SINTACS Method Research Articles

Hydrogeochemical characterization and modeling vulnerability assessment using SINTACS methods: the case of the Hennaya aquifer (NW Algeria)

Hydrogeochemical characterization and modeling vulnerability assessment using SINTACS methods: the case of the Hennaya aquifer (NW Algeria)

Comparative study of the vulnerability to groundwater pollution by the DRASTIC and SINTACS methods on the Amizour plain (Béjaia, North Algeria)

The present study deals with the vulnerability and the risks of pollution on the Amizour plain aquifer (north Algeria), already threatened by several sources of pollution (e.g., industries, agriculture, illegal dumping, etc.) that collapsed this region, without any planned environmental protection measures. In the aim to study the sensitivity of the Amizour plain against pollution two methods (DRASTIC and SINTACS models) were used and the results were compared and evaluated. The maps showed a similarity in the degrees of vulnerability ranged from high to medium. Most of the plain is affected by a high degree of vulnerability of 76% and 67% as estimated by DRASTIC and SINTACS, respectively. In fact, such remarkable degree is justified by the shallow position of the groundwater and the type of aquifer. The degree of groundwater vulnerability was 18% and 33% in the northern and southern part of the studied zone as estimated by DRASTIC and SINTACS methods, respectively. According to the DRASTIC approach, an area with a very high vulnerability (6%) was observed amidst the Amizour plain. Superimposing both maps of vulnerability and the pollution source sites allowed us through the risk map to frame the areas at high risk of groundwater contamination. This investigation will facilitate to make decisions in implementing of an accurate and urgent management project for safeguarding the studied zone. The applicability of these findings has been discussed and suggestions for attenuating the risk of contamination have been given.

Enhancing groundwater vulnerability assessment for improved environmental management: addressing a critical environmental concern

Groundwater serves as a primary water source for various purposes. Therefore, aquifer pollution poses a critical threat to human health and the environment. Identifying the aquifer’s highly vulnerable areas to pollution is necessary to implement appropriate remedial measures, thus ensuring groundwater sustainability. This paper aims to enhance groundwater vulnerability assessment (GWVA) to manage aquifer quality effectively. The study focuses on the El Orjane Aquifer in the Moulouya basin, Morocco, which is facing significant degradation due to olive mill wastewater. Groundwater vulnerability maps (GVMs) were generated using the DRASTIC, Pesticide DRASTIC, SINTACS, and SI methods. To assess the effectiveness of the proposed improvements, 24 piezometers were installed to measure nitrate concentrations, a common indicator of groundwater contamination. This study aimed to enhance GWVA by incorporating new layers, such as land use, and adjusting parameter rates based on a comprehensive sensitivity analysis. The results demonstrate a significant increase in Pearson correlation values (PCV) between the produced GVMs and measured nitrate concentrations. For instance, the PCV for the DRASTIC method improved from 0.42 to 0.75 after adding the land use layer and adjusting parameter rates using the Wilcoxon method. These findings offer valuable insights for accurately assessing groundwater vulnerability in areas with similar hazards and hydrological conditions, particularly in semi-arid and arid regions. They contribute to improving groundwater and environmental management practices, ensuring the long-term sustainability of aquifers.

An Evaluation of Groundwater Vulnerability Utilizing GIS-Based Model

Effective groundwater management requires assessing vulnerability to pollution. While the SINTACS method is widely used, it has limitations by not adequately considering hydrogeological parameters and supplementary data. To address SINTACS limitations, a modified approach (MSVILuLn) incorporates land use/cover and lineaments. Parameter weights were determined using analytic hierarchy process (MSVILuLn-AHP) and network process (MSVILuLn-ANP). Raster layers of nine parameters were analyzed in GIS to evaluate groundwater vulnerability index using SINTACS, MSVILuLn, MSVILuLn-AHP, and MSVILuLn-ANP. Nitrate concentrations from 48 wells were compared to validate results. MSVILuLn-ANP identified more very high/low vulnerability zones compared to others. It showed highest accuracy (91.7%) correlating vulnerability and nitrate levels. MSVILuLn-ANP offers a more comprehensive vulnerability assessment for groundwater management in Raipur city. Integrating SINTACS with GIS and objective weighting methods enhances spatial analysis of sensitive areas and prevents contamination.

Groundwater Vulnerability Study to Traditional Gold Mine Processing Pollution Using SYNTACS Method and GIS Approach

Groundwater vulnerability study research conducted in Paya Ateuk Village, Pasie Raja District uses the SINTACS method. This method is an overlay method that combines 7 primary maps, namely soil texture maps, infiltration maps, slope maps, groundwater depth maps, rock unit maps, aquifer lithology maps, and hydroulic conductivity maps. Then the results of the assessment on the primary map parts are multiplied by the weight on the SINTACS classification and the results are combined into 1 groundwater vulnerability overlay map. The results of the map overlay produce 822 sections that have a range of groundwater vulnerability values ​​at a score of 103.75 – 201.5 with low to high classification. Karst hill areas generally have moderate vulnerability values. Whereas in the lowlands with residential land use has a high vulnerability. This is due to the flat slope with sandstone, and moderate infiltration. Besides that, the texture of the soil is large and the depth of the groundwater is shallow. So that contamination on the surface can easily affect the quality of water in groundwater. Meanwhile, the groundwater vulnerability value is high in a narrow area with the use of paddy fields. Based on measurements of the quality of groundwater in wells owned by residents, it shows that the groundwater in the research location is of good quality. This is due to the large number of natural phytoremediation plants around the research area. Although the quality of groundwater is in good condition. The government as the policy maker still needs to regulate and provide official permits for traditional gold miners who are classified as illegal and continue to monitor the environment around traditional gold processing areas.

Groundwater pollution vulnerability assessment in the Assin municipalities of Ghana using GIS-based DRASTIC and SINTACS methods

Groundwater pollution vulnerability assessment in the Assin municipalities of Ghana using GIS-based DRASTIC and SINTACS methods

Evaluation of the vulnerability of groundwater to nitrogen pollution in the commune of Mananara Avaratra by the SINTACS method

The urban commune of Mananara Avaratra, located on the east coast of Madagascar in the Analanjirofo region, is characterized by alluvial soils, mainly sandy and ferruginous, and a tropical climate. Groundwater is considered as the main source of drinking water for the local population although the presence of pollution by nitrogen compounds has been a serious environmental problem for more than a decade This study aimed at developing a groundwater vulnerability model for nitrate and ammonium as a protective measure. Based on the intrinsic vulnerability determined by the SINTACS model, the influence of anthropogenic parameters related to nitrogen sources and groundwater use on contamination was verified using GIS. Chemical analyses showed high concentrations of nitrate (136.987 mg.l-1) and ammonium (1.120 mg.l-1) in the samples. The high nitrate and ammonium concentrations were found in the northern subwatershed, probably due to the area impacted by urbanization by urbanization, where the groundwater vulnerability index is high (high index is 197 - 210 and for the very high ones 215 - 223). On the other hand, the concentrations in the southern subwatershed are lower, and the index is moderate (137 - 178). In order to prevent the contamination of groundwater by nitrogen, it is necessary to develop management policies on surface land use and groundwater, as well as to continuously monitor the latter.

A New Model Approach for Vulnerability to Assess Seawater Intrusion Risk for Monastir Aquifer System, Tunisia

This paper presents the theory and application of a new vulnerability method (RIHM). The method is applied on Monastir shallow aquifer system, Tunisia. The results have been concluded from other established vulnerability assessment methods DRASTIC, SINTACS and GALDIT. As known, DRASTIC and SINTACS methods are not designed for seawater intrusion contamination but are useful to build the new model approach to assess groundwater vulnerability to seawater intrusion. RIHM parameters have been concluded after performed sensitivity analysis of the most important parameters of each method. Its vulnerability data are rated into four classes and assigned equal values ranging from less than 109 to 176.

A SINTACS GIS-based method for assessing groundwater vulnerability in sedimentary aquifers, South-Eastern, Nigeria

Groundwater vulnerability is an ardent problem all over the globe owing to the degradation of groundwater level and rising pollution which presents grievous adverse threat to the ecosystem. To determine this threat, comprehensive research has been conducted to examine the groundwater vulnerability by using several approaches. Broadly, the process-based approach, statistical analysis, and overlay index approaches are utilized in this regard. SINTACS method is one type of process-based and overlay index methods for vulnerability appraisal. This research represents a SINTACS model using applications of the Geographic Information System (GIS) techniques for groundwater vulnerability appraisal. According to the present SINTACS model, the study area surrounded high, moderate, and low zones of potential contamination with area occupy 20.41%, 71.6%, and 7.99%, respectively. The high potential contamination is majorly impacted by combined contributions of thematic layers viz., impact of the vadose zone, aquifer media, topography and net recharge. Nitrate concentrations analysis in some selected boreholes were compared with the SINTACS model to examine its accuracy. The validation rate of the present SINTACS model attains more than 65%, which is an evidence of a satisfactory modeling method. The SINTACS approach demonstrated its versatility even in this complicated hydrogeological setting.

Groundwater vulnerability study using SINTACS method in Banguntapan district, Bantul Regency

As one of the districts in Bantul Regency which borders directly with the City of Yogyakarta, the District of Banguntapan has the potential to be an area affected by city development. This is what drives population growth in this district, so that the waste it generates also increases. The purpose of this study is to determine the level of groundwater vulnerability to pollution by using the SINTACS method and analyzing the dominant factors that influence it. Calculation and analysis results show that the variation of groundwater vulnerability index values in the study area ranged from 182.8 to 200.3, with 10 locations classified as high vulnerability and 2 locations classified as rather high vulnerability. Because it is located in a similar geological condition, namely the Aquifer Unit of Merapi Volcanic Fluvio Plain where most of the constituent material of this aquifer is sand and a little clay as inserts, the difference in groundwater vulnerability to pollution in the study area is only determined by the difference in groundwater depth.

Determination of groundwater vulnerability in karstic environments by using SINTACS method: Altınova aquifer case study

Determination of groundwater vulnerability in karstic environments by using SINTACS method: Altınova aquifer case study

Groundwater Vulnerability to Pollution in Kasihan District, Bantul Regency, Indonesia

The groundwater vulnerability to pollution refers to the ease of pollutants reaching groundwater, so the groundwater will be polluted. The concept shows a probability that pollution will occured which basically bases on the assumption that the physical environment can prevent the flow of pollutants into the aquifer. The purpose of this study was to predict the vulnerability of groundwater in the study area against pollution. To achieve these objectives beside base on secondary data, also measured the depth of phreatic surface, slope and groundwater sampling. Location of measurement and sampling is determinated by considering location of infiltration measurement ever done by Purnama in 2017. To conduct groundwater vulnerability analysis on pollution in the study area, carried out by SINTACS Method which bases on a numerical system of weight and rating. Weight are determined based on the significance of the effect of the parameters on groundwater pollution, while the rating is determined based on the significance of the influence of variables in each parameters against groundwater pollution. As a result, it is known that groundwater vulnerability indeks in research area range from 117,0 to 189,9. According to criteria of SINTACS, the value are classified as moderate vulnerability and rather high vulnerability. Areas that include moderate levels of vulnerability generally located in Sentolo Formations that consist of limestone and has grumusol soil type. Areas that classified as rather high vulnerability is located in Yogyakarta Formation that consist of volcanic rock and has regosol soil type. Based on this phenomena, it can be said that geological aspect and type of soil greatly affect the vulnerability of groundwater to pollution in the research area.

Map of the vulnerabiliy to pollution of the Apuo-Versilia aquifer (Tuscany - Italy)

The authors have drawn up the Map of Vulnerability to Pollution for groundwater of the Apuo-Versilia coastal Plain using the SINTACS method. The availability of a large number of subsoil data (stratigraphic columns and piezometric surveys) integrated in a GIS environment, has allowed to obtaining a large detail map on an extended area (about 152 Km2). Vulnerability rates from high to very high prevail in much part of the Plain; this poses a risk for groundwater, which represent an important resource for civil water supply.

Combinations of geoenvironmental data underline coastal aquifer anthropogenic nitrate legacy through groundwater vulnerability mapping methods

Groundwater quality is strongly dependent on land use. Past and current anthropogenic activities can lead to the diffusion of contaminants in aquifers. This diffusion can threaten the resource exploitation for decades, thereby endangering the ecological health of groundwater dependent ecosystems. Thus, groundwater stakeholders need methods for long-term management which integrate groundwater vulnerability. This study was conducted on the shallow alluvial aquifer of the groundwater-dependent Biguglia lagoon on Corsica Island, France. The aquifer is exposed to anthropogenic contamination for many decades with nitrate contamination legacy linked to agricultural activities, uncontrolled urbanization and sewage leakages.In most cases, vulnerability mapping is done in the objective of comparing groundwater situation regarding an on-going contamination process. But the question is still pending for aquifers where contamination is inherited from past practices or contaminations and where anthropogenic influences have changed through time.To propose an effective and innovative method for territorial management in Mediterranean alluvial aquifers, four index-based groundwater vulnerability mapping methods were tested and compared: two intrinsic vulnerability mapping methods (DRASTIC and SINTACS) and two specific vulnerability mapping methods (Modified-DRASTIC and SI), the latter integrating land use in the accuracy of groundwater vulnerability. Novelty is coming from the comparison between vulnerability maps and their application and validation in a hydrosystem affected by nitrate legacy-type contamination. The specific vulnerability mapping methods are more likely to represent the current pressures to which groundwater are subject. Thus, specific vulnerability methods such as the SI one revealed here very relevant to assess groundwater quality and to react retrospectively. The comparison between groundwater nitrate legacy and intrinsic groundwater vulnerability methods appeared also useful to define priority protection areas in long-term territorial management planning (EU Water Framework Direction). In this sense, the SINTACS method seems to be the more appropriate in the Mediterranean and alluvial context of this study.

Stima della Vulnerabilità intrinseca di un acquifero: automazione del metodo SINTACS con strumenti software GIS

Groundwater protection is always a prior environmental concern about water management; for this reason, several evaluation methods can be used to identify areas where an aquifer could be damaged by pollution. In this paper, the assessment of groundwater pollution vulnerability is realized using SINTACS method that was automated with the aid of ESRI Model Builder in ArcGIS software. SINTACS Method evaluates the intrinsic vulnerability using seven parameters:depth to groundwater (S), recharge action (I), attenuation capacity of the vadose zone (N), attenuation capacity of the soil (T), hydrogeologic characteristics of the aquifer media (A), hydraulic conductivity (C), and topographic slope (S). These parameters are adapted to five different weight classes depending on the hydrogeological features (porous, fissured or karstified media) and on impact condition (uncontaminated or urbanized environment). Actually, the real purpose of this project was to accelerate the application of the SINTACS method by creatingan automatic model, which every user can set according to his own needs. Model Builder is an application for building workflows, that are sequences of geoprocessing tools, feeding the output of one tool into another tool as input. In details, two tools are developed: a main model called SINTACS Model, realized with ESRI Model Builder (version 10.3.1) and an optional script tool called SINTACS Model – Scenari, created by using Python language and the ArcPy site-package. SINTACSModel produces all the outputs required from SINTACS method, while SINTACS Model – Scenari is able to identify the hydrological features and impact conditions in a specific area. The alluvial plan in Laterina (AR), an italian small country in Tuscany land, was selected as testsite: the results show that data has been correctly processed, filling in a reliable way all the information gaps.

Intrinsic vulnerability of the Isonzo/Soča high plain aquifer (NE Italy – W Slovenia)

ABSTRACTThe paper presents the map of intrinsic groundwater vulnerability of the Isonzo/Soča High Plain, which is located between the Collio Hills and the Classical Karst Region and holds an aquifer shared between Italy and Slovenia. The map, produced at a scale of 1:25,000 and printed in A0 format, was obtained by means of the SINTACS method and shows the intrinsic vulnerability of the aquifer in terms of seven vulnerability classes, from extremely high to low. It is accompanied by four supplementary sketches that illustrate the geological framework, the bedrock top surface, the groundwater flow paths, the Hazard Index map and three diagrams that summarize the percentages of vulnerability classes and of Hazard Index classes of the study area.

Groundwater vulnerability based on GIS approach: Case study of Zeuss-Koutine aquifer, South-Eastern Tunisia

Groundwater vulnerability mapping is largely used as a modeling tool to delineate areas susceptible to pollution and to protect groundwater resources from this threat. The Zeuss-Koutine aquifer, which constitutes an important source of drinking water in the Southeastern Tunisia, is subjected to an intensive exploitation and threatened by pollution due mainly to the industrial zone of Koutine. The groundwater circulates in fissured and karstified limestone. Aquifer vulnerability has been assessed using the SINTACS method. The different parameters of the SINTACS model were collected from several sources and converted into thematic maps using ArcGis. Each SINTACS parameter was assigned a weight and rating based on a range of information within the parameter. The weight of each parameter depends on the impact of potential pollution. The analysis of vulnerability map to pollution shows that the Southeastern part of the aquifer and the Wadis beds are more susceptible to pollution. The measured nitrate concentrations of two sampling campaigns carried out in high and dry water seasons are coherent with the SINTACS model results.

Groundwater Vulnerability Assessment using SINTACS Model and GIS in Raipur and Naya Raipur, Chhattisgarh, India

Objectives: This study aims at the vulnerability assessment of groundwater in Raipur and Naya Raipur, Chhattisgarh, India, and to identify areas where vulnerability of groundwater to contamination is the most. Methods: A vulnerability map has been developed using SINTACS model in order to identify areas where vulnerability of groundwater to contamination is the most. In this analysis, vulnerability index is calculated by considering different hydrogeological parameters such as water table depth, net recharge, unsaturated conditions, soil media, aquifer media, hydraulic conductivity and topographic slope. All the parameters used in this study have been prepared, classified, weighted and integrated in a Geographic Information System (GIS) environment. Findings: The value of vulnerability index estimated lies between 121 to 176.Further, result shows that out of total area, 0.26% of the area indicates very low vulnerability 11.58% indicates low vulnerability 81.35% indicates moderate vulnerability and 6.81% of area indicates high vulnerability. It means majority of the study area exhibit moderate vulnerability. The study produces an effective tool for local authorities who manage and monitor the ground water resources. Novelty: This paper deals with a new approach towards vulnerability assessment. Instead of the conventional statistical methods, this work uses the SINTACS method which is a much improved method and hence provides much more probable values of vulnerability indices than those obtained from DRASTIC methods.

A combined methodology to assess the intrinsic vulnerability of aquifers to pollution from agrochemicals

The groundwater vulnerability indices are valuable tools for the development of agrochemicals management strategies based on environmental/agricultural policies. The groundwater vulnerability methods of LOS, SINTACS, DRASTIC, Pesticide DRASTIC, GOD and AVI were applied for the agricultural fields of Sarigkiol basin (Northern Greece). The results of the aforementioned methods were examined and discussed in order to show how the dissimilarities in the vulnerability assessment approaches may become an advantage. The results of the methods were used to propose a combined conceptual approach which adds another two dimensions (depth and time) in the current two-dimensional vulnerability mapping (longitude, latitude) procedures. The LOS method provided information about the intrinsic vulnerability of the topsoil (30 cm) to water (+conservative pollutants) and nitrogen losses, and the AVI method described the vulnerability of the unsaturated zone to allow pollutants to reach the aquifer while the aquifer vulnerability was analysed using SINTACS, DRASTIC, Pesticide DRASTIC and GOD. In this study, the results of the SINTACS method were found more accurate to describe the local aquifer conditions. The final conceptual approach provided a stratified vulnerability (dimension of depth) of the overall hydrogeologic system using LOS for the topsoil, AVI for unsaturated zone and SINTACS for the aquifer. The dimension of time was introduced by the LOS and AVI methods, which provide quantitative results in time. The use of LOS method also highlighted the basic limitation of the other methods to describe the potential contribution to pollution of areas (especially upland areas) which are out of the aquifer boundaries.

Groundwater nitrate risk assessment using intrinsic vulnerability methods: A comparative study of environmental impact by intensive farming in the Mediterranean region of Sicily, Italy

Groundwater contamination by nitrate and other nutrients is a major problem throughout the world, often occurring as the result of anthropogenic activities, lack of management, and over-exploitation of groundwater resources. In the last few decades in the majority of the Italian regions, the nitrate concentrations in groundwater have dramatically increased, mainly as a consequence of the large-scale agricultural application of manure and fertilizers. This excessive use of chemicals and fertilizers increases the risk of surface and groundwater pollution from diffuse sources, which have an important impact on human health and the environment. Sicily is located in the central Mediterranean, the total area of the island is 25,711km2, with more than 5 million inhabitants. The terrain of inland Sicily is mostly hilly and intensively cultivated wherever it was possible, nitrate vulnerable zone about 40% of flat areas and 5.37% of total. The test site is located in Canicattì (central Sicily); the current land use (grape, olive and almond cultivation) constitutes the main source of groundwater pollution.In order to investigate the effect of over-farming on groundwater quality and to indentify an appropriate methodology for pollution risk management, we have carried out a comparative study on the potential risk of contamination from nitrate of agricultural origin, according to the conventional parametrical methods used in Europe; the IPNOA parametric model (agricultural nitrates hazard index) method combined with the SINTACS and DRASTIC intrinsic aquifer vulnerability methods. All parameters used in this risk assessment were prepared, classified, weighed, and integrated in a GIS environment. For calibrating the models and optimizing and/or weighing the examined factors, the modeling results were validated by comparing them with groundwater quality data, in particular nitrate content, and with census data from the potential pollution sources. The criterion for checking this method was the correlation coefficient of each model with the nitrate concentration in the groundwater. A relative coincidence of a high nitrate concentration and risk mapping was observed, but this correlation was only significant using the SINTACS method. In fact, the final risk maps show significant differences in risk quality assessment; the DRASTIC model values show an over-evaluation of the real contest. In conclusion, the SINTACS parametric method appears to be the most suitable for constructing a relevant risk map of the contamination of these aquifers, which are considered to be typical of the Mediterranean region for their hydrogeological and hydrochemical features.