Abstract
Abstract. Vulnerability to groundwater pollution in the Senegal River basin was studied by two different but complementary methods: the DRASTIC method (which evaluates the intrinsic vulnerability) and the fuzzy method (which assesses the specific vulnerability by taking into account the continuity of the parameters). The validation of this application has been tested by comparing the connection in groundwater and distribution of different established classes of vulnerabilities as well as the nitrate distribution in the study area. Three vulnerability classes (low, medium and high) have been identified by both the DRASTIC method and the fuzzy method (between which the normalized model was used). An integrated analysis reveals that high classes with 14.64 % (for the DRASTIC method), 21.68 % (for the normalized DRASTIC method) and 18.92 % (for the fuzzy method) are not the most dominant. In addition, a new method for sensitivity analysis was used to identify (and confirm) the main parameters which impact the vulnerability to pollution with fuzzy membership. The results showed that the vadose zone is the main parameter which impacts groundwater vulnerability to pollution while net recharge contributes least to pollution in the study area. It was also found that the fuzzy method better assesses the vulnerability to pollution with a coincidence rate of 81.13 % versus that of 77.35 % for the DRASTIC method. These results serve as a guide for policymakers to identify areas sensitive to pollution before such sites are used for socioeconomic infrastructures.
Highlights
A key component to building a territory is the vulnerability map, which is a fundamental water quality assessment that aids the development of underground water resources
Among the myriad of functions delivered by a geographic information system (GIS), its capability for multi-criteria analysis is essential for developing vulnerability maps for an aquifer system
Water quality information is a basic data requirement for implementing any water management decision. It provides necessary information for assessing risk of groundwater pollution and remediation measures needed to control future pollution levels. This information can be retrieved from groundwater pollution vulnerability maps
Summary
A key component to building a territory is the vulnerability map, which is a fundamental water quality assessment that aids the development of underground water resources. Among the myriad of functions delivered by a geographic information system (GIS), its capability for multi-criteria analysis is essential for developing vulnerability maps for an aquifer system. Water quality information is a basic data requirement for implementing any water management decision. It provides necessary information for assessing risk of groundwater pollution and remediation measures needed to control future pollution levels. This information can be retrieved from groundwater pollution vulnerability maps. To assess the vulnerability of groundwater to pollution, 24 methods exist, which can be classified into three groups
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