Multi-scale input data assessment for harmonized index-based aquifer vulnerability evaluations across Europe

Groundwater Vulnerability Assessment

Aquifer Vulnerability ◽

Data Availability ◽

Individual Vulnerability ◽

Core Item ◽

Vulnerability Assessments ◽

Work package 7 of the GeoERA HOVER project deals with groundwater vulnerability assessment to pollution of the shallow upper aquifer. We present vulnerability assessments across Europe applying the DRASTIC method in 11 pilot areas and the COP method for karst systems in 5 pilot areas. The presented assessments are carried out at multiple scales (between 1:1K and 1:250K), pilot areas sizes (catchment to national scale; 15 to 338 000 km&#178;) and hydro-climatic contexts (ranging from extremely high and steady recharge to very low and seasonal recharge). The core item of this presentation is a detailed investigation and statistical assessment on respective data availability, data density and methodologies applied to retrieve input parameters for the assessment (e.g., groundwater recharge) and how this affects the final vulnerability assessments. We also focus on the definition (numerical ranges) of the individual vulnerability classes, which are valid across all pilots.In an attempt to generate information summarizing affected aquifer volumes, a method based on a lumped index and 2D conceptual cross-sections is proposed. It was originally designed for sea-water intrusion assessments, and has been adapted and applied in some pilot areas to estimate aquifer volumes of each individual vulnerability class.

GROUNDWATER VULNERABILITY ASSESSMENT USING DRASTIC MODEL OF UP AL-KHASSA DAM SUB-BASIN, KIRKUK, NE IRAQ

Iraqi Geological Journal ◽

10.46717/igj.53.2e.2ms-2020-11-24 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 53 (2E) ◽

pp. 12-24

Author(s):

Madyan Al-Gburi

Keyword(s):

Vulnerability Assessment ◽

Aquifer Vulnerability ◽

Drastic Model ◽

Drastic Method ◽

Arc Gis ◽

Vulnerability Map ◽

Gis Software ◽

Program Version

Several studies and assessments have been conducted of areas exposed to pollution, especially areas that contain aquifer. The final extraction of the vulnerability map of the groundwater was constructed through the use of the DRASTIC method by applying the linear equation of the seven coefficients in the Arc GIS software program (Version 10.4). The aim of the study to assess aquifer vulnerability to pollution. Results, vulnerability map range between 75-126 (very low, low, and medium), the study area consists of very low and low vulnerability, except some areas medium vulnerability close to the center of the sub-basin in the standard vulnerability map (s) and 91-149 (very low, low, and medium) for the agriculture or pesticide vulnerability map (p), the medium vulnerability occupies a greater area the center of the sub-basin.

Groundwater vulnerability assessment to pollution in Kasihan, Bantul Regency: A comparative method study (GOD, SINTACS and DRASTIC)

E3S Web of Conferences ◽

10.1051/e3sconf/202020002012 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 200 ◽

pp. 02012

Author(s):

Ignasius Loyola Setyawan Purnama ◽

Vincentia Anindha Primacintya

Keyword(s):

Groundwater Level ◽

Vulnerability Assessment ◽

Rock Type ◽

Comparative Method ◽

Vulnerability Index ◽

Vulnerability Assessments ◽

Drastic Method ◽

Aquifer Type

Groundwater vulnerability to pollution refers to the ease with which pollutants reach groundwater, in other words indicating the level of ease of an area to experience pollution. At present, the theme is one of the themes that attracts many researchers because pollution is more frequent in an area. The purpose of this study is to assess groundwater vulnerability in the study area for pollution using the GOD method and conduct a study of 3 groundwater vulnerability assessments, to determine the most appropriate assessment to be applied in the study area. The method used to determine groundwater vulnerability to pollution is GOD, which uses three parameters to assess the vulnerability of groundwater, namely aquifer type, rock type above aquifer and groundwater level. Furthermore, the results of the vulnerability assessment using the GOD method are compared with the vulnerability assessment according to the SINTACS and DRASTIC methods that have been carried out before in this area. The results showed that the variation of groundwater vulnerability index values in the study area according to the GOD method was from 0.35 to 0.63. Locations that are classified as medium vulnerability are generally located in the limestone Sentolo Formation, while locations that are classified as high vulnerability class are located in the volcanic rock of Yogyakarta Formation. Noting the results of determining groundwater vulnerability from the three methods, it can be said that the three methods are suitable for assessing groundwater vulnerability in the study area. However, looking at the distribution pattern of the level of pollution, the DRASTIC method can provide more detailed results related to the level of vulnerability.

Assessing groundwater vulnerability to sea water intrusion in the coastline of the inner Puck Bay using GALDIT method

E3S Web of Conferences ◽

10.1051/e3sconf/20185400023 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 54 ◽

pp. 00023 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Dawid Potrykus ◽

Anna Gumuła-Kawęcka ◽

Beata Jaworska-Szulc ◽

Małgorzata Pruszkowska-Caceres ◽

Adam Szymkiewicz ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Sea Level Rise ◽

Sea Level ◽

Seawater Intrusion ◽

Sea Water ◽

Aquifer Vulnerability ◽

Galdit Method ◽

The Impact ◽

Simulated Scenario ◽

Puck Bay

In this research, GALDIT method was used to assess seawater intrusion in the coastal aquifer of the inner Puck Bay (Southern Baltic Sea). The impact of potential sea-level rise on groundwater vulnerability for years 2081-2100 was also considered. The study area was categorized into three classes of vulnerability: low, moderate and high. The most vulnerable area is the Hel Peninsula with northern part of the Kashubian Coastland. Increased class of aquifer vulnerability is also adopted to glacial valleys. The results of this research revealed that about 18.9% of the analyzed area is highly vulnerable to seawater intrusion, 25.3% is moderately vulnerable and 55.8% is potentially at low risk. The simulated scenario of predicted sea level rise shows enlargement of high vulnerability areas.

GROUNDWATER VULNERABILITY ASSESSMENT TO SEAWATER INTRUSION THROUGH GIS - BASED GALDIT METHOD. CASE STUDY: ATALANTI COASTAL AQUIFER, CENTRAL GREECE

Bulletin of the Geological Society of Greece ◽

10.12681/bgsg.11786 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 50 (2) ◽

pp. 798 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

I. Lappas ◽

A. Kallioras ◽

F. Pliakas ◽

Th. Rondogianni

Keyword(s):

Seawater Intrusion ◽

Coastal Aquifer ◽

Groundwater Resources ◽

Aquifer Vulnerability ◽

Hydrogeological Parameters ◽

Groundwater Occurrence ◽

Boundary Parameter ◽

Galdit Method

Groundwater resources assessment has resulted in development of models that help identify the vulnerable zones. This paper presents a GIS-based hydrogeological index, named GALDIT, aiming at the assessment of aquifer vulnerability to seawater intrusion in Atalanti coastal aquifer, Central-Eastern Greece. The above acronym is formed from the most important factors controlling seawater intrusion, that is, four intrinsic hydrogeological parameters, one spatial parameter and one boundary parameter including Groundwater occurrence (aquifer type), Aquifer hydraulic conductivity, depth to groundwater Level above the sea (hydraulic head), Distance from the shore, Impact of seawater intrusion and aquifer’s Thickness. These factors nclude the basic requirements needed to assess the general salinization potential of each hydrogeological setting. Each parameter is evaluated with respect to the other to determine the relative importance of each factor. GALDIT model is described to assess and quantify the significance of vulnerability to seawater intrusion due to excessive groundwater withdrawals. Different thematic maps are prepared for seawater intrusion indicators and overlaid to develop the final vulnerability map. The derived map can be used as a tool for coastal groundwater resources management and areas’ determination of potential saltwater intrusion since the result of GALDIT ndex is classified based on vulnerability rate.

An Evaluation of Groundwater Vulnerability Assessment Methods in a Rapidly Urbanizing City: Evidence From Dakar, Senegal

10.21203/rs.3.rs-785867/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Abdoulaye Pouye ◽

Seynabou Cissé Faye ◽

Mathias Diedhiou ◽

Cheikh Becaye Gaye ◽

Richard G. Taylor

Keyword(s):

Land Use ◽

Groundwater Quality ◽

Low Income ◽

Unconfined Aquifer ◽

Aquifer Vulnerability ◽

Near Surface ◽

Nitrate Concentrations ◽

The Tropics

Abstract In rapidly growing cities in the tropics, unregulated urban development presents a major risk to groundwater quality. Here, we assess the vulnerability of an unconfined aquifer of Quaternary sands in the Thiaroye area of Dakar (Senegal) to contamination using four GIS-based indices (DRASTIC, DRASTIC_N, SINTACS, SI). Our correlation of assessed vulnerability to observed impact is semi-quantitative, relating observed groundwater quality, based on nitrate concentrations and tryptophan-like fluorescence to vulnerability degrees (i.e. coincidence rates). We show that considerably more of the Thiaroye area has a “very high vulnerability” according to SI (36%) relative to DRASTIC (5%) and SINTACS (9%); “high vulnerability” is estimated using DRASTIC_N (100%), DRASTIC (66%) and SINTACS (69%). Single-parameter sensitivity tests show that groundwater depth, soil, topography, land use and redox parameters strongly influence assessments of groundwater vulnerability. Correlation with observed nitrate concentrations reveals aquifer vulnerability is better represented by SI (coincidence rates of 56%) relative to DRASTIC_N (43%), SINTACS (38%) and DRASTIC (34%). The underestimation of groundwater vulnerability in Dakar using DRASTIC, DRASTIC_N and SINTACS is attributed to their reliance on an assumed capacity of the unsaturated zone to attenuate surface or near-surface contaminant loading, which in the low-income (Thiaroye) area of Dakar is thin and affords limited protection. The inclusion of a land-use parameter in SI improves the characterization of groundwater vulnerability in this low-income, rapidly urbanizing area of Dakar.

A Modified AVI Model for Groundwater Vulnerability Mapping: Case Studies in Southern Italy

Water ◽

10.3390/w14020248 ◽

2022 ◽

Vol 14 (2) ◽

pp. 248

Author(s):

Daniela Ducci ◽

Mariangela Sellerino

Keyword(s):

Southern Italy ◽

Aquifer Vulnerability ◽

Data Availability ◽

Physical Parameters ◽

Time Dimension ◽

Index Method ◽

Vulnerability Index Method ◽

Hydrogeological Characteristics ◽

Groundwater Vulnerability Mapping

Many methods for evaluating the aquifer’s vulnerability to pollution have been developed in the past four decades by using geographic information system (GIS) tools. However, even if the aquifer vulnerability concept is well defined and the methods have been constantly tested and compared, the problem of the choice of the best “standard” method remains. To meet these objectives, aquifer vulnerability maps are of crucial importance. The choice of method depends on several factors, including the scale of the project, the hydrogeological characteristics of the area, and data availability. Among the many methods, the AVI (Aquifer Vulnerability Index) method has been widely used as it considers only two physical parameters. The AVI Index represents the hydraulic resistance of an aquifer to vertical flow, as a ratio between the thickness of each sedimentary unit above the uppermost aquifer (D, length), and the estimated hydraulic conductivity (K, length/time) of each of these layers. The AVI Index has a time dimension and is divided into five classes. In order to avoid a widespread presence of the higher vulnerability classes, especially in shallow aquifers, the AVI classification has been modified using statistical methods. The study reports the application of the modified AVI method for groundwater pollution vulnerability, in three different areas of southern Italy, highlighting the limitations of the method in alluvial aquifers and the differences with other methods.

GeoEra HOVER WP7 – Harmonized vulnerability to pollution mapping of the upper aquifer

10.5194/egusphere-egu2020-14037 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Andreas Günther ◽

Stefan Broda ◽

Klaus Duscher ◽

Jörg Reichling ◽

Susanne Schomburgk ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cross Sections ◽

Research Area ◽

Aquifer Vulnerability ◽

Nitrate Contamination ◽

Data Sets ◽

Geological Surveys ◽

Vulnerability Assessments ◽

The Status ◽

Vulnerability Maps ◽

Upper Aquifer

45 Geological Survey Organisations (GSOs) from 32 European countries developed an ERA-NET Co-Fund Action: Establishing the European Geological Surveys Research Area to deliver a Geological Service for Europe (GeoERA). The GeoEra project HOVER (Hydrogeological processes and Geological settings over Europe controlling dissolved geogenic and anthropogenic elements in groundwater of relevance to human health and the status of dependent ecosystems) aims to gain understanding of the controls on groundwater quality across Europe using the combined expertise and data held by member states. Objectives of the HOVER work package 7 (WP7) are i) review of existing index methods for assessing the vulnerability of the upper aquifer to pollution and selection of the methods to be applied at the pilot and pan-EU scale, ii) compilation and harmonization of input data sets required for assessing vulnerability, and iii) assessment of aquifer vulnerability to pollution (both in maps and 2-d schematic cross sections).The selected methodology adopted in this project is DRASTIC, which will be applied in ten pilot areas and at the pan-European scale. In karst regions, however, the COP method will be applied in the pilots. This is accompanied with comparisons with the outcomes of existing national vulnerability assessments. It is anticipated to validate the resulting vulnerability maps at the pilot level using available groundwater nitrate contamination information.

Groundwater Vulnerability Assessment of the Tarkwa Mining Area Using SINTACS Approach and GIS

Ghana Mining Journal ◽

10.4314/gm.v17i1.3 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 17 (1) ◽

pp. 18-30

Author(s):

A. Ewusi ◽

I. Ahenkorah ◽

J. S. Y. Kuma

Keyword(s):

Sensitivity Analysis ◽

Vulnerability Assessment ◽

Anthropogenic Activities ◽

Environmental Parameters ◽

Groundwater Vulnerability Assessment

Mining Area ◽

Aquifer Vulnerability ◽

Geographical Information ◽

Model Parameters ◽

Groundwater vulnerability assessment to delineate areas that are susceptible to contamination from mining and anthropogenic activities has become an important element for resource management and landuse planning. In view of the extensive mining in the Tarkwa area, quality of groundwater has become an important issue. This study estimates aquifer vulnerability by applying the SINTACS model which uses seven environmental parameters to evaluate aquifer vulnerability and geographical information system (GIS) in the Tarkwa mining area. Sensitivity analysis has also been carried out to evaluate the relative importance of the model parameters for aquifer vulnerability. The SINTACS model results show that the intrusive rocks within the Tarkwaian and the Birimian rocks are dominated by very high vulnerability classes while the Banket Series is characterised by high vulnerability class. The Huni Sandstones have moderately high vulnerability. In addition, the Kawere Group and the Tarkwa Phyllites displayed medium vulnerability. Analysis from the variogram model shows that all parameters used in the SINTACS model have a strong spatial structure. From statistical analysis, depth to water parameter inflicted the highest impact on the vulnerability of the aquifer followed by effective infiltration, vadose zone media, soil media, aquifer media, topography and hydraulic conductivity in the order of decreasing impact. Sensitivity analysis indicated that the aquifer media, hydraulic characteristics and topography cause large variation in vulnerability index. Depth to water and effective infiltration were found to be more effective in assessing aquifer vulnerability. Keywords: Groundwater, Vulnerability, Tarkwa, SINTACS, GIS

Assessment of groundwater vulnerability to pollution as part of integrated management in coastal areas Case of Ghiss-Nekkour Basin (North East of Morocco)

La Houille Blanche ◽

10.1051/lhb/2020019 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 63-73

Author(s):

Taoufiq Kouz ◽

Soukaina Mansour ◽

Hakim Mesmoudi ◽

Houria Dakak ◽

Hinde Cherkaoui Dekkaki

Keyword(s):

Integrated Management ◽

Anthropogenic Pollution ◽

Aquifer Vulnerability ◽

Data Availability ◽

The Past ◽

North East ◽

Hydrogeological Characteristics ◽

Nitrate Distribution ◽

Coastal Basin

Many methods for assessing the vulnerability of groundwater against anthropogenic pollution have been developed in the past decades. However, if aquifer vulnerability concept is well defined and the methods have been constantly tested and compared, the problem of the choice of the best method remains. The choice of the method depends on a series of factors, including the scale of the problem, the hydrogeological characteristics of the area and data availability. From a pile of a vulnerability assessing methods, the GOD, DRASTIC and SI approaches have been the most extensively tested. This is why, in the present work, we applied them to evaluate the groundwater vulnerability of the Ghiss-Nekkour aquifer, located in North East of Morocco, on its Mediterranean shore. The mapping resulting from the application of the three approaches shows a range of intervals divided into classes corresponding to fluctuating degrees of vulnerability from “very low” to “extreme”. The coincidence rate between the nitrate distribution of the groundwater and the mapped vulnerability classes is higher when the SI approach is applied. Such mapping constitutes basic documents guiding the land planner in decision-making within a framework of territorial intelligence and integrated management of the Ghiss-Nekkour coastal basin.

The Italian way to prevent groundwater contamination risk

Water Practice & Technology ◽

10.2166/wpt.2007.066 ◽

2007 ◽

Vol 2 (3) ◽

Author(s):

M. V. Civita ◽

M. De Maio ◽

A. Fiorucci

Keyword(s):

Groundwater Contamination ◽

Aquifer Vulnerability ◽

National Council ◽

National Guidelines ◽

National Agency ◽

Point Count ◽

Italian Law ◽

Special Project ◽

Set Up

In the early 1980's the Italian scientific community, together with a number of institutional decision-makers, realized how urgent it was to protect natural and environmental resources. They agreed that an adequate level of scientifically organized knowledge allows the accurate planning and development of environmental systems through management and direction of the actual development process, without hindering it. Since the special project was first set up in 1984, as part of the GNDCI-CNR (National Group for the Defence against Hydrogeologic Disasters, of the Italian National Council of Research) scientific context, it has been the cardinal point of Research Line 4 “Assessment of Aquifer Vulnerability”. The problem of groundwater contamination was examined in this project for the very first time in Italy in an organic and extensive manner as a key for forecasting and prevention purposes. The Italian approaches to assessing and mapping groundwater vulnerability to contamination are essentially based on two main methodologies:- The GNDCI Basic Method a HCS (Hazard Contamination Source) type approach that can be used for any type of Italian hydrogeologic situation, even where there is a limited amount of data. A unified legend and symbols are also defined for each hydrogeologic level.- The SINTACS [Soggiacenza (depth to groundwater); Infiltrazione (effective infiltration); Non saturo (unsaturated zone attenuation capacity); Tipologia della copertura (soil/overburden attenuation capacity); Acquifero (saturated zone characteristics); Conducibilità (hydraulic conductivity); Superficie topografica (Slope)] method, a PCSM (Point Count System Model) developed for use prevalently in areas with good data base coverage. The methodological approaches described in this paper now make up the Italian standard which has been set in the recent very important Italian Law (152/99) and which has now been ratified in the national guidelines produced by ANPA, the Italian National Agency for Environment Protection. In this paper the structure of the Research Line, the progress obtained by the 21 Research units (over 100 researchers) in 20 years of activity, the results gained etc. are briefly highlighted.