Evaluation of Groundwater Vulnerability to Contamination Based on DRASTIC Model and GIS in Tianjin Plain Area

Abstract

Assessment of groundwater vulnerability to contamination is the basement approaches for preserving the quality of groundwater. Based on DRASTIC model containing seven hydrogeological parameters and GIS techniques, groundwater vulnerability assessment was carried out in the plain area of Tianjin City, China. The results indicate that the studied area can be divided into five zones: low, slightly lower, middle, slightly higher, and high groundwater vulnerability zones, with coverage area of 1.8%, 24.8%, 53%, 19.6% and 0.8%, respectively. Low vulnerability zone locates in downtown, where the ground is covered by impervious surface. High and slightly higher vulnerability zones mainly locate in the groundwater recharge areas and the suburban areas surrounding downtown. Medium vulnerability zone covers most parts of the plain areas in the south of Baodi fraction. The result is consistent with the actual situation.