Abstract
The aim of this study was the assessment of groundwater vulnerability and pollution risk of the Perivleptos karst aquifer in the northwestern part of Greece. Hence, the EPIK method has been applied within the study area. Additionally, a detailed literature overview has been obtained, including the worldwide application of the EPIK method. The hazard map has been developed for the implementation of risk assessment. The resulting vulnerability map was divided into four classes and showed especially high to very high vulnerability. The subsequent hazard assessment has shown mostly low to moderate endangerment for the northern part of the study area, which is mainly covered by forest, while the areas covered by urban and industrial, as well as agricultural land, use primarily show high to very high endangerment. Concluding in the risk map, the study area consists of 13% of very high, 48% of high, 36% of moderate and 4% of low risk of contamination. According to the literature overview, the EPIK method was mostly used in combination with other vulnerability assessment methods, and results have been validated through tracer tests, sensitivity analysis or comparing to other methods. In this study, an additional single parameter sensitivity analysis was obtained for validation of the EPIK parameters.
Highlights
Groundwater accounts for 98% of all freshwater on earth, and is the most important water resource for more than half of the worlds population [1]
According to the literature overview, the EPIK method was mostly used in combination with other vulnerability assessment methods, and results have been validated through tracer tests, sensitivity analysis or comparing to other methods
Agriculture draws 70% of global freshwater [4]. This leads to an increasing freshwater demand worldwide which is mostly covered by groundwater, especially in regions that are already dealing with water stress [1]
Summary
Groundwater accounts for 98% of all freshwater on earth, and is the most important water resource for more than half of the worlds population [1]. Agriculture draws 70% of global freshwater [4] This leads to an increasing freshwater demand worldwide which is mostly covered by groundwater, especially in regions that are already dealing with water stress [1]. In this context, water stress means a negative water balance, provoked by e.g., climatic conditions, irregular rainfalls and increased water demands due to agriculture and tourism. Between 20–25% of the world’s population relies on groundwater from karst aquifers [5]. There are 300,000 existing boreholes (legal and illegal) in Greece
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