Identification of nitrate sources in groundwater and potential impact on drinking water reservoir (Goczałkowice reservoir, Poland)

Publication date: Available online 30 November 2015 Source:Physics and Chemistry of the Earth, Parts A/B/C Author(s): Joanna Czekaj, Sabina Jakóbczyk – Karpierz, Hanna Rubin, Sławomir Sitek, Andrzej J. Witkowski Goczałkowice dammed reservoir (area - 26 km2) is a strategic object for flood control in the Upper Vistula River catchment and one of the most important source of drinking water in the Upper Silesian Industrial Region (Southern Poland). Main aims of the investigation were identification of sources of nitrate and assessment of their significance in potential risk to groundwater quality. In the catchment area monitoring network of 22 piezometers, included 14 nested, have been installed. The significant spatial and seasonal differences in chemical composition between northern and southern part of the catchment were indicated based on the groundwater sampling conducted twice - in autumn 2011 and spring 2012. Maximum observed concentrations of nitrate were identified in northern part of the study area 255 mg/L as a results of inappropriate sewage management and agriculture activity. Results, based on the combines multi-scale hydrogeological and hydrochemical field studies, groundwater flow and transport modelling, dual stable isotope approach and geochemical modelling indicate mainly agriculture and inappropriate sewage water management as a sources of NO3 - contamination of groundwater which moreover is affected by geochemical processes. In general, con...

Source: Physics and Chemistry of the Earth, Parts ABC - December 1, 2015 Category: Science Source Type: research