The workshop has been cancelled.
The course aims to provide the necessary knowledge for the implementation, through MODFLOW-USG, of a 3D numerical model of flow and heat transport for closed-loop (vertical Borehole Heat Exchangers, BHE) and open-loop (extraction and reinjection wells) geothermal heat pump systems. During the course the participants will learn how to implement the models and through them assess:
• The hydraulic perturbation induced by the extraction and reinjection wells (for open-loop system case).
• The thermal perturbation induced by the low-temperature geothermal system (for closed- and open-loop system cases).
• The possible interference and thermal short-circuiting between BHEs or wells of the same shallow geothermal system or different systems.
• The energy performance variation of the shallow geothermal system based on the layout of BHE or wells in a defined geothermal field.
The course will include an initial introduction about current Italian legislation and the basic concepts of numerical modeling of flow and heat transport, with detailed focus on the parameters useful for the heat transfer evaluation in porous media. Then, using the Groundwater Vistas version 9 interface (with temporary license provided by ESI) t, through some exercises the necessary steps to create a numerical model of flow and heat transport in MODFLOW-USG will be shown. Several scenarios will be developed to evaluate the variations of the heat transfer into the subsoil because of the presence of BHEs and/or geothermal wells. Participants must have backgrounds on flow modelling and should have basic backgrounds on contaminants transport modelling.
Overview
This workshop offers an introduction to managing geospatial data using the PostGIS extension of the PostgreSQL database. Topics include data import from QGIS, workspace environment analysis, key PostGIS functions, query operations (selection and grouping), and geometry transformation and manipulation.
The workshop emphasizes hands-on activities, and participants are required to bring their own laptops.
Language
The workshop will be conducted in Italian.
Requirements
Bring your own laptop.
Registered participants will receive setup instructions via email before the event.
Introduzione a PostgreSQL - PostGIS
Cos'è PostgreSQL e la sua storia
Perché usare PG: principali caratteristiche e confronto con altre soluzioni di GeoDB
Cos'è PostGIS
Com'è organizzato PG: Cluster -> Database -> Schemi -> Tavole
Principali strumenti di amministrazione per PostgreSQL (Psql - PgAdmin - DBeaver -
PhpPgadmin)
Introduzione alla gestione degli utenti e dei ruoli
Importare i dati
Principali metodi per importare e gestire i dati in postgreSQL (shp2pgsql-gui, ogr2ogr, drag &
drop, DB Manager)
Gestire i dati spaziali
Tipi di dati spaziali PostGIS
creare un layer geografico
indici e sequence
Analisi spaziali
Alcuni esempi di analisi spaziali e non spaziali (es: Conteggi, group by, ST_Centroid e
ST_PointOnSurface, ST_Intersects)
Overview
This workshop offers an introduction to managing geospatial data using the PostGIS extension of the PostgreSQL database. Topics include data import from QGIS, workspace environment analysis, key PostGIS functions, query operations (selection and grouping), and geometry transformation and manipulation.
The workshop emphasizes hands-on activities, and participants are required to bring their own laptops.
Language
The workshop will be conducted in Italian.
Requirements
Bring your own laptop.
Registered participants will receive setup instructions via email before the event.
Introduzione a PostgreSQL - PostGIS
Cos'è PostgreSQL e la sua storia
Perché usare PG: principali caratteristiche e confronto con altre soluzioni di GeoDB
Cos'è PostGIS
Com'è organizzato PG: Cluster -> Database -> Schemi -> Tavole
Principali strumenti di amministrazione per PostgreSQL (Psql - PgAdmin - DBeaver -
PhpPgadmin)
Introduzione alla gestione degli utenti e dei ruoli
Importare i dati
Principali metodi per importare e gestire i dati in postgreSQL (shp2pgsql-gui, ogr2ogr, drag &
drop, DB Manager)
Gestire i dati spaziali
Tipi di dati spaziali PostGIS
creare un layer geografico
indici e sequence
Analisi spaziali
Alcuni esempi di analisi spaziali e non spaziali (es: Conteggi, group by, ST_Centroid e
ST_PointOnSurface, ST_Intersects)
Opening greetings:
Sergio RUSI - President of the IAH Association
Mariachiara ZANETTI - Vice Rector for Local, National and European Affairs - Politecnico di Torino
Stefano LO RUSSO - Mayor of the City of Turin
Pantaleone DE VITA - Vice President of the AIGA Association
Daniele GIORDAN - Past President of IAEG Italy
Rodolfo CAROSI - President of SGI
Paolo MANCIN - Director of the Water Protection and Sustainable Use Division – Regione Piemonte
Marco DONATO - Delegate of the Regional Association of Geologists
Alessandro PAVESE - Head of the Department of Earth Sciences (DST) - University of Turin
Paolo DABOVE - Delegate of the Department of Environment, Land and Infrastructure Engineering (DIATI) - Politecnico di Torino
The Emilia-Romagna region (Italy) hosts extensive agricultural and industrial activity, and densely populated urban areas. Groundwater serves as a crucial freshwater source, particularly during droughts, which are expected to become more frequent and intense.
This study estimates the evolution of groundwater conditions in part of Emilia-Romagna, considering climate change and human impacts, to assess the resilience of the regional multi-layered aquifer system to droughts and outline potential guidelines for long-term sustainable groundwater management. A numerical groundwater flow model and a random forest algorithm, implemented in MODFLOW 6 and R respectively, are applied to compare the performance of a physics-based and a machine learning method in simulating past and future groundwater levels, and to explore the benefits of their combination. Input data are sourced from the regional groundwater model by Arpae (Regional Agency for Prevention, Environment and Energy of Emilia-Romagna) and publicly available datasets on the Emilia-Romagna Region and Arpae repositories.
Both techniques are then used to analyze scenarios of reduced precipitation and altered pumping, focusing on their combined effects on the aquifer system. Results show the aquifer system’s vulnerability to future droughts. Increased pumping amplifies precipitation reduction effects, while lower abstraction partly mitigates them. Critical hotspots are identified, emphasizing the need for multi-scale approaches to develop effective mitigation and adaptation strategies.
The random forest algorithm provides insights into factors influencing groundwater head distribution, enhancing the groundwater model results interpretation and potential improvement. However, its lack of physical grounding limits its generalization potential. These findings highlight the value of integrating physics-based and machine learning methods to improve their performance, making a significant contribution to groundwater modeling.
Seawater intrusion into coastal aquifers is a growing global concern, driven by climate change, sea-level rise, and intensive groundwater exploitation. Effective assessment and monitoring strategies are crucial for sustainable water resource management. Traditional hydrogeological investigations, such as borehole measurements, provide point-source data but lack the spatial resolution necessary for comprehensive regional assessments. Geophysical techniques, in particular Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT) and Frequency Domain Electromagnetics (FDEM), offer non-invasive alternatives with distinct advantages and limitations.
This study presents a comparative evaluation of ERT and FDEM techniques for mapping shallow seawater intrusion at four test sites along the northern coastal margin of Friuli Venezia Giulia, Italy, each with different salinity levels, lithological conditions, and seasonal variations. ERT surveys provided high-resolution subsurface conductivity data, used as the reference dataset. The FDEM measurements were carried out using two different instruments: a multi-depth, constant-frequency system and a single-offset, multi-frequency system, both of which allow rapid and extensive data acquisition.
To ensure robust comparability, FDEM-derived apparent electrical conductivity (ECa) values were normalized against ERT-derived conductivity data. The results indicate that, despite its rapid acquisition capabilities, FDEM can provide reliable estimates of subsurface conductivity without site-specific calibration, using appropriate data normalization techniques.
This research underscores the potential of FDEM as a cost-effective and scalable solution for monitoring seawater intrusion, providing valuable insights into groundwater salinization dynamics and advancing methodologies for large-scale environmental and water resource management.
Climate Change effects in the central Mediterranean region are expected to lead to higher temperatures, reduced rainfall and a higher propensity for extreme events. Higher water demands particularly by the agricultural sector are anticipated, with concurrent lower recharge rates to groundwater, a main source of water for agriculture under semi-arid dry landscape conditions.
The conjunctive management of surface (including rainwater runoff) and groundwater resources provides the opportunity to use currently depleted aquifers experiencing long-term over-abstraction as subsurface water storage systems, carrying over water from periods of availability to the dry season.
The establishment of a robust governance framework for Managed Aquifer Recharge (MAR) activities is a key factor for ensuring the safe application of this technique and ensuring a sufficiently high level of protection for the groundwater environment, protecting its role as a natural water resource for the future.
The Water Framework and Groundwater Directives are the main legal instruments for the management of groundwater resources in the European Union. Analysis of the relevant regulatory provisions within these Directives through the EU-funded Marsol and Marsolut projects indicates that these constitute a sufficiently robust regulatory framework for safe MAR. Findings emphasize the importance of focusing on the quality of recharge water rather than its origin, the necessity of stringent quality control measures before water enters the MAR system and the critical role of permits based on comprehensive risk assessments of the entire MAR system.
This paper reviews the role of the EU’s regulatory framework in supporting MAR as a scientifically sound, safe and sustainable groundwater management strategy to address emerging Climate Change challenges.
Managed Aquifer Recharge (MAR) could be a crucial strategy for addressing the impacts of climate change. Specifically, infiltration ponds may help to replenish depleted aquifers, thereby mitigating the effects of drought or groundwater overexploitation. Additionally, it may contribute to reducing the risk of flooding by utilizing river waters. This research aims to identify water bodies (WBs, deriving from DQA “Direttiva Quadro acque”) suitable for MAR following Italian directives. The Emilia-Romagna Region's database includes 453 Surface Water Bodies (SWBs), such as rivers and other watercourses, along with 135 Groundwater Bodies (GWBs). An evaluation system to identify the optimal combinations between SWB and GWB to design infiltration ponds has been developed, focusing on alluvial fan systems along the Apennine foothills. First, GWBs were selected due to their poor quality and critical quantity issues, whereas SWBs were chosen based on their quality and ecological requirements (DM 100/2016). Forty-two combinations were identified between SWGs and GWBs. A quantitative and empirical evaluation was conducted involving a systematic combination assessment of key factors; each assigned a rating and weighting. The sum of these factors results in a global index for each combination of SWG and GWB. This allows for the establishment of a ranking for the WBs combinations, from the most to the least favorable. Key factors include river discharge rate, flood hazards, and the presence of non-active quarries near SWB. GWBs are evaluated considering lithology, permeability, and water table level. Our results enable to select all WBs suitable for MAR as permitted by Italian legislation and to rank SWB-GWB combinations specifically focused on infiltration pond MAR. Future research will focus on the best combinations identified in this study to characterize the optimal sites for implementing infiltration ponds MAR.
Managed Aquifer Recharge (MAR) has emerged in recent years as a climate change adaptation measure to increase water availability in dry seasons and, in coastal aquifers, also to contrast the seawater intrusion.
The SeTe (Sécheresse et Territoires) project, funded by the EU programme Interreg ALCOTRA, involves the feasibility study and demonstration of MAR in the Cuneo plain, a large shallow alluvial aquifer at the south-western edge of the Po Plain. In this area, the availability of water for irrigation during summer has diminished in recent years, sparking the initiative for testing MAR as an environmentally and economically sustainable countermeasure.
The three project pilot sites identified in the project - Beinette, Tetti Pesio-Morozzo and Tarantasca-Centallo - are characterized by the presence of “fontanili”, i.e. drainage trenches dug since the Middle Ages to reclaim marshy land by lowering the groundwater level. Flow rates up to 1400 l/s are extracted by fontanili, which therefore represent an important irrigation water source but are very sensitive to groundwater level declines.
The activities and the results of the first half of the SeTe-ALCOTRA project, which started in October 2023 and lasts 3 years, are hereby summarized.
Historical meteorological, geological, and hydrogeological data were collected to reconstruct the climate impacts on water resources and to characterize the shallow aquifer.
Three monitoring networks were implemented in the test sites to measure groundwater levels and flow rates in the fontanili. Field tests were performed to characterize the aquifer in the experimental recharge sites, such as Lefranc tests, pumping tests, and grain size distribution analyses on samples from core drillings and shallow excavations.
Three infiltration structures have been designed, with two configurations (two sites with a shallow trench and one with a vadose zone well), and their installation and first weeks of operation will be presented.
Groundwater plays a crucial role in the water cycle and in sustaining life and human activities, and can help alleviate hydrological drought periods serving as a buffer reservoir. Groundwater sustainability, however, relies on a delicate balance between recharge and discharge, in which humans play an important role, with influences on groundwater dependent ecosystems. Agricultural Managed Aquifer Recharge (Ag-MAR) can be an adaptation measure to drought periods and expected climate change effects on water resources. As part of the Interreg CE project MAURICE, an off-season irrigation practice is proposed in Lombardy as a climate change adaptation strategy, storing surface water into aquifers in periods of exceedance (autumn/winter) using the existing irrigation network’s canals as a "natural" infiltration system.
In the case study area, a great number of typical Northern Italy lowland springs, called “fontanili”, is present, used since the XIV century to irrigate fields while generating biodiversity hotspots right in a urbanized area. In the past decades, they have been largely abandoned and endangered by infrastructures and decreasing groundwater levels. Their relationship with groundwater still holds some uncertainties related to their interaction with the aquifer along their course and their influence on the surrounding groundwater system, which could hinder the performance of measures like the proposed Ag-MAR.
This work presents numerical models in MODFLOW that, with increasing complexity, reproduce a single lowland spring’s behavior based on in-situ observations and literature, considering pros and cons of the different methods. Then, the lowland springs have been implemented in a larger scale model, to simulate scenarios assessing their response to the implementation of off-season irrigation. Results bring more light to these unique systems’ behavior and show concrete and successful possibilities of modeling them and applying Ag-MAR also in their presence.
The keynote is talking about the Rising Groundwater Temperatures: Risks and Rewards in Times of Global Warming and Urban Expansion
Groundwater systems are increasingly affected by the dual forces of global climate change and urbanization. Even under a medium emissions scenario, shallow groundwater temperatures could rise significantly by 2100. Urban areas exhibit even more pronounced subsurface warming due to the urban heat island effect, with groundwater temperatures in city centers exceeding those in surrounding rural areas.
This talk will delve into the mechanisms driving groundwater warming, including the roles of surface temperature increases and anthropogenic heat sources. It will explore the potential implications on water quality, ecosystem health, and the potential for geothermal energy utilization. Only by examining both global trends and localized studies, challenges and opportunities presented by rising groundwater temperatures in the context of sustainable urban development and water resource management can be highlighted.
On small oceanic islands such as the Azores, water resource management plans increasingly need to incorporate the effects of global climate change to accurately predict future water supplies for populations and agricultural activities, particularly farming.
The expected changes in temperature and precipitation on the Azores islands have important implications for all components of the island's hydrological cycle, altering the amount of evapotranspiration, surface runoff and infiltration into groundwater systems.
Groundwater is the only source of water supply on the Azores islands, with around 236,413 inhabitants (2021 census), 1,000,000 tourists per year and 2,000 km from the mainland, without the capacity to import large quantities of freshwater. The exploited aquifers are of the perched type, with a low storage capacity and flows with large seasonal variations, and basal with salinization problems due to marine intrusion.
This article discusses some effects of climate change on the groundwater of this island, especially in the basal aquifer, the likely main source of freshwater in the future on this island.
The Po Plain is home to approximately 20 million people and serves as Italy's most important economic region. Beneath its surface lies a complex multi-aquifer alluvial system that supplies 87% of the region’s drinking water and plays a crucial role in industrial, agricultural, and general production demands. Beyond the pressures of groundwater extraction, climate-related stressors have altered recharge rates, with drought events becoming increasingly frequent and severe in recent years. However, the impact of these stresses on groundwater has never been systematically studied in the Po River Basin.
As part of the MIDASPO project*, piezometric data were collected over 13 years (2010–2022) at various depths across the Po Plain, ranging from ground level to several hundreds of m a.s.l. This period was chosen as it provides sufficient coverage for piezometric monitoring across the studied area.
Data homogenization and an in-depth evaluation of temporal coverage allowed for the selection of several hundred of high-quality time series from an initial dataset of over 1000. These series were then analyzed to identify long-term trends, seasonal variations, and potential change points.
The analysis provided a comprehensive overview of piezometric dynamics at different depths across the Po Plain. Some trends were consistent across the entire study area, while others varied by geographic region or depth. By examining these patterns in relation to key anthropogenic and natural stressors, the study offers valuable insights into potential future groundwater behavior.
*This work was funded by “Fondo per lo Sviluppo e la Coesione (FSC) 2014-2020 - Piano Operativo Ambiente - Interventi per la Tutela del Territorio e delle Acque - Sviluppo di modellistica idrogeologica e delle conoscenze di supporto al piano del bilancio delle acque sotterranee (Modello idrogeologico delle Acque Sotterranee del distretto idrografico del fiume Po – MidAS-Po)”.
The implementation of the Water Framework Directive (2000/60/CE) and the Groundwater Framework Directive (2006/118/CE) aims to achieve a good environmental status of water bodies, both in chemical and quantitative terms, in order to ensure their sustainable management. The member states of the European Union carry out the status assessment by setting up monitoring networks and programmes. According to the European Directives, the Southern Apennines River Basin District Authority has identified the enhancement and standardisation of wells and springs monitoring systems as one of the priority measures to be undertaken to update the Water Management Plan. Groundwater monitoring is of primary importance for the Mediterranean region, a critical area for climate change, as decreasing effective rainfall and the increasing frequency and severity of droughts have been observed over recent decades. A robust assessment of the climatic effects on groundwater flow systems is necessary to evaluate the resilience of aquifers to climate change, and only a comparison between historical and contemporary detailed monitoring programmes can achieve this goal. The results of the most detailed hydrogeological monitoring of springs ever performed in Italy, organized in the regional-based monographs Le Sorgenti Italiane (conducted by the National Hydrographic Service between the 1920s and 1960s), have been compared, after a spring-by-spring matching, with contemporary field surveys and tests of drinking water supply springs. Preliminary findings, concerning the Calabria and Basilicata Regions, reveal a non-homogeneous decline in groundwater discharge, related to the lithology of the aquifer and geographic location, while some springs still maintain a significant flow. This highlights the urgent need for the implementation of discharge monitoring networks to support early warning systems and drought mitigation strategies.
Springs are a natural interface between groundwater (GW) and surface water, supporting ecosystems (ES) and they are sentinels of environmental stress. Yet, despite their importance, they are still overlooked in European water policies. The SentinelSpringS project aims to fill this gap by developing a robust framework to assess the health of springs and their role in sustaining biodiversity.
The project brings together six European countries to tackle local challenges and develop a unified monitoring approach. Portugal focuses on methods to identify GW-dependent ES and evaluating the impacts of contamination and land use. Denmark leads the implementation of real-time water data into the European Geological Data Infrastructure, upgrading GW monitoring digital tools. Italy studies the status of lowland springs with hydrogeological and ecological monitoring. France applies hydrogeochemical and hydrological modelling to forecast the behaviour of karst springs in relation to climate change (CC) and human impact. Poland focuses on ecological evaluations, integrating biodiversity data with remote sensing to analyse and model processes at local and landscape scales. Malta pursues citizen science activities, while monitoring GW flow from perched aquifers and investigating possible conservation approaches for small island ES.
Through the integration of data from all partners, this project will institute standardised monitoring protocols. Moreover, this project will assess the impact of CC and human activities on springs in different European landscapes. The project also fosters citizen science involvement and stakeholder partecipation, making sure that local communities both contribute to and benefit from it.
Acknowledgement: SentinelSpringS is a funded research project by the Water4All Partnership-Water Security for the Planet (Water4All/0010/2023) which is co-funded by the European Union within the frame of the Horizon Europe programme.
The baseflow is the slow streamflow component related to groundwater outflows from shallow and deep aquifers. In a context where climate change is increasingly evident, it is crucial to study how it is potentially affected by climate (Longobardi and Van Loon, 2018). Focusing on a water scarcity context, drought effect produces impacts for long periods even beyond its duration and, as they appear after its onset, an effective monitoring system can support the prediction of phenomena with a view to mitigation actions planning (Panu & Sharma, 2002). The research contributes to drought propagation studies, from meteorological to hydrological systems, in the perspective of climate change. The Tanagro river basin is an approximately 660 km2 catchment located in southern Italy, Campania region, featured by a typical mediterranean climate. The Tanagro river freshwater is characterized by a conspicuous spring contribution and is mainly used for irrigation purposes and for the production of energy from renewable sources. Meteorological and hydrological droughts are respectively assessed by the assessment of the Standardized Precipitation Index SPI and the Standardized Groundwater Index SGI, from monthly scale precipitation and discharge for the period 1918-2019 (McKee et al., 1993). A correlation analysis is proposed to assess the lag between meteorological and hydrological drought as well as the drought propagation rate is computed as the ratio between hydrological and meteorological drought events. The results will contribute to a methodological proposal for the quantification of the resilience of hydrological systems to climate change and the possibility for meteorological drought forecasting affecting hydrological systems. The activity falls within the objectives of the WaterWise project “Water Management Strategies and Climate Change Adaptation in Southern Italy” (SPOKE VS1 “Acqua” Project “Multi-Risk sciEnce for resilienT commUnities undeR a changiNg climate - RETURN).
The assessment of drought duration, severity, and its impact on groundwater resources can be achieved through the integrated analysis of climatic indices and groundwater level fluctuations. This study investigates the effects of drought periods on groundwater within distinct sectors of the Castelporziano Estate aquifer. Utilizing data from two meteorological stations and the Estate's piezometric monitoring network, a comprehensive analysis was conducted. The availability of extensive thermo-pluviometric and piezometric records (1995-2024) facilitated the computation of the Standardized Precipitation-Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI) and the Standardized Groundwater Index (SGI), enabling the evaluation of their variations over the past 30 years.
Prior research has established the presence of a main aquifer, exhibiting seasonal fluctuations primarily driven by local meteoric inputs, with base flow sustained by contributions from the regional aquifer. The Coastal and Central sectors, mainly recharged by local precipitation, show a different decline in piezometric levels. Comparative analysis of the SPEI calculated for two weather stations, one situated along the coast and the other in the inland sector of the Estate, revealed significant variations, which prove decisive in the recharge processes of these sectors. The Coastal sector exhibited a consistent pattern of alternating wet and dry periods until 2016, followed by a sustained drought period extending to 2023. These fluctuations are reflected in groundwater levels, as evidenced by the SGI, which has registered continuous negative values since 2016, reaching its minimum values in 2024. In the Central sector, the SPEI indicates a protracted drought from 1999 to 2008, resulting in a persistent reduction of piezometric heads. Consistent negative SGI values since 2008 corroborate the enduring water deficit in this sector, with a discernible exacerbation observed in the last three years, correlating with the SPEI trend.
In the AMARONE project, funded by the Cohesion and Development Fund (FSC 2014-2023), a regional-scale numerical model was developed to comprehensively assess the hydrogeological water balance in the High and Middle Venetian plains. The partnership between the Department of Geosciences of the University of Padova and the Eastern Alps River Basin District Authority aimed to develop a valuable tool for water management to support public authorities, in accordance with the European Community’s Water Framework Directive (WFD) that promotes sustainable water use and its long-term protection.
The implemented numerical model extends from the Mincio River to the Tagliamento River, covering an area of about 6100 km2 crossed by a dense network of alpine rivers, spring rivers and artificial channels. This area is characterized by the transition from the unconfined aquifer system on gravelly materials of the high plain to the multiaquifer system of the low plain, primarily composed of gravelly-sandy confined aquifers separated by silty-clayey aquitards. The transition between these hydrogeological provinces is marked by a plain spring belt and the groundwater exploitation in the region is a crucial factor for both social and economic reasons, as evidenced by the abundant extraction through pumping wells estimated at 2351.4 M m3/year, primarily used for drinking, domestic, irrigation and industrial purposes.
This complex situation was simulated using a three-dimensional finite-difference numerical model based on the MODFLOW-NWT code, implementing and calibrating a steady-state simulation to represent the average behavior of the system in the period 2010-2022, based on the results of the previously developed monodimensional water balance. This approach allowed the integration of hydrogeological data into the balance, such as hydraulic heads and hydraulic conductivity, resulting in a numerical model useful for performing balances on the water bodies of the Veneto region.
Unlike surface water modeling, large-scale groundwater numerical modeling has rarely been conducted in Italy, leading to a weaker understanding of aquifers compared to river dynamics. As part of MidAS-Po project, Po River District Basin Authority started a scientific collaboration involving academic and institutional experts to analyze and discuss the current knowledge on Po Plain aquifers. The goal is to bridge the gap and initiate a process to enhance awareness of water resources.
Over two years, the first conceptual model was developed under the guidance of six scientific groups, focusing on 3D reconstruction and parametrization, boundary condition, withdrawals, aquifer recharge, calibration boreholes, and modeling coordination.
The first groundwater numerical model of the Po Plain is currently underway. To summarize with a few key figures, it includes: 12 model layers, over 30,000 active grid cells per layer, more than 4,000 km of river network, over 150,000 well points, more than 1,000 calibration boreholes, and nearly 60,000 head measurements, spanning 148 monthly stress periods. Recharge has been estimated using a soil water balance model that takes into account meteorological data, land use, pedology and irrigation practices.
Although the project is still ongoing, some preliminary findings can already be drawn. Despite the vast amount of collected data, much more remains to be obtained. Stakeholder involvement is crucial in a region spanning four different local government institutions, approximately 60 water companies, and 60 irrigation districts. Therefore, future project development must include strategies to collect missing data and ensure its effective management for future applications. Once refined, the model will serve as a tool to understand groundwater dynamics, monitor the system, and design new measures for water protection.
Acknowledgment
MidAS-Po-Modello idrogeologico delle Acque Sotterranee del distretto idrografico del fiume Po-FSC 2014-2020
Agricultural managed aquifer recharge (Ag-MAR) techniques involve intentional enhancement of groundwater recharge through agricultural practices to increase water availability in aquifers which can be used to support irrigation. Successful implementation of Ag-MAR requires thorough hydrogeological understanding and can be supported by mathematical models to quantify infiltrated volumes and to evaluate aquifer contamination risks. Ag-MAR could be relevant for long-term sustainability of rice production in the Piedmont–Lombardy regions, where 92% of the national rice production is concentrated. Our study focuses on the Lomellina area (1250 km2), a sub-region of the Piedmont–Lombardy rice basin, bordered by the Sesia, Po and Ticino rivers. This region is an alluvial plain with flat topography (elevations between 52–133 m asl), where the phreatic aquifer is very shallow and crucial for rice production. Recently, groundwater levels are declining due to changes in climate and rice irrigation management, and the question is whether Ag-MAR can reverse this trend. In this study, to estimate the recharge from the agricultural area and the extensive irrigation channel network, a modeling framework based on a semi-distributed application of the SWAP model (https://www.swap.alterra.nl/) was implemented in QGIS and completed with a simple model simulating the percolation from the irrigation network. Then, MODFLOW-6 was used to develop a transient model which includes surface recharge and the main natural and artificial streams and canals exchanging water with the aquifer. The groundwater flow model was calibrated using groundwater level time series from 22 monitoring wells in the study area. This study was carried out in the context of the PROMEDRICE project (https://promedrice.org/; PRIMA-Section2–2022) funded, for the Italian partners, by MUR (Italian Ministry of University and Research).
Groundwater (GW) and surface waters (SW) salinization is affecting coastal aquifers, and this phenomenon, exacerbated by climate change (CC), is altering water cycle in transitional coastal environments. To compare GW fluxes and salinity origins, two coastal unconfined aquifers of Italy, the lower Po River lowland and Volturno River, were selected. A density-dependent numerical model was realized (SEAWAT4.2) with the same grid resolution (200x200m) and time steps (monthly, 2010-2020), to enhance the comparison. The models allowed to quantify GW flow directions changes and salinity evolution and to compare GW and saline fluxes within the aquifers. Both models were used to underpin SW-GW interactions and the CC impact. Each model was calibrated versus GW heads observations and high-resolution salinity profiles with good model performance.
The Po River aquifer simulation highlighted a salinity increase in the deeper aquifer layers due to increased upward GW fluxes triggered by decreased recharge rates and a “Polder” like situation. Shallow layers experienced both increasing and decreasing salinization trends depending on irrigation. The salinization of the drainage network is increasing during the modelled period, despite the seasonal and interannual variability.
The Volturno aquifer simulation highlighted an increasing GW salinization pattern due to seawater intrusion from the Volturno riverbed, induced by the decreased discharge rate. This salinization mechanism is complicated by salt leaching from peaty and silty-clay lenses deposited during the Late Holocene, when the coastal area was an inner bay.
The model budget intercomparison suggested that the classical mechanism of seawater wedge intrusion from the coastline is limited to the first km inland in both aquifers. While large inland portions of the model domains are characterized by high salinity due to remnant paleo seawater in aquitards, driving the GW salinity evolution and the salinity exchange with SW.
Biomarkers associated with the biodegradation of chlorinated ethenes (CEs), such as RDase functional gene DNA, mRNA, and enzymes, are increasingly monitored in contaminant plumes to assess reductive dechlorination (RD). These biomarkers provide direct proof of RD and are used to evaluate biodegradation potential and possibly infer degradation rates. However, aquifers are inherently heterogeneous, and local hydrodynamic and biogeochemical conditions likely influence the behavior and efficiency of organohalide-respiring bacteria. Moreover, identifying the key factors shaping the observed spatiotemporal patterns of chemicals and biomarkers remains a challenge.
At the Grindsted site (Denmark), a 1500-m long CE plume has developed from a former pharmaceutical factory. Extensive monitoring of both chemicals and biomarkers has been conducted at this site. To aid in the data interpretation, we developed new enzyme-based kinetics linking the reductive dechlorination of cis-1,2-dichloroethene to vinyl chloride and ethene with the expression of the vcrA and bvcA genes in Dehalococcoides. These kinetics were integrated into a 1D reactive transport model simulating the Grindsted plume, also including the estimated variable flow rates. Fitting the observed chemicals and biomarkers (i.e., functional gene DNA and mRNA) required to calibrate the kinetic parameters with a zonal approach.
As a result, the model pointed out different ecological strategies of vcrA- and bvcA-carrying Dehalococcoides, which affected the RD efficiency within the plume core. Moreover, CE biodegradation efficiency appeared further decreased under high flow rate conditions, because of the shorter residence time.
This modeling endeavor is the first attempt of field application and allowed enhancing the mechanistic interpretation of observed chemical and biomarker patterns in the CE plume. Consequently, it proved to be a reliable support for designing of future monitoring and remediation strategies.
In a scenario of climate changes forecasting the availability of water from springs is desirable to prevent shortage in water supply to the connected utilities like aqueducts and irrigation systems. That is, it would be useful to know the “signature” response of the aquifer.
This work focuses on the application of the ensemble smoother with multiple data assimilation (ES-MDA) to build a hydrological model for flow rate prediction in a karst aquifer using the well-known instantaneous unit hydrograph method and the rational formula. The aquifer studied is the Bossea-Artesinera karst aquifer, located in northwest Italy in the Maritime Alps with an infiltration basin of around 6 km2. The input data are observed discharge flow rates, daily precipitations, and temperatures. Some of the challenges that have been addressed in this research are the modelling of infiltration as a time-varying infiltration coefficient, the classification of precipitation into snowfall and rainfall, and the transformation of snow into water equivalent infiltration. Others parameters of the hydrologic model such as base flow, infiltration coefficient, or snow melting contribution were estimated.
As first step, individual events were examined and the ES-MDA produced excellent results with values of Nash-Sutcliffe efficiency never below 0.9. Then on the basis of 27 such events, two average models were identified: one to be applied in spring months when the impact of snow melting is important and the other during autumn months. These average models used for predictions did not work as remarkably as the individually fitted models: fall model performances were better that those of the spring model suggesting that the snow equivalent calculation has to be improved, being the main difference between the two seasons. It is difficult to conclude whether a signature exist for Bossea, still it is clear that the ES-MDA is a powerful tool to investigate single event and give insights on the aquifer dynamics.
Deep geological repositories (DGRs) for isolating nuclear waste must be designed to last hundreds of thousands of years. Relevant processes needing consideration over such time scales include density-dependent flow, glacial loading, permafrost formation and thaw, and heat and brine transport. Host geological media can be complex and heterogeneous, including discrete fractures or fracture zones and depth-dependent hydraulic conductivity. Numerical modelling can provide much needed insight into the behavior of these non-linear systems.
In this context, the finite element model HEATFLOW/SMOKER has been further developed and applied to predict the effect of glacial cycles and permafrost freeze/thaw on deep groundwater flow systems relevant to a DGR. Simulations are based on a 2D conceptual model of the recently-approved Revell storage site in northern Ontario, Canada.
Driven by future projections of historic air temperatures, glacier base temperatures and glacier thickness, the 120,000-year simulations show how permafrost can extend hundreds of metres deep, potentially isolating deep flow systems. Unfrozen zones (or taliks) potentially forming in discharge zones, remain a concern as pathways to surface.
This study presents a model-based analysis of hydrodynamic flow and heat transport in the Budapest Thermal Karst System, including future production scenarios and the impact of newly planned facilities. It emphasizes the need for sustainable management of the region due to overlapping exploration requests—many of which are geographically close to vulnerable karst spring areas—following regulatory changes. In response, the Geological Survey of Supervisory Authority for Regulatory Affairs initiated the Budapest Geothermal Research Programme.
Numerical modelling was conducted using extensive geological and geophysical data, improving the reliability of the geological model for the covered karst aquifer and tectonic features, mainly on the Pest side. A high-resolution 55 km 2D seismic network, gravity data, data from more than 300 deep and approx. 30,000 shallow boreholes, and 2D/3D seismic interpretations contributed to a new 3D geological model. This includes six geological time-horizon models, six geologic formation maps, seven geological-geophysical sections, and a Pre-Cenozoic basement geologic and tectonic map.
The region contains cold and hydrothermal karst systems, including hypogene caves and springs that supply Budapest’s thermal baths. To prevent significant changes in hydraulic heads, temperatures, and water composition due to new geothermal facilities, protective zones must be delineated. A harmonized water chemistry and isotope hydrology database was developed, interpreting main chemical components, discharge temperatures, and isotope data.
Both convective and conductive heat transport were simulated using FEFLOW® software with density-dependent heat transport. A regional (approx. 4477 km²) model with refined mesh around spring areas identified critical karst water supply zones and vulnerable regions through visualized maps, supporting decision-making processes.
Coastal karst aquifer of Lattari Mts. (~280 km2) supports drinking water supply of the Sorrento Peninsula and Capri Island, an over densely populated area in summer, economically strategic for Campania region (Italy) and outstanding environmental and cultural value. Based on in-depth literature review and a GIS and R-based analysis of hydrological data, this study aims to reconstruct a novel conceptual hydrogeological model and update the water balance to prevent excessive groundwater exploitation and deterioration from potential saline intrusion due to intensive withdrawals. A multi-method approach was used to assess a multi-scale groundwater recharge, integrating geological, land use, soil type, cover type, vegetation cover type and thermo-pluviometric data recorded with monthly and daily frequency by 24 meteorological stations over the period 2000–2023. In order to estimate the groundwater recharge, three methodologies were applied, two using the same water budget approach but different evapotranspiration calculation methods (e.g. Thornthwaite-Mather and MODIS data), and a third independent approach based on the SWB (Soil Water Balance) model. Subsequently, a comparison of groundwater recharge with natural outflow (Qoutsw) and withdrawals (Qoutw) was conducted using a geodatabase of 650 water point. At the aquifer scale, the mean annual groundwater recharge estimated with Thornthwaite-Mather formula (5.21 m³/s) and MODIS (4.88 m³/s) exceed those evaluated with SWB model (3.91 m³/s). The mean annual groundwater recharge remains higher than water withdrawals in all cases, although at the basin scale the current water withdrawals may be unsustainable in the long term in some cases, especially considering the interannual variability of recharge. Results obtained can support decision-makers and stakeholders in promoting sustainable groundwater use and enhancing water system security in Campania's strategic economic area.
The use of low-enthalpy geothermal energy through vertical borehole heat exchangers (BHE) represents a low-impact solution, based on a renewable energy source that is widespread worldwide. This study focuses on studying the most significant parameters that influence the energy performances and the environmental impact of vertical borehole heat exchangers (BHE) installed in different geological contexts.
The aim of the study is to develop a design guide for designers indicating the optimal distances between a row of BHE arranged perpendicular to groundwater flow and varying operational condition of the energy system, geometry of BHE and the hydrogeological parameters of the aquifer. The study was performed through the implementation of synthetic numerical models into MODFLOW-USG code. The vertical U-shape pipes of BHE were implemented into the model adapting the Connected Linear Network (CLN) Package, such as discussed in Antelmi et al., 2021. Specific flow and thermal boundary conditions were introduced to reproduce the real operation of a vertical BHE and various physical and hydrogeological properties of the aquifer were set to simulate a wide range of porous materials characteristics (from clay to sand and gravel).
Starting from numerical models representing a single BHE, having the aim to determine operating conditions without interferences, different borefield of 3 and 5 BHE were implemented to study in detail how their closeness can influence the energy performance of the central BHE and the extension of the thermal plume. Fixed a threshold (95%) of acceptance related to the heat rate exchanged reduction between BHE and surrounding subsoil, the optimal distances between geothermal exchangers were carried out for each parameter combination: results show an optimal distance ranging from 8 meter for fine materials and low groundwater flow velocity to 2 meters for coarse materials and higher groundwater flow velocity.
Installation of open-loop geothermal heat pump (GSHP) systems for heating and cooling of buildings requires detailed planning in order to maximize management efficiency and minimize unwanted impacts. Failure to do so can induce a decline in public acceptance of these systems.
Groundwater modeling is essential for extracting management and impact salient information from site data, quantifying the repercussions of data insufficiency, and providing a basis for effective acquisition of further data. We exemplify a workflow for use in heterogeneous hydrogeological environments using a synthetic model based on a real-world setting. Simulation employs the MODFLOW 6 Groundwater Energy (GWE) model. The simulator is parameterized with stochastic hydraulic property fields based on nonstationary variograms. This type of parameterization can express hydrogeological conditions that prevail in complex aquifers such as those that exist near rivers, or are affected by faulting/fracturing. The numerical burden of assimilating borehole head and thermal data in order to quantify and reduce uncertainties of predicted GSHP efficiency and impact is minimal, as this is implemented using data space inversion (DSI). This eliminates the need for history-match-adjudicated parameter adjustment, while associating realistic uncertainties with management-critical predictions. Use of DSI offers the additional benefit of allowing rapid assessment of the ability of as yet unacquired data to reduce the uncertainties of key system performance and impact predictions, at the same time as it allows continuous assimilation of new data that emerges through GSHP operation.
Despite its outward complexity, this approach to open-loop GSHP system management is relatively easy to implement and incurs only a minimal numerical burden.
According to the aim of achieving the highest level of environmental sustainability, an open-loop geothermal system has been planned for thermal needs (warming and cooling) of a large public building that will host a bibliotheque, a theatre and many civil buildings for universitary studies.
The system is located into the shallow (phreatic) aquifer hosted into alluvial Pleistocenic deposits drained by the river Po; initially designed for a supply < 100 l/s, it will be up-graded in order to cover the whole needs of the thermal station of the complex of buildings called “To-Expo”, with a nominal discharge of 160 l/s.
The test-site is located into a wider analysis area, in which existings data sets concerning stratigraphic and hydrogeological pattern have been collected and updated also by groundwater levels measurements, toward the end of an extraordinary recession period (2022), fixing the minimum reference conditions of flow into the aquifer.
The project has been supported by an exaustive ground survey that has been set up into the test-site area, by geophysical investigations (ERT, MASW, HSVR profiles), direct sampling (boreholes, piezometers) and hydraulic and laboratory testing.
The simulation numerical model (finite element model – FeFlow with supermesh grid) has been implemented to reproduce the present-state but above all flow and heat transport scenarios, considering 4 extraction and 4 inflowing wells and a piezometric control network too. The model covers a wider area discretized with 6 computations layers, settled around and inside the open-loop system, determining external and internal boundary conditions and sink/source terms, both flow and thermal, in transient conditions, estimating the evolution of the thermal plume in exercise mode referred to a 20-years scenario.
The whole plant has been approved by the Local Authorities, and the wells drilling program is currently ongoing.
In groundwater modeling, uncertainty in parameters and predictions can be reduced by history-matching the model against observations of groundwater levels. When observations span different periods or come from pumping tests, complex calibration schemes may be required, potentially making optimization unfeasible. In such cases, the modeler may choose to lose information by reducing or simplifying the observation set in exchange for a manageable process.
This study employs the Ensemble Space Inversion (ENSI) methodology for history-matching a groundwater model of a complex site against a large number of observations. ENSI estimates "super parameters" instead of native model parameters, using an ensemble of random samples from prior parameter probability distributions. A key advantage of this method is that it requires far fewer super parameters than model parameters, reducing the number of model runs needed to calculate parameter sensitivities.
ENSI was applied to a site characterized by heterogeneous pyroclastic and volcanic deposits, with three distinct aquifers. Various hydraulic tests were conducted to determine site-specific hydrogeological parameters, assess vertical conductance, derive pumping well characteristics, and collect piezometric data. A six-layer numerical model was developed using MODFLOW-USG. Hydraulic parameters were calibrated via pilot points, with values interpolated through kriging.
Compared to history-matching the same model using a standard GLM method applied to model parameters, ENSI provided several advantages: fast convergence to low objective function values, significantly reduced execution time, and natural parameter field distributions.
Though ENSI does not perform uncertainty estimation, it offers a fast and effective way to obtain a single history-matched model, which could serve as a starting point for ensemble-based uncertainty assessment.
The hydrogeological connection between tunnel excavation and springs is a key aspect to be assessed during the preliminary design phase, both for environmental and socio-economic reasons. Based on a preliminary hydrogeological survey and environmental monitoring of the springs, the need to anticipate potential impacts at an early stage influences both the feasibility of the project and the design of mitigation measures in more critical areas.
A data-driven Machine Learning (ML) approach, designed to incorporate the complexity of the relationships between various physical and hydrogeological parameters contributing to the risk of spring impact due to tunneling, was calibrated using a dataset from detailed hydrogeological monitoring conducted alongside the excavation of two major tunnels in the Apennines (Italy), involving sedimentary and carbonate karst aquifers.
The approach shows good scores for model evaluation, and here we present the results of a further validation against datasets from two additional sites: one in the Alps (Brenner Base Tunnel, within a crystalline aquifer) and another in the Apennines (Bologna-Florence highway pass variant, within a turbiditic sedimentary setting). The application of the method to these new sites—one of which features a geological setting different from the original validation dataset— shows good scores again, demonstrating its potential for broader generalization.
The results were compared with those of the Drawdown Hazard Index (DHI), demonstrating that both methods can effectively identify risk while also highlighting the sensitivity of the latter. Specifically, by adjusting the various thresholds, highly accurate results can be achieved. Conversely, the ML models generate outputs that are not subject to modification or classification into discrete categories.
Deep learning paradigms are widespread approaches for manifold environmental applications. Their strength consists in the possibility of processing massive quantities of data as well as performing complex tasks, with unsupervised procedures. The use of deep learners, based on neural computing, proved its effectiveness for data classification, data generation, time series prediction, etc.. In particular, recurrent neural networks are suitable for time series prediction. Here, recurrent neural networks are used to model groundwater levels of the large shallow porous aquifer of Brindisi. This is an aquifer with a catchment of approximately 1000 km2 located in the upper east Salento peninsula, in southeast Italy. It is hosted by the shallow Quaternary deposits consisting of weakly cemented sands, which diffusively outcrops in its catchment. This aquifer is recharged by local rainfalls, which do not significantly change across the catchment, in terms of volumes and time distribution. This shallow aquifer was monitored by the former National Hydrographic Bureau, whereas piezometric wells were used to acquire groundwater level measurements with a frequency of one measure every three days. However, these time series, available for 6 wells between 1952 and 2002, are not complete, since several gaps, i.e. missing data exist. These time series, together with the time series of rainfall data are used to train a recurrent neural network, which is able to predict average monthly groundwater levels as well as reconstructing missing data, whereas time series are incomplete. Differently from machine learning approaches, multiple well groundwater time series, as well as multiple rain gauge time series will be used together, in order to train the deep learner.
Discussion on Italian hydrogeology: which problems to tackle?
What are the problems to be addressed in hydrogeology in Italy? A deliberately generic question to stimulate an active and participatory discussion among both the invited speakers and the audience, leading to a moment in which the Italian hydrogeology community can reflect on the open questions in their field that are worth addressing. The idea for the event stems from the “23 Unsolved Problems in Hydrology”, a choral work of the international hydrology community to identify open questions in the field of hydrology worldwide.
The event will be held in Italian
Organized by ECHN-Italian chapter
The Hydrogeological Map of Italy at 1:500,000 scale represents a significant advancement in the national hydrogeological knowledge framework.Positioned between the European Hydrogeological Map (IHME1500) and regional maps, it provides a comprehensive and standardized reference for groundwater assessment across Italy.This initiative integrates existing geological and hydrogeological datasets from multiple scales, ensuring consistency and accuracy. The project employs a geospatial overlay technique to harmonize regional hydrogeological information at 1:250,000 scale with national geological data at 1:500,000 scale. This process allows for the classification of hydrogeological complexes based on relative permeability, ensuring a coherent national representation of subsurface hydrodynamics.
The map includes various thematic layers, developed also in collaboration with Istat, such as productivity, piezometric data, cold and thermal springs, representative monitoring stations defining the current regional state of the art on groundwater resources in Italy.
An innovative aspect of the project is the participatory approach, facilitated through a WebGIS platform. This system enabled the Italian hydrogeological scientific community to provide feedback, suggest modifications, and updated geospatial data, ensuring a high-quality and widely acknowledged result. he digital version of the map is intended as a dynamic product, open to continuous updates as new information becomes available.
The new hydrogeological map provides policymakers, researchers, and water resource managers with a unified tool for groundwater assessment, improving legislative and management decisions. Its adherence to ISPRA’s guidelines makes it a reference framework for future thematic hydrogeological maps.It represents a fundamental step in national-scale groundwater knowledge, bridging gaps in previous cartographic efforts and establishing a homogenous baseline for future research and resource management.
The Venice coastal plain and its surroundings is suffering of soil and surface water salinization due to seepage of saline groundwater into drainage canals of agricultural lands and soil salinization due to irrigation water quality. To study this phenomenon, two agricultural fields experiencing crop yield decrease in the last years were selected. The fields are located in a reclaimed area at approximately 2 m below sea level in the Venice province, 2.5 km from the Venice Lagoon (Site 1) and in Rovigo province, 10.5 km from the Venice Lagoon and 18.5 km from the Adriatic Sea (Site 2). To delineate the salinity gradients, 9 high resolution vertical profiles of soil cores were collected with an electrical auger corer and analysed in the field via a Meter® TDR for porewater salinity, volumetric water content (VWC), and temperature, and in the laboratory for sedimentary organic matter (SOM) gravimetrically, major ions and trace elements (TEs) via IC and ICP-EOS, respectively. The composition of porewater’s leaching fraction (LF) was gained via deionized water batch extraction with solid liquid ratio 1:5, while the plant available water (PAW) was obtained via microwave hot water extraction in three selected profiles. Stratigraphical cores were almost homogeneous with the most permeable layers constituted by organic sandy layers. An average porewater salinity of 2.2 g/l with an upward increasing trend was found in Site 1, while an average porewater salinity of 3.5 g/l with a downward increasing trend was found in Site 2. Vertical profiling highlighted the strong connection among some trace elements and the saline organic horizons in Site 2, characterized by paleo-seawater upward fluxes. Conversely, Site 1 was mostly affected by evapoconcentration processes of irrigation waters. The PAW salinity was up to two times the LF, highlighting that organic layers are the major saline source in these reclaimed lands and they can release large amount of solutes as well as TEs.
This study estimates the recharge dynamics in an unconfined porous coastal aquifer by means of a time-series approach. Two water wells were selected in the Volturno Plain (Campania Region, southern Italy), respectively located in a wetland area close to the coastline (Pz1) and in an agricultural not irrigated field at 10 km inland close to the Volturno River (Pz2). A multiparameter probe was installed in each water well to measure: water depth, temperature and electrical conductivity. Data were collected every 24 hours from February 2016 to December 2017 in Pz1, and every 12 hours from October 2022 to the present in Pz2. Rainfall data collected at the meteorological station closest to each monitoring point were considered in the analysis. The recharge rate was estimated using the Water Table Fluctuation (WTF) method. Six and five single recharge events were identified at Pz1 and Pz2, respectively.
At Pz1, the recharge ratio (RR, ratio between recharge amount and precipitation amount) remains constant throughout the year (average RR = 45%), likely due to the presence of marshy land, which limits groundwater recharge during heavy rainfall. At Pz2, RR shows seasonal variations with average values of 104% in autumn-winter and 351% in spring-summer, probably related to the agricultural practises (bare land, planting, growing and harvest phases). The results indicate that recharge decreases as precipitation increases due to greater pore saturation during the infiltration process. In both sites, we observe that precipitation events exceeding 50 mm in 24 hours result in a decrease in both electrical conductivity and temperature, highlighting the influence of infiltration dynamics on groundwater chemistry. Lastly, recharge amounts calculated using the WTF method are compared with those obtained through a classical hydrogeological balance, showing a good correlation.
This study highlights how groundwater recharge varies in response to seasonal changes and soil conditions.
Low-permeability fractured rocks constitute the bedrock of many regions worldwide. Due to the extreme heterogeneity and anisotropy, these rocks show very complex and varied drawdown-time trends when subjected to pumping. Understanding these trends is crucial for operational decisions, such as utilizing wells for water supply or managing dewatering operations in mining sites. This study examines nine pumping tests in an andesitic bedrock formation. The tests were carried out in wells of varying depths (30 - 260 m) in a region where groundwater circulation is not always continuous in the network of discontinuities. The tests lasting between 9 and 68 hours were generally carried out at constant flow rate (0.4-6 L/s) with measurements of drawdown in the pumping well and, in some cases, in an observation well. The drawdown data versus time have been analyzed through semi-log plots, the smoothed time series’ have then been represented on bi-log plots together with the first derivative of the drawdown. The trends of the drawdown and its derivative have been compared with theoretical curves, and interpretation was refined using flow dimension sequence analysis. The results show very different responses of the aquifer to pumping, which are affected by the interconnection of discontinuities, the presence of multiple hierarchical networks of discontinuities and of dykes that bisects a country-rock aquifer.
Data from pumping tests was integrated by earth tides groundwater response from 6 piezometers and by additional information deriving from RQD available for 400 boreholes to obtain a probability distribution of the hydraulic parameters to be used as prior information in numerical modelling.
In the confined aquifers of the lower alluvial plains the fine grain size of the sediments (sands and silts) and the chemical-physical characteristics of the groundwater (reducing environment with high levels of dissolved iron and manganese) have important consequences on the service life and efficiency of water wells; these are often affected by clogging phenomena of the well screen, caused by physical, chemical, and biochemical (biofouling) processes. Typical symptoms are the progressive lowering of dynamic level and operating flow rate, with a consequent reduction of the specific capacity parameter. Occlusion of the gravel pack and well screen causes a progressive reduction in the efficiency and productivity of the well, with negative effects on the quantity and quality of the produced water.
The work analyses a case study in the lower Po Plain (Province of Ferrara) where the presence of a drinking water well field has allowed the collection of a significant hydrogeological data set, especially in recent years, thanks to continuous flow rate and groundwater level measurement systems. In particular, the temporal evolution of the specific capacity parameter is evaluated, analysing the possible dependencies on the construction characteristics of the wells, the boundary conditions and the local geochemical characteristics of the aquifer, in order to formulate hypotheses on the physical, chemical and biochemical processes involved and to obtain useful indications for the management and scheduled maintenance of the wells.
Low-enthalpy geothermal energy has been identified as a sustainable solution for urban heating and cooling, with open-loop systems efficiently harnessing aquifer resources. This study introduces a novel methodology that integrates Geographic Information System (GIS) tools with classical hydrogeological equations to assess the potential of geothermal aquifers in urban environments. A comprehensive bibliographic analysis underpins the approach, drawing on fundamental models such as Darcy’s Law, the Thiem-Dupuit formulations, and the Cooper & Jacob method. These established equations are combined with high resolution spatial data to evaluate groundwater flow, aquifer transmissivity, and well interference parameters. The methodology produces geothermal potential maps that identify zones with optimal water availability and adequate well spacing, providing a reliable preliminary assessment tool before engaging in complex numerical simulations. A case study in an urban environment demonstrates the effectiveness of the method in delineating suitable areas for open-loop geothermal applications, thereby addressing challenges related to spatial constraints and resource variability. Preliminary results indicate that the approach can estimate flow rate extraction and water thermal power, providing valuable quantitative insights. This innovative approach not only enhances the understanding of aquifer behaviour under low-enthalpy conditions, but also offers essential decision-making support for urban planners, policymakers, and energy stakeholders. By combining classical hydrogeological theories with modern GIS capabilities, the framework significantly contributes to the strategic development of low-carbon energy solutions and the sustainable deployment of open-loop geothermal systems.
Flow and transport processes in porous media encompass a diverse range of physical and (geo)chemical phenomena. While these take place across multiple spatial and temporal scales, their quantification is fraught with significant challenges. Their inherent complexity naturally leads to multiple interpretations that are rendered through diverse conceptual models and mathematical formulations. As we navigate the complexities of process formulation and parameterization, addressing uncertainties is then increasingly critical. Key challenges include managing spatial heterogeneity of model parameters, such as, e.g., permeability, porosity or reaction rate parameters, and tackling our limited knowledge of the detailed characteristics of the porous medium. In this context, we delve into the uncertainties associated with process and system formulation, as well as parameterization. We evaluate their impact on critical model outputs of environmental significance, including solute concentrations, source protection areas, and reaction rates. Our discussion encompasses experimental studies, characterization of spatial patterns and heterogeneities within porous media, global sensitivity analysis, and stochastic inverse modeling. We explore these uncertainties through illustrative scenarios that range from regional- to laboratory- scales. We consider complex aquifer systems, the dynamics of a pharmaceutical compound at the laboratory scale, and nanoscale observations of mineral dissolution under continuous flow conditions.
Understanding how large lakes interact with multilayer aquifers is crucial for managing water resources, especially where groundwater and surface water are closely connected. These interactions, found in many regions worldwide, are shaped by complex geological formations and dynamic groundwater flows. Investigating them requires a multidisciplinary approach that integrates (i) detailed 3D geological modeling, (ii) hydraulic characterization of the subsurface, and (iii) natural tracers to track water (and groundwater) movements and refine hydrogeological processes. This study examines the connection between Garda Lake and the surrounding Prealps and moraine-alluvial aquifers, a essential water reservoir for northern Italy. Spanning the provinces of Brescia, Mantova, and Verona, this area plays a key role in recharging the Po Basin aquifer system, making groundwater monitoring and protection necessary. To explore these dynamics, a hydrogeological conceptual model has been developed using geological surveys, official maps, and water well stratigraphy, supported by isotopic and microbiological tracer analysis. The results confirm a strong hydraulic link between the lake and aquifers. The moraine aquifer, composed of highly permeable sediments, is directly connected to the lake bottom and banks, allowing continuous water exchange. Below it, the alluvial multilayer aquifer, with alternating coarse and fine sediments, also interacts with the lake. These aquifers, in turn, connect to the fractured Prealps formations, forming a continuous hydrogeological system at the regional scale. By integrating geological, hydraulic, and tracer-based analyses, this study provides new insights into lake-aquifer interactions in complex settings. Beyond its relevance for the Po Plain, the approach offers a valuable framework for managing groundwater in similar regions worldwide, where lakes and aquifer plays fundamental function in the storage of this vital resource.
A quantitative assessment of mountain-front recharge from Alpine and Apennine areas to Po Plain alluvial aquifers has often been overlooked in previous studies and is therefore addressed in this research project through the study of two pilot piedmont areas (Brescia and Bologna).
The recharge assessment is performed using 1) endmember mixing models based on conservative tracers of water (water stable isotopes) and salinity (Cl/Br ratio) and 2) water balance calculations based on discharge measurements of mountain rivers. A one-year monitoring of 41 wells tapping the alluvial piedmont aquifers, 17 mountain springs/wells, 11 mountain rivers/streams and 3 rainwater collecting stations was carried out.
Results showed that the sources of groundwater recharge vary in the different areas and sub-areas depending on the hydrogeological features and the land and water uses. More specifically, in the moraine of Lake Iseo in the Brescia area (Franciacorta), recharge is given by the mixing of 1) surface mountain-front recharge (sMFR) from minor streams coming from the moraine hills, 2) local (plain area) precipitations and 3) surface-water-irrigation return flow. In the piedmont urban area of Brescia recharge is due to 1) focused mountain-block recharge (fMBR) from the Alpine alluvial aquifer of Val Trompia, 2) diffuse mountain-block recharge (dMBR) from the karst Alpine aquifer and 3) sMFR from the Mella River. In the carbonate area of Carso Bresciano recharge is mainly due to 1) dMBR from the karst Alpine aquifer and 2) surface-water-irrigation return flow. Concerning the Apennine area of Bologna, the alluvial fan aquifers of the Reno, Savena and Idice Rivers are recharged by (1) sMFR from the rivers and (2) local precipitations. Recharge from MBR appears negligible in most cases. Mixing models also showed that a relevant source of water for pumping wells in Bologna is deep fossil groundwater.
This project was funded by the European Union – Next Generation EU – PRIN 2022
Over the past 20 years, the perception of groundwater resources in the Northern Apennines has shifted significantly. Once considered a region of "poor hydrogeology" compared to the Alps and Central-Southern Apennines, now some of their main aquifer units are recognized as a high-quality, climate-resilient strategic resource. This renewed interest has been driven by scientific research along with the support from public water companies (Gruppo Hera, Montagna 2000) and direct hydrogeological observations from railway and highway tunnel excavations, providing new insights into groundwater flow systems active within the main fractured aquifers: shallow marine Miocenic arenites, foredeep silico-clastic or calcareous Paleogenic and Neogenic turbidites and Jurassic ophiolites (peridotites and basalts). This communication presents a synthesis of quantitative aquifer parametrization, covering both intrinsic properties (hydraulic transmissivity and conductivity, specific yield, spring recession behaviour, effective groundwater velocity and kinematic porosity derived from tracer tests) and climate-related parameters including direct recharge and discharge per unit area. It’s relevant, for example, the higher value of specific discharge (per unit outcropping area of the aquifer) of Pantano calcarenitic formation, in the range 5-7 L/s on km2, around twice respect to turbiditic deposits, in the range 2-4 L/s on km2. These parameters serve as critical inputs for hydrological modeling to determine sustainable withdrawal rates during droughts. Furthermore, the findings and associated conceptual models will contribute to the development of new guidelines for quantitative hydrogeological mapping, coordinated and financed by ISPRA and applied to “Hydrogeological Sheet n°218 Castelnovo ne’Monti” which is being carried out under the scientific supervision of the Hydrogeology group at the University of Bologna in collaboration with the Geological Survey of Emilia-Romagna region.
Karst aquifers represent complex systems where groundwater flows at different velocities through a network of secondary porosity structures such as fractures and conduits. Their complexity comes from the interplay between geological and climatic factors, as well as human activities, like tapping springs and drilling tunnels, which can significantly change flowpaths and discharge regimes.
The Gran Sasso aquifer, one of the largest fractured and karstified aquifers in the central Apennines, offers a unique opportunity to study these phenomena thanks to the presence of drainage in highway tunnels, drilled in the 1970s. These tunnels tapped approximately 2 m³/s of groundwater directly under the preferential recharge zone, providing access to peculiar hydrogeochemical conditions within the aquifer. Recently, to obtain information about hydrodynamic aspects of the natural drainage and an updated hydrodynamic setup of groundwater flow related to recharge mechanisms, the structural characterisation of both surface and tunnels has been carried out, integrating hydrogeochemical and isotopic data from 27 drainage points along the tunnels.
The study reveals a complex mix of recharge mechanisms influenced by fractures and lithology permeability. Major ions show minimal variation, while isotopic results identify four distinct flowpaths. These include fast infiltration via fault zones, the arrival of old water into the tunnel drainage, representing the slow-flow aliquot, interaction with Quaternary deposits, and rapid groundwater movement through karst systems. The findings also highlight the role of Campo Imperatore's endorheic basin and fault zones in groundwater recharge dynamics. The Gran Sasso aquifer can be used as a model for understanding fractured-karst systems under climatic and tectonic conditions similar to those in the Mediterranean, offering insights into strategies for conserving high-quality drinking water in the context of climate change and anthropogenic pressure
Accurate knowledge of groundwater availability and its variations is essential for sustainable groundwater management. Within this framework, the water balance serves as a valuable tool for assessing water resource availability. Currently, management authorities require more precise evaluations of groundwater resources to address the growing demand for freshwater.
In this study, the water balance was determined for the main hydrogeological structures in the Central Apennines (Italy). The calculated outflows were compared with spring discharge data sourced from existing literature. Inflow data were collected over a six-year period (2018–2023), accounting for both rainfall and snow contributions. Unlike many previous studies that focused only on liquid inflows from rainfall, this research properly evaluated snowmelt contributions using data from a recent network of snow gauges. These contributions were incorporated into total precipitation estimates to achieve more accurate results.
For each hydrogeological structure, monthly inflow datasets from rain gauges were interpolated using regression equations and subsequently applied to the water balance assessment. An initial comparison of water balances, estimated with and without snowmelt data, revealed that excluding snow contributions can lead to significant underestimations of infiltration rates. Moreover, a comparison between calculated outflows—including snowmelt—and measured spring discharges demonstrated strong agreement for each investigated hydrogeological structure.
In recent years, the evaluation of water resources is acquiring ever greater importance
mainly due to the world population growth, especially in areas like the Mediterranean region
where rainfall has shown a generally negative trend, also characterized by shorter and even
more intense events. Furthermore, the ever-increasing demand for high-quality drinking water
highlights the importance of correct monitoring and careful management of the resource.
The area of the Sibillini Mountains National Park, located in the central Apennines (central
Italy), proves to be particularly suitable for a quantitative study of the water resource due
to the excellent water quality widely exploited for drinkable uses.
This sector of the Apennine ridge is characterized by suspended aquifers, even of large
dimensions, and by a deep basal aquifer hosted within fractured and karsti?ed micritic limestones.
The monitoring, in some cases for decades, of the discharges emerging from some important
spring systems and of some river reaches that drain the waters circulating within the basal
aquifer has highlighted a constant and progressive decrease in stored water resources. This
phenomenon, as mentioned, is certainly linked to the rainfall trend recorded in recent decades
which, especially concerning the time of residence of the snowfalls on the ground, has shown
a marked decrease. However, the role played by the strong increase in forest cover along
the recharge areas within the carbonate ridge over the last 50-60 years is underestimated.
The lower in?ltration linked to the consumption of trees, especially in the summer season,
combined with the amount of precipitation lost through interception or evapotranspiration
phenomena, has been shown to reach values in places higher than 25-30%.
Upward saline groundwater (GW) seepage is provoking surface water (SW) canals to be salinized in a large, reclaimed area of Po River lowland (Italy), particularly in tile drained agricultural fields embodying shortcuts among SW and shallow GW bodies. To identify salinization causes, a continuous monitoring network of SW channels, saturated and vadose zone (VZ) was established in two adjacent agricultural fields: the A1 field plot, mildly saline cultivated with maize and crossed by a paleochannel; and the A2 field plot, saline, uncultivated and covered by salt tolerant weeds.
The VZ continuous monitoring allowed to identify capillary rise as major driver of soil salinity in A1 field; in A2 additional salt is released by roots decomposition after the mow. These findings were integrated with remote sensing data on vegetation health (SAVI) and water requirement (NDMI).
Piezometers and drainage ditch continuous monitoring allowed to identify SW-GW relationships and saline sources in the aquifer/aquitard lenses.
Frequency domain analysis highlighted internal salinity dynamics, such as increased porewater salinity after mowing salt tolerant vegetation that increased temporary the EC up to 20 mS/cm.
Finally, measurements of water discharge and salt concentration at the outlet enabled a reliable estimation of salt fluxes from tile drained agricultural fields, showing that 70% of the total annual salt export (21±1.9 t/ha/yr) occurred during sub irrigation periods.
The upward saline flux from GW, together with the presence of halophilic vegetation fragments that slowly release salts into porewater and help to maintain elevated concentrations in GW and SW, pose a serious threat for the SW resources that are used for irrigation in these reclaimed lands, especially considering the ongoing climatic change that are already stressing the Po River lowland.
This study investigates the critical issue of salinity intrusion within the Muravera coastal plain aquifer, located in Sardinia (SW), Italy, through a comprehensive hydrogeological investigation. An integrated approach, combining groundwater dating techniques, multi-isotope analysis (including ³H, He, CFCs, SF6, noble gases, Sr, and B), and traditional hydrogeological monitoring, was employed to delineate distinct recharge sources and groundwater flow paths. To mitigate errors associated with seawater mixing, age tracer and noble gas concentrations were calculated specifically for the freshwater fraction, utilizing estimated concentrations for the saltwater component of each sample. Freshwater component concentrations were derived through saltwater component estimations, and subsequent analysis using PANGA and TracerLPM software, assuming a bimodal mixing model, yielded noble gas-derived recharge parameters and mean freshwater ages, respectively. The combined tracer results revealed that several samples were influenced by a geogenic source of SF6 (potentially fluorite mineralization) and possible CFC contamination introduced during sampling. Furthermore, reliable ³H/³He ages could not be determined due to elevated terrigenic helium concentrations and/or apparent loss of tritiogenic ³He for undetermined reasons. Despite these challenges, the age tracers still provided valuable insights. The study identified four distinct recharge sources, including the previously uncharacterized Flumini Uri River, which was found to be a significant contributor. Analysis of the premodern seawater component revealed a high terrigenic helium-4 concentration, exceeding 4 x 10⁻⁷ ccSTP/g, consistent with groundwater ages exceeding 1000 years, indicating extensive mixing with modern freshwater. These findings offer crucial information for developing sustainable water resource management strategies within this vulnerable coastal aquifer.
Managed aquifer recharge (MAR) using treated effluent and stormwater (TES) as source water is a vital strategy for sustaining urban aquifers used for potable water supply in water-scarce regions. However, concerns exist about the adverse impacts on groundwater quality due to the introduction of emerging contaminants (ECs) typically present in TES. This study aims to assess the impact of MAR on groundwater quality in the Atlantis Aquifer by investigating the occurrence and spatial distribution of ECs, including pharmaceuticals, pesticides, and industrial chemicals. Twenty samples from MAR source water, groundwater, and surface water were collected and analysed for 289 ECs. Preliminary results showed the detection of 120 compounds, with MAR source water having the highest number of detections, followed by MAR-impacted groundwater, while naturally recharged groundwater had the fewest. This pattern suggests that ECs are introduced into the aquifer through MAR, that some ECs may be attenuated, and that there is a baseline level of contamination in naturally recharged groundwater. Further analysis involving a three-tiered health risk assessment revealed that fewer than 10% of detected compounds pose potential health risks (RQ >1). To assess the aquifer’s capacity to naturally attenuate (via biodegradation) ECs that pose potential health risks, conventional water quality indicators (e.g., nitrate, dissolved oxygen, manganese, sulphate) collected between 2018 and 2024 will be analysed. The findings will contribute to the development of an EC monitoring framework for the Atlantis Aquifer, and by integrating EC monitoring into existing management practices, this will enhance protection of both the resource and communities that depend on it.
Managed Aquifer Recharge (MAR) technique based on the Forested Infiltration Area (FIA) is being tested to mitigate groundwater nitrate contamination, due to intensive agricultural activity, in a sandy aquifer within the Nitrate Vulnerable Zone of Arborea (central-western Sardinia). The research is being carried out within the NATMed project (https://natmed-project.eu/) (2023-2026), funded under the EU PRIMA Programme.
The FIA system is implemented in a pilot site of around 0.4 ha and it is supplied by drainage water with an average nitrate concentration of 70 mg L-1, coming from a nearby dewatering pumping station. The infiltration process occurs through six recharge trenches, with a total length of 300 meters and one meter deep, placed between rows of Eucalyptus and Poplar trees. The recharge water is treated before infiltration by a Passive Treatment System (PTS) installed within the trenches. It consists of a mixture of Eucalyptus wood chips (50% of volume) and inert material, whose function is to promote the denitrifying bacteria action, reducing nitrate (NO3) to atmospheric nitrogen (N2). Eventually, when the PTS effectiveness is reduced and the planting is fully developed, denitrification will be sustained by symbiotic bacteria residing on the tree root systems.
In two years of hydrogeochemical monitoring, a noticeable reduction of nitrates up to 85% in the infiltrating water and a significant decrease in groundwater nitrate concentration have been observed. These results suggest that the FIA technique is an efficient Nature-Based Solution for decontaminating waters polluted by nitrates. However, a considerable amount of soluble phosphate is released by the PTS, leading to an increase in the concentration of this pollutant in groundwater. Laboratory and field tests on some materials able to remove phosphate before infiltration are ongoing, with promising results
The Po River plain is experiencing groundwater resources decline since the last two decades, due to diminished recharge rates and groundwater overexploitation. Additionally, the elevated anthropogenic pressures increase the likelihood of groundwater contamination. For instance, Brescia with more than 200k citizens and a widespread industrial area, hosts many potential sources of groundwater pollution. The managed aquifer recharge (MAR) technique is well-known to mitigate groundwater contamination and to replenish groundwater resources; although MAR could trigger unwanted redox reactions, like pyrite oxidation, that must be evaluated before to establish a MAR scheme. To quantify possible interactions among recharge waters and the aquifer, 2 cores were drilled in a sub-urban area to capture the lithological variability of the unconfined aquifer. To delineate redox gradients within the aquifer, vertical profiles of sediment cores were collected via Rhizon® samplers and analysed for TDS, pH, DOC, major ions, and trace elements. In addition, 3 batches with 160 g of sediment and 800 ml of deionized water were set-up and monitored for 3 months. Pre- and post-experimental characterisation of mineral phases was done via sequential extraction (SE). Stratigraphical cores were similar but not homogeneous, with the most permeable layers constituted by sandy gravel layers. Depth profiles of selected species delineated possible pollution sources from urban leakage, although below admissible limits. SE suggested a >50%±25 increase of Fe-oxides at shallow depths, while no significant increase at the base of the aquifer. The batches and SE demonstrated that no significant release of heavy-metal(loid)s was induced by the recharging water and the already present contaminants were diluted below admissible limits. The proposed framework could be employed to assess the feasibility of MAR to assist tailored design solutions.
As part of a complex geological-hydrogeological survey, the karst system in Budapest and its surroundings has been investigated including its hydrogeochemical and isotopic characterisation. Additionally, the aim of this work was to support the 3D hydrodynamic flow and heat transport modelling by interpreted hydrogeochemical data which could be used for the verification of the models.
This karst system is characterised by the presence of different flow systems, from local to regional and with hypogenic karst developments shaped by discharging thermal karst waters. Based on major chemical parameters and outflowing water temperature we could distinguish two main clusters. Wells and springs mainly west of the Danube (Western group), contain mainly CaMgHCO3 type waters, with higher sulphate concentrations in the south. Wells and springs along the Danube and to the east (Eastern group), have higher water temperatures and TDS, and in some cases higher sodium and chloride concentrations, which show the presence of regional flow systems. The Western group could be further divided into 4, while the Eastern group into 6 subclusters.
Based on stable oxygen and hydrogen isotope data the karst water is mainly of meteoritic origin, although a very small brackish or seawater component cannot be excluded. Based on radiocarbon data the residence times of these karst waters are at least 20 to 30 ka. The thermal component is of Pleistocene origin, while the cold karst waters infiltrated during the Holocene. Some of the springs and wells contain detectable tritium, showing that these waters contain a modern precipitation component detected in the cold karst waters and in the discharge zones.
Analysis of groundwater samples from a recently finished campaign including a wide range of stable and natural radioactive isotopes will contribute to a better characterization of these karst waters enabling a better understanding of their mixing in the discharge zones.
The Piedmont Plain (NW Italy) is characterized by a shallow phreatic aquifer, overlying a deep confined/semiconfined aquifers, the latter are essential for the supply of drinking water.
The aim of this study was to analyze the trends (period 2000–2021) in the main physicochemical parameters (electrolytic conductivity (EC), pH) and main ions (Ca, Mg, HCO3, Na, Cl, NO3 and SO4) in 70 wells in the deep aquifers in order to identify the ongoing processes. The temporal distribution of threshold exceedances for the sum of pesticides was also evaluated. The interaction with shallow aquifers was evaluated comparing the average concentrations for the main ions between shallow and deep aquifers and evaluating the trends of the Saturation Index (SI) of calcite. Additionally, the temporal trends of ion exchange (Ca+Mg/Na index) were evaluated to highlight the contribution from silty-clayey layers, which represent the less permeable portions of the deep aquifers.
Results highlight relevant increasing trends for EC, Ca, Mg and Cl in 57-69% of the monitored wells, and increasing trends for HCO3 and Na in 41-46% of the monitored points. Decreasing trends exist for 3-10% of the monitored points. SO4, NO3 and pH show heterogeneous trends. The sum of pesticides shows greater exceedances of the threshold values in the most recent period compared to the previous one. The temporal trends of ion exchanges reveal the presence of trends in 61% of monitored wells.
Average concentrations in shallow aquifers show higher values than in deep aquifers. The decreasing trends of Calcite SI confirm the interaction between aquifers.
These results suggest an increase in the flows from the shallow aquifers to the deep aquifers and an increased contribution from silty-clayey layers of the deep aquifers. These processes are consistent with excessive withdrawal from deep aquifers.
In conclusion, the existence of impacting and worrying processes at a regional scale were defined.
Geogenic arsenic (As) contamination is a known issue affecting groundwater quality worldwide. In heterogeneous aquifers, As mobility results from complex physical and geochemical interactions. Extensive monitoring data are required to reliably assess these underlying processes and the natural As heterogeneity. However, effective groundwater characterization is often hindered by limited data availability, high monitoring costs, and resource constraints. This study exploits an alternative source of geochemical information, aggregating data from monitoring wells of sites under remediation, a pervasive network widespread in urbanized areas. We previously demonstrated that, when properly processed to remove anthropogenic influences, these data can provide meaningful insights into groundwater’s pristine composition. We developed a random forest model to predict the probability of As concentrations exceeding the 10 µg/L regulatory threshold. The method was applied to the shallow aquifer of Ferrara province in the Po Valley (northern Italy), a highly anthropized region with known geogenic As issues. Here, local assessments of As natural background levels are often required to distinguish geogenic from anthropogenic source of contamination in remediation procedures, since provided regional-scale assessments lack sufficient resolution. Our model identified areas with high probability of As exceeding 10 µg/L, mostly close to the Po River delta. As mobilization was linked to natural processes driven by the stratigraphic architecture of the area: widespread peat deposits promote redox reactions associated with organic matter degradation, leading to the reduction of Fe/Mn oxides originating from Apennine sediment sources. This study provides a useful tool for groundwater management, improving chemical composition knowledge through an integrated approach, relevant for both local-scale decision-making and large-scale groundwater quality assessments.
Groundwater environmental objectives in Europe are defined by the Water Framework Directive (2000/60/EC) and the Groundwater Directive (2006/118/EC), based on contaminant thresholds and considering Natural Background Levels (NBL) when appropriate. NBL represents the boundary between natural processes and anthropic impact, and defines the targets for remediation in polluted sites.
The Sacco River Basin (1530 km², Latium, Italy) includes a contaminated “Site of National Interest”, 72.35 km² wide. Anthropic pressures are widespread within the basin (e.g. industrial sites, transport infrastructures, landfills). Geogenic arsenic (As), iron (Fe), and manganese (Mn) can be mobilized in anoxic conditions into groundwater by biogeochemical processes.
This research aims to define the NBL for As, Fe, and Mn in the different lithologies (alluvial deposits, volcanic rocks, travertines) using a multidisciplinary approach. The currently ongoing groundwater sampling targets the low-impact areas to get a set of concentration values associable exclusively to geogenic processes. Groundwater levels, chemical-physical parameters, inorganics, dissolved organic carbon, isotopes (δ18O, δ2H, δ13C, and 87Sr/86Sr), and microbial properties were analyzed.
Preliminary results show that the highest Fe (201-1988 μg/L), As (38-55 μg/L), and Mn (55-406 μg/L) levels are related to reducing conditions in peat-rich alluvial sediments and, to a minor extent, to volcanic formations. Cell abundance is in the range of 10^3-10^4 cells/mL with predominance of cells with low nucleic acid content, as reported in oligotrophic environments. Furthermore, microbial respiration suggests higher metabolism and functional diversity of microbial communities in the alluvial facies. Our findings contribute to a more accurate assessment of natural versus anthropogenic influences, ultimately supporting the development of effective groundwater management and remediation strategies in contaminated sites.
Groundwater remediation of LNAPLs (Light Non-Aqueous Phase Liquids) has advanced with improved models for multi-phase flow and contaminant transport, essential for mapping out contaminant plumes and formulating remediation plans. While LNAPL models simulate how LNAPL interacts with water, air, and soil, their use is limited by specific site conditions, data access, and expertise level. Geological variations, like confining layers and barriers, must be considered as they affect LNAPL flow.
Accurate subsurface evaluation is pivotal, with LNAPL transmissivity measurement proving superior to traditional monitoring for assessing contamination and predicting remediation systems' efficacy. New refined computational techniques in modeling offer a precise representation of complex interactions between LNAPL, water, and air and pinpoint the boundaries between these fluids and improve parameter estimation through data integration. Moreover, joining geostatistical methods with physical models has made simulations of LNAPL spread more realistic, and the integration with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) enhances the analysis and depiction of contamination over time.
While sophisticated models offer detailed predictions, their utility in practice is contingent on validating assumptions through field data, simplifying model complexities for interpretability, and ensuring stakeholders' comprehension of model outputs. Environmental professionals must navigate the trade-off between model sophistication and operational feasibility, ensuring that the application of such models ultimately serves the goal of effective and sustainable LNAPL remediation.
This abstract advocates the need for regulatory acceptance of LNAPL transmissivity as a closure criterion, and for elaborating on best practices that can bridge the gap between theoretical modeling and field application. By doing so, it furthers our collective capacity for informed decision-making in LNAPL-impacted site management.
Groundwater is the main source of water supply in the Dosso region which is located in the southwestern part of the Iullemmeden Basin in Niger republic (West Africa). Despite the arid to semi-arid climate that characterizes this region, groundwater recharge is occuring mainly through rainfall. This recharge of water which is an essential element in the hydrological cycle is prefentially done according to zones which can also be vulnerable to groundwater pollution. The main objective of this study is to identify and mapped the potential recharge areas. A methodology based on a multicriteria analysis integrating GIS and remote sensing was used to map the potential recharge areas. After processing the Landsat satellite images of Dosso region, all the parameters influencing the hydrological recharge processes were obtained and integrated into GIS.
These parameters are: soil types, land cover, fracture density, drainage density, lithology and slope. The map of potential recharge areas obtained shows that the majority of the study areas has great recharge potential. According to this study, this great potentiality could be linked to: the sandy nature of the soil, the cultivable areas, the presence of fractures and density of hydrographic network. This map also confirmed that areas with high recharge potential are located in the beds of ponds and "dallols" (wide dry valleys), which thus become more vulnerable areas. This map of potential recharge areas constitutes therefore a tool for decision makers.
The SentinelSpringS project aims to establish cost-effective, inclusive, and sustainable monitoring and modelling solutions to preserve the crucial role of springs in supporting vulnerable ecosystems that depend on groundwater. Key research questions include addressing the lack of long-term and real-time monitoring data through standardised data collection protocols and characterising the sustainability of spring-dependent ecosystems. Here we introduce efforts toward a new European onshore and offshore spring information platform and map viewer enabling open access to real-time monitoring data on spring quantity and quality potentially including geogenic elements and relevant pollutants such as nitrate and pesticides. The information platform can encompass data on the impacts of emerging contaminants, water over-abstraction, land use change and invasive species on spring water chemistry and the characteristics of biological communities. Additionally, it contributes to assessing the influence of climate change on spring discharge and nutrient loadings, highlighting critical knowledge gaps in understanding climate-related vulnerabilities in spring-dependent aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. The spring information platform will enhance our understanding of the hydro-ecological functioning of springs and aquatic ecosystems and their vulnerability to temperature changes and the broader impacts of climate change.
This research on gender and hydrogeology examines the representation, barriers and experiences of women in the field. Statistical data reveals clear gender inequality. In 2010, the IAH in Italy had 67 male members (M) and only 7 female members (F) (9%). By 2024 IAH membership had grown to 231, with 32% being F, indicating progress, but persistent underrepresentation in senior academic roles.
Among academic members, few F have achieved full professorships. Compared to 12 M full professors and 6 retired M full professors, there is only 1 F full professor and 1 retired F full professor in IAH Italy. Bibliometric indices for F associate professors are the same as those of their M counterparts, with a median H-index value of 16. For researchers, median H-index values for M are higher than the F median (16 vs 10). However, the 2 F full professors in the association have H-indexes significantly higher than the M median, highlighting the greater contribution required to achieve the same position. Indeed, the underrepresentation of F in senior academic positions remains a pressing issue that needs attention.
Women in geological research face challenges including: discrimination in securing employment; discrimination throughout their career progression; prejudice linked to motherhood affecting visibility and participation of younger F researchers. Their absence from the workplace and lower participation in activities like field trips and/or summer schools is often tied to societal expectations and family responsibilities. Instead of receiving support during these crucial career phases, F researchers may find M colleagues using these opportunities to advance their own careers.
F hydrogeologists are often overlooked, marginalized or ignored, despite their significant contributions. To close the gender gap, it is crucial to recognize and highlight the valuable input that women bring to the field of hydrogeology, ensuring they receive deserved acknowledgment and opportunities.