crucial. The elaboration of aquifer vulnerability maps is thus extremely helpful to support water resources management. The aim of the work is to present the methodological approach in the use of Geoprocessing techniques to obtain a suitable groundwater vulnerability model in Rio de Janeiro east coast. Considering the existing problems and the current land use and characteristics of the study region, it is clear that the most vulnerable areas (that is, “extreme” and “very high” vulnerability areas), coincide with the most significant zones of urban occupation, corresponding to 11% of the total study area, demanding adoption of urgent measures in the near future. Geoprocessing tools and remote sensing for characterization of Rio de Janeiro’s east coast aquifer vulnerability gave good results, representing a satisfactory method for management actions at low cost.     

An extension to the DRASTIC model to assess groundwater vulnerability to pollution: application to the Haouz aquifer of Marrakech (Morocco)

An extension to the DRASTIC model is proposed in order to assess aquifer vulnerability to pollution. In contrast to the DRASTIC model, which considers the unsaturated and saturated zones together and computes a global intrinsic vulnerability index, the suggested approach discriminates between the aquifer vertical vulnerability (a concept related to the pollutant percolation) and the groundwater susceptibility (a concept that depends on the behaviour and uses of the groundwater). This approach is applied to the Haouz aquifer (Morocco) that supplies water to the Marrakech area. This aquifer is widely overexploited and there is evidence that the groundwater quality is threatened by various sources of pollution. Evaluation of the vertical vulnerability indicates that the aquifer mainly presents a moderate-to-weak vertical vulnerability. The zones potentially most favourable to pollutant percolation are mainly located in Central Haouz, along or near the surface wadis. The aquifer susceptibility is high in places located near the N’Fis, Baaja and Issil wadis. Everywhere else, low-to-moderate susceptibility is observed. This new approach therefore enables areas of vertical vulnerability and areas of susceptibility to be delineated separately. As a result, it constitutes a valuable decision-making tool for optimising the management of aquifer water resources and land-use planning.     

Vulnerability of groundwater in Quaternary aquifers to organic contaminants: a case study in Wuhan City,China

More than 30 organic contaminants were detected in shallow groundwaters at Wuhan, the largest city in central China. Seriously contaminated groundwaters were from densely populated, industrial and commercial areas. Abnormal concentrations were found in groundwater from Hankou, downtown Wuhan: trimethylbenzene up to 29 μg/L, tetramethylbenzene up to 866 μg/L, and trichloroethene up to 9.5 μg/L. Benzene, Toluene, Ethylene and Xylene (BTEX) contamination of groundwater is serious and widespread at Wuhan, ranging between 0.14 and 25.0 μg/L. Considering the hydrogeological conditions of most Chinese cities, DRAMIC, a modified version of the widely used DRASTIC model, was proposed by the authors for assessing vulnerability of groundwater to contamination. The factors D, R, A and I in DRAMIC model are the same as in DRASTIC. The factor topography is ignored. The factor soil media is substituted by a new factor aquifer thickness (M) and the factor hydraulic conductivity of the aquifer by a new factor impact of contaminant (C). The equation for determining the DRAMIC Index is: DRAMIC = 5D _R + 3R _R + 4A _R + 2M _R + 5I _R + 1C _R. The calculated DRAMIC Index can be used to identify areas that are more likely to be susceptible to groundwater contamination relative to each other. The higher the DRAMIC Index is, the greater the groundwater pollution potential. Applying DRAMIC, a GIS-based vulnerability map for Wuhan city was prepared. Interestingly, places such as downtown Hankou, where enhanced concentrations of BTEX have been detected, correspond quite well with those with higher DRAMIC ratings.     

某城市工业区浅层地下水CAHs污染特征

2000—2002年采用气相色谱法对某市工业区浅层地下水中氯代脂肪烃(CAHs)含量进行了分析,在综合分析CAH污染的原因和途径的基础上,着重探讨了CAH在地下水系统中的迁移转化规律。结果表明,地下水中CAH检出率48 15%~85 19%,检出值质量浓度为0 1~71 89μg/L,与美国“EPA”标准5μg/L 相比,三氯乙烯、四氯乙烯超标率分别为59 26%和25 93%,超标倍数分别可达14 38 和9 128;三氯乙烯(TCE)和四氯乙烯(PCE)是主要污染物,重现性好;CAH对地下水的污染与其本身的物理性质、包气带的结构和地下水动力条件等因素有关,防污性能差的工业区CAH容易污染地下水;CAH在砂土中的迟后因子R值很小,很容易在地下环境中迁移;地下水流场是决定CAH分布的一个重要因素,沿着地下水流向,CAH浓度呈逐渐降低的趋势;地下水动态变化是引起CAH呈现季节性变化的主要原因。     

上海某厂区土壤和地下水环境质量评估

对上海某地老厂区土壤和地下水采样、检测,表明土壤重金属元素Cd、As,Pb的含量符合国家《土壤环境质量标准（GB15618-1995）》的一级标准要求,Hg、V、Cu的含量明显受到了污染,Mg、Cd、As、Zn、Pb、Be等金属元素含量水平与本地区的土壤环境背景水平相吻合;地下水中pH、NO3^-,-N,Zn属《地下水质量标准》（GBl4848-93）Ⅰ类,Cl^-和NH3^＋-N属V类,地下水对混凝土无腐蚀性,对钢筋有弱腐蚀性。     

Risk assessment of earth fractures by constructing an intrinsic vulnerability map,a specific vulnerability map,and a hazard map,using Yuci City,Shanxi, China as an example

Risk assessment of earth fracture hazards is particularly useful for regulatory, managerial, and decision-making purposes at all levels of government. A three-map method that includes intrinsic vulnerability, specific vulnerability, and hazard maps is developed to assess the earth fracture hazards in Yuci City, Shanxi, China. The intrinsic (natural) vulnerability map is based on the assessment of various natural factors by coupling the technologies of a Geographical Information System (GIS) to an Artificial Neural Network (ANN). The specific vulnerability map is generated by coupling the technologies of a GIS and an Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP). According to the overlapping principles of multiple geo-information systems, the hazard map is therefore defined by overlapping the intrinsic and specific vulnerability maps using a spatial-operation function in the GIS. Unlike the intrinsic vulnerability map, the hazard map takes into account human activities and the importance of the area to be assessed. The proposed three-map approach is not only scientifically valuable, but provides a more realistic assessment of earth fracture hazards as well.     

Use of alternative conceptual models to assess the impact of a buried valley on groundwater vulnerability

A buried valley incised into a sequence of pre-Quaternary sediments is shown to seriously affect the vulnerability of groundwater. Often the existence of buried valleys is not known or is not described explicitly in a hydrogeological model. In the present study, two numerical groundwater models, representing two alternative conceptual models, were produced to help quantify the effect of the valley on groundwater vulnerability. One model included the buried valley and the other did not. Both models were subjected to calibration and were found to describe hydraulic head and river discharge equally well. Even though the two models showed similar calibration statistics; fluxes, travel paths and travel times were affected by the inclusion of the buried valley. The recharge area and the groundwater age of potential abstraction wells placed in the pre-Quaternary deep aquifers surrounding the buried valley were different for the two models, with significantly higher vulnerability when the valley was included in the model. Based on the results of the present study, it is concluded that a buried valley may not always be detectable when calibrating a wrong conceptual model. If reliable results should be obtained a good geological model has to be constructed.     

Groundwaters of Florence (Italy): Trace element distribution and vulnerability of the aquifers

Geochemical and hydrogeological research has been carried out on 109 wells in the alluvial plain of Florence, in order to evaluate conductivity and main chemistry of ground waters, the pattern of some possible pollutant chemical species (Fe, Mn, Cr, Cu, Pb, Zn, NO₂, NO₃), and the vulnerability of the aquifers. The plain is made up of Plio-Quaternary alluvial and lacustrine sediments for a maximum thickness of 600 m. Silts and clays, sometimes with lenses of sandy gravels, are dominant, while considerable deposits of sands, pebbles, and gravels occur along the course of the Arno river and its tributary streams, and represent the most important aquifer of the plain. The groundwaters analyzed belong to this aquifer or to the smaller ones, hosted in the gravel lenses. Most waters show conductivity values around 1000–1200 S, and almost all of them have an alkaline-earth-bicarbonate chemical character; these features are consistent with the mainly calcareous lithology of the aquifers. In the western areas a higher salt content of the groundwaters is evident, probably related to the presence of industrial activities which use water desalinators. Heavy metal and NO₂, NO₃ analyses point out that no important pollution phenomena affect the groundwaters; all the mean values of the chemical considered species are below the maximum admissible concentration (MAC) fixed by the European Community for drinkable waters. Nevertheless, some anomalies of NO₂, NO₃, Fe, Mn, and Zn are present in the plain. Apart from Mn, which seems to be released by certain calcareous gravels, the other anomalies have a local influence, since they disappear even in the nearest wells. The most plausible causes can be recognized in losses of the sewage system (NO₂=3–4 mg/t); use of nitrate compounds in agriculture (NO₃=60–70 mg/l); oxidation of well pipes (Fe 20 mg/l; Zn 6 mg/l). As regards Cr, Cu, and Pb, all the observations are below the MAC; therefore, the median values of < 3, 3.9, and 1.1 g/l, respectively, could be considered reference concentrations for groundwaters circulating in calcareous lithotypes, under undisturbed natural conditions. Finally, a map of vulnerability related to the most superficial and important aquifer has been elaborated on the basis of thickness and permeability of the covers. The map shows that the areas near the Arno river are highly vulnerable, for the minimum thickness (or lacking) of sediments covering the aquifer. On the other hand, in the case of pollution, several factors not considered in the map could significantly increase the self-purification capacity of the aquifer, such as the dilution of groundwaters caused by the feeding of the rivers, the bacteria oxidation of nitrogenous species, and the sorption capacity of clay minerals and organic matter with respect to trace metals.     

洞庭湖区浅层地下水质量现状与安全供水研究

通过对1720个水质分析样品资料的深入分析与计算,系统地评价了洞庭湖区浅层地下水质量,指出了浅层地下水安全供水方向,并提出了安全供水措施及建议。计算结果认为,洞庭湖区浅层地下水中的污染因子主要为Fe、Mn、PH、NH4-N及NO2-N,其次为NO3-N、Be、COD,共8个因子,基本上没有遭受重金属污染;湖区浅层地下水水质整体较好,以优质水为主,占39.37%,合格水占26.04%;不合格水(较差水)占34.59%。     

潮白河再生水补给河道对周边浅层地下水影响的数值模拟研究

再生水在北京被广泛用于补给河道,2007年底至2017年共有2.3×108 m3再生水补给至潮白河顺义段。其污染物本底值较高（Cl−浓度约62~122 mg/L）,通过河床入渗补给到周边的含水层中,对周边地下水产生一定影响,尤其是浅层地下水。为了定量评价再生水补给河道对周边浅层地下水的影响,基于10年（2007—2017）的地下水监测数据,建立了再生水补给河道周边的地下水水流和溶质运移模型,模拟了受水区浅层地下水的水位和Cl−浓度的变化,分析了浅层地下水水量、Cl−负荷和NO3-N负荷的变化。结果表明,再生水补给河道后的前2年（2007—2009）,河道周边浅层地下水水位迅速抬升了3~4 m,之后在再生水的持续补给下保持稳定。但受深层地下水开采影响,2007—2014年研究区整体浅层地下水的水量仍在下降。2014年底实施地下水压采措施后,浅层地下水水量从2014年底的3.76×108 m3恢复到了2017年底的3.85×108 m3。周边浅层地下水中的Cl−浓度从再生水补给前的5~75 mg/L变化到了补给后的50~130 mg/L,之后保持稳定。浅层地下水水质受再生水影响的范围从2008年底的11.7 km2扩大到2017年的26.7 km2,影响区内的Cl−负荷从2008年底的1.8×103 t增加到2017年底的3.8×103 t,NO3-N负荷从2008年的29.8 t下降到2017年的11.9 t。尽管研究显示影响范围外的浅层地下水质受再生水影响不明显,但潜在的咸化和污染的隐患不容忽视,需要在后续研究中进一步明确。     

Optimization of the DRASTIC method for groundwater vulnerability assessment via the use of simple statistical methods and GIS

The assessment of groundwater vulnerability to pollution has proved to be an effective tool for the delineation of protection zones in areas affected by groundwater contamination due to intensive fertilizer applications. By modifying and optimizing the well known and widely used DRASTIC model it was possible to predict the intrinsic vulnerability to pollution as well as the groundwater pollution risk more accurately. This method incorporated the use of simple statistical and geostatistical techniques for the revision of the factor ratings and weightings of all the DRASTIC parameters under a GIS environment. The criterion for these modifications was the correlation coefficient of each parameter with the nitrates concentration in groundwater. On the basis of their statistical significance, some parameters were subtracted from the DRASTIC equation, while land use was considered as an additional DRASTIC parameter. Following the above-mentioned modifications, the correlation coefficient between groundwater pollution risk and nitrates concentration was considerably improved and rose to 33% higher than the original method. The model was applied to a part of Trifilia province, Greece, which is considered to be a typical Mediterranean region with readily available hydrogeological and hydrochemical data.

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Resumen La evaluación de vulnerabilidad del agua subterránea a la contaminación ha demostrado ser una herramienta efectiva para la delimitación de zonas de protección en áreas afectadas por contaminación de aguas subterráneas debido a aplicaciones intensivas de fertilizantes. Mediante la modificación y optimización del bien conocido y ampliamente utilizado modelo DRASTIC fue posible predecir la vulnerabilidad intrínseca a la contaminación así como el riesgo a la contaminación del agua subterránea con mayor precisión. Este método incorporó el uso de técnicas estadísticas y geoestadísticas simples para la revisión del pesaje y establecimiento de rangos de factores de todos los parámetros DRASTIC bajo un ambiente SIG. El criterio para estas modificaciones fue el coeficiente de correlación de cada parámetro con las concentraciones de nitraros en agua subterránea. En base al grado significativo estadístico algunos parámetros fueros sustraídos de la ecuación DRASTIC, mientras que se consideró el uso de la tierra como un parámetro adicional de DRASTIC. Siguiendo las modificaciones antes mencionadas se mejoró considerablemente el coeficiente de correlación entre el riesgo a la contaminación del agua subterránea y las concentraciones de nitratos incrementando en 33% su valor en relación al método original. El modelo se aplicó en una parte de la provincia Trifilia, Grecia, la cual se considera ser una región Mediterránea típica con datos hidroquímicos e hidrogeológicos fácilmente disponibles.

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Résumé L’évaluation de la vulnérabilité des eaux souterraines à la pollution a montré qu’elle est un outil efficace pour délimiter les zones de protection dans les zones affectées par la contamination des eaux souterraines due à l’utilisation intensive de fertilisants. En modifiant et optimisant le modèle DRASTIC, bien connu et souvent utilisé, il a été possible de prédire la vulnérabilité intrinsèque à la pollution, et de définir plus précisément le risque de pollution. Cette méthode incorpore l’utilisation de simples techniques statistiques et géostatistiques, pour la révision des facteurs d’estimation et de pondération de tous les paramètres de DRASTIC sous S.I.G. Le critère de ces modifications était le coefficient de corrélation de chaque paramètre avec la concentration en nitrates dans les eaux souterraines. Sur la base de leur signification statistique, certains paramètres ont été soustraits de l’équation DRASTIC. Suivant les modifications mentionnées ci-dessus, le coefficient de corrélation entre les concentrations en nitrate et le risque de pollution des eaux souterraines a été considérablement amélioré de 33% par rapport à la méthode originale. Le modèle a été appliqué sur une partie de la province de Trifilia en Grèce, qui est considérée comme une région typiquement méditerranéenne avec des données hydrogéologiques et hydrochimiques aisément accessibles.

     

Assessment and mapping of the intrinsic vulnerability to pollution: an example from Keritis River Basin (Northwestern crete, Greece)

Due to the geological and hydrogeological characteristics, the carbonate aquifers are frequently vulnerable to natural and/or anthropogenic polluting sources. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the intrinsic vulnerability to pollution of the Keritis River Basin (northwestern Crete, Greece). The huge amount of the flowing groundwater represents a strategic water resource to be allocated to drinking water purpose and to agricultural activities, too. The studied groundwater are characterized by quality degradation processes represented by the anthropogenic and natural pollution such as olive oil farming, agriculture activities, industrial waste and salt water intrusion. For a better management and protection of the water resources, the assessment and mapping of groundwater vulnerability to pollution are very important. From this investigation, the Keritis Basin showed an intrinsic vulnerability degree from extremely high to very low. This study allows to define the strategies which will permit a proper safeguard criteria, against the pollution sources of the Keritis Basin groundwater resources.