Digital repository of Slovenian research organisations

Search the repository
A+ | A- | Help | SLO | ENG

Query: search in
search in
search in
search in

Options:
  Reset


Query: "keywords" (groundwater) .

1 - 10 / 13
First pagePrevious page12Next pageLast page
1.
Contaminant trends in urban groundwater: case study from Ljubljana (central Slovenia)
Janja Svetina, Joerg Prestor, Brigita Jamnik, Primož Auersperger, Mihael Brenčič, 2024, original scientific article

Abstract: Urban areas can significantly alter the quality status of aquifers if appropriate strategies to prevent and detect groundwater contamination are not implemented in time. The prevention of groundwater contamination should be a priority due to its potential long-term impact on the environment and the high cost of remediation. For effective and sustainable groundwater management, it is crucial to proactively monitor a wide range of compounds to prevent their spread, progression and increasing concentrations. This study is one of the few to analyse the trends of various urban groundwater contaminants (nitrate, sulphate, hexavalent chromium, pesticides, PCE and TCE) from a groundwater management perspective. Characteristic trends are assessed using linear regression and the Mann–Kendall method, while significant changes in trends are determined using the Darken and Pettitt tests. The time span of the analysed trends covers the transition period before and after the implementation of the Water Framework Directive (2000/60/EC) and the Groundwater Directive (2000/60/EC). This study confirms the effectiveness of enforcement measures to protect groundwater quality, as evidenced by several statistically significant decreasing trends. On the other hand, this study emphasises the importance of intervention-targeted sampling campaigns and the reporting of raw analytical values according to the ISO 11843 series of standards. This approach is essential to detect upward trends in emerging contaminants at an early stage and prevent them from reaching levels that could negatively impact the economy or even jeopardise the safety of drinking water supplies.
Keywords: groundwater contamination, contaminant trends, groundwater management, urban aquifer, Ljubljansko polje
Published in DiRROS: 25.03.2024; Views: 36; Downloads: 11
.pdf Full text (7,36 MB)

2.
Impact assessment of the Gajke and Brstje landfills on groundwater status using stable and radioactive isotopes
Sonja Cerar, Luka Serianz, Polona Vreča, Marko Štrok, Tjaša Kanduč, 2023, original scientific article

Abstract: Waste disposal in landfills represents a severe threat to aquatic environments on the local, regional, and global levels. In Slovenia, there are 69 registered landfills where groundwater is regularly monitored. However, isotope techniques are not regularly employed. Therefore, we employed isotope analysis of hydrogen, carbon, and oxygen in combination with total alkalinity to assess the impact of the selected landfill on groundwater and to evaluate the biogeochemical processes at work. The δ18O, δ2H, δ13CDIC, 3H activity and total alkalinity were determined in October 2020 at 12 sampling points from the surrounding area of the Gajke and Brstje landfills and leachate from the Gajke landfill. The δ18O (-9.24 ± 0.3 ‰) and δ2H (-64.9 ± 2.7 ‰) in groundwater indicate that the main water source consists in direct infiltration of precipitation, with no significant isotopic fractionation. Total alkalinity in the investigated area ranges from 5.45 to 73 mM and δ13CDIC from –14.9 to +6.1 ‰, respectively. Higher values of total alkalinity (up to 73 mM), δ13CDIC (up to +6.1 ‰), δ18O (-7.64 ‰) and 3H (209.8 TU) are detected in the leachate, indicating biogeochemical process related to CO2 reduction or methanogenesis. Methanogenesis could be present at locations GAP-10/13 (Brstje landfill) and G-2 (Gajke landfill) with δ13CDIC values ranging from –8.2 to –7.6 ‰ and with dissolved oxygen values around 0 % and elevated 3H values (from 16 to 18 TU). This study demonstrates the effectiveness of isotopic analysis as a valuable tool for monitoring landfills, revealing shifts in biogeochemical processes within the groundwater there.
Keywords: groundwater, monitoring, landfill, stable isotopes, tritium, Gajke, Brstje
Published in DiRROS: 16.01.2024; Views: 158; Downloads: 54
.pdf Full text (8,52 MB)

3.
Monitoring the galvanic corrosion of copper–steel coupling in bentonite slurry during the early oxic phase using coupled multielectrode arrays
Tadeja Kosec, Miha Hren, Klara Prijatelj, Bojan Zajec, Nina Gartner, Andraž Legat, 2023, original scientific article

Abstract: In the case of a two-part container for spent nuclear fuel, consisting of an iron-based inner structure with a copper coating, the potential perforation of copper through minor damage may result in intensive galvanic corrosion between copper and steel. The present work focuses on the corrosion of steel galvanically coupled to copper and exposed to a slightly saline environment under oxic conditions. The electrochemical processes on individual electrodes were monitored by coupled multielectrode arrays (CMEAs). The CMEAs were either in contact with groundwater saturated with bentonite or immersed in groundwater only. Very high galvanic corrosion currents were detected between carbon steel and pure copper in the early oxic phase. Additionally, the use of CMEAs further made it possible to monitor the distribution of cathodic currents around the steel electrode, which behaved anodically. Various microscopy and spectroscopy techniques were applied to identify the modes of corrosion and the type of corrosion products present at the end of the period of exposure.
Keywords: copper, steel, bentonite, Aspö groundwater, coupled multi electrode array, electrochemical properties, Raman analysis, corrosion
Published in DiRROS: 16.11.2023; Views: 282; Downloads: 35
.pdf Full text (1,66 MB)
This document has many files! More...

4.
Impact of Open-Loop Systems on Groundwater Temperature in NE Slovenia
Simona Adrinek, Mitja Janža, Mihael Brenčič, 2023, original scientific article

Abstract: To achieve sustainable and efficient use of shallow geothermal resources, it is important to understand the heat transfer in the subsurface of the planned geothermal system. In the City Municipality of Murska Sobota, NE Slovenia, the use of geothermal open-loop systems has increased in recent years. Their high spatial density raises the question of possible mutual interference between the systems. By compiling geological, hydrogeological, and thermal data, obtained from the monitoring network, fieldwork, and knowledge of regional hydrogeological conditions, we have developed a transient groundwater flow and heat transfer model to evaluate the impact of the open-loop systems on the subsurface and surrounding systems. The transient simulation showed that the thermal state in the observed area is restored over the summer, when the systems are not in operation. Also, the systems do not have significant mutual interference that would affect their efficiency. However, as interest in installing new systems in the area increases, simulations of the thermal plumes of new geothermal systems are needed to ensure sustainable and efficient use of shallow geothermal energy in the future.
Keywords: geothermal energy, open-loop system, groundwater heat pump, intergranular aquifer, numerical modelling, thermal plume
Published in DiRROS: 19.09.2023; Views: 334; Downloads: 90
.pdf Full text (36,17 MB)

5.
Analysis of the geological control on the spatial distribution of potentially toxic concentrations of As and F- in groundwater on a Pan-European scale
Elena Giménez-Forcada, Juan Antonio Luque-Espinar, María Teresa López-Bahut, Juan Grima-Olmedo, Jorge Jiménez-Sánchez, Carlos Ontiveros-Beltranena, José Angel Díaz-Muñoz, Daniel Elster, Ferid Skopljak, Denitza D. Voutchkova, Birgitte Hansen, Klaus Hinsby, Jörg Schullehner, Eline Malcuit, Laurence Gourcy, Teodóra Szőcs, Nóra Gál, Daði Þorbjörnsson, Katie Tedd, Dāvis Borozdins, Henry Debattista, Nina Rman, 2022, original scientific article

Abstract: The distribution of the high concentrations of arsenic (As) and fluoride (F-) in groundwater on a Pan-European scale could be explained by the geological European context (lithology and structural faults). To test this hypothesis, seventeen countries and eighteen geological survey organizations (GSOs) have participated in the dataset. The methodology has used the HydroGeoToxicity (HGT) and the Baseline Concentration (BLC) index. The results prove that most of the waters considered in this study are in good conditions for drinking water consumption, in terms of As and/or F- content. A low proportion of the analysed samples present HGT≥ 1 levels (4% and 7% for As and F-, respectively). The spatial distribution of the highest As and/or F- concentrations (via BLC values) has been analysed using GIS tools. The highest values are identified associated with fissured hard rock outcrops (crystalline rocks) or Cenozoic sedimentary zones, where basement fractures seems to have an obvious control on the distribution of maximum concentrations of these elements in groundwaters.
Keywords: trace elements, arsenic fluoride, groundwater, geo-hydrochemistry, spatial analysis
Published in DiRROS: 30.01.2023; Views: 948; Downloads: 199
.pdf Full text (16,39 MB)
This document has many files! More...

6.
Synoptic risk assessment of groundwater contamination from landfills
Sonja Cerar, Luka Serianz, Katja Koren, Joerg Prestor, Nina Mali, 2022, original scientific article

Abstract: Waste management in Europe has improved in recent years, reducing the amount of waste disposed at landfills. However, there are still many landfills in the countries. It is well known that landfills that do not have measures in place to control leachate entering groundwater can contaminate groundwater long after the landfill is closed. Collecting monitoring results from all landfills allows permitting and management agencies to improve action plans. This relies on a synoptic risk assessment that allows prioritization and milestones to be set for required actions. The developed method of synoptic risk assessment is based on a conceptual model of the landfill and the results of chemical groundwater monitoring tested at 69 landfills in Slovenia. The study confirms that most landfills have a direct or indirect impact on groundwater quality. All landfills were classified into three priority classes on the basis of the synoptic risk assessment. The results show that a total of 24 landfills have a clearly pronounced impact on groundwater. A total of 31 landfills have a less pronounced impact due to the favorable natural attenuation capacity of the soil or the technically appropriate design of the landfill itself. A total of 14 landfills have a less pronounced or negligible impact on groundwater.
Keywords: conceptual model, synoptic risk assessment, landfill, groundwater, chemical analysis
Published in DiRROS: 19.07.2022; Views: 528; Downloads: 280
.pdf Full text (3,09 MB)
This document has many files! More...

7.
Mercury in the unconfined aquifer of the Isonzo/Soča River alluvial plain downstream from the Idrija mining area
Andrea Cerovac, Stefano Covelli, Andrea Emili, Elena Pavoni, Elisa Petranich, Asta Gregorič, Janko Urbanc, Enrico Zavagno, Luca Zini, 2018, original scientific article

Abstract: This work aims at evaluating mercury (Hg) occurrence, spatial distribution and speciation in groundwater of the Isonzo/Soča River upper alluvial plain downstream from the Idrija Hg mine (Western Slovenia). Several wells and piezometers were sampled both in static and dynamic mode. On the basis of hydrochemistry and isotopic composition, the main sources of groundwater were established. Hg concentrations in the Slovenian sector, supplied by local rainfall, are comparable to values measured close to the Isonzo River. Possible further Hg local sources have been suggested. Stability field analysis for the aqueous Hg species revealed that in the presence of chloride Hg solubility may be increased by the formation of chlorocomplexes. Mercury that rarely enters reduced surrounding conditions can be bound to sulphur to form polysulphide species depending on the pH of water. Since Hg-contaminated alluvial sediments of the Isonzo River may act as a secondary Hg source in groundwater, a borehole was dug down to the water table. Mercury content and speciation revealed that cinnabar (HgS) is the prevalent form followed by the matrix-bound Hg (Hgbound). Variations of the physico-chemical boundary conditions, as well as the raising/lowering of the water table, may be locally responsible for the slight variability of Hg concentrations in the aquifer.
Keywords: aquifers, groundwater, mercury
Published in DiRROS: 22.06.2022; Views: 518; Downloads: 267
URL Link to full text

8.
Control of organic contaminants in groundwater by passive sampling and multivariate statistical analysis
Anja Koroša, Nina Mali, 2022, original scientific article

Abstract: Organic contaminants in groundwater are among the most challenging chemical compound contaminants today, particularly when it comes to understanding their occurrence, origin, and relations in groundwater, as well as the transport processes, fate, and environmental impacts involved. This paper presents the use of active carbon fibre (AFC) passive sampling and multivariate statistical processing of the results to predict the possible occurrence of organic compounds (OCs) in groundwater and to determine the origin of various anthropogenic activity. This study aims to deepen our knowledge on the control of OCs in groundwater by introducing a multi-analytical and multielemental holistic approach, using the Dravsko polje aquifer, the largest intergranular aquifer in Slovenia, as an example.
Keywords: compounds of concern, groundwater contaminants, organic compounds, passive sampling
Published in DiRROS: 22.06.2022; Views: 561; Downloads: 223
.pdf Full text (11,61 MB)

9.
Characterizing the groundwater flow regime in a landslide recharge area using stable isotopes: a case study of the Urbas landslide area in NW Slovenia
Katja Koren, Luka Serianz, Mitja Janža, 2022, original scientific article

Abstract: Slope stability strongly depends on the prevailing hydrological and hydrogeological conditions. The amount and intensity of precipitation and changing groundwater levels are important landslide triggering factors. Environmental tracers, including the chemical and stable isotope compositions of precipitation and groundwater, were used to gain insight into the groundwater dynamics of the Urbas landslide. The landslide is situated in a mountainous area with steep slopes and high precipitation amount and poses a high risk for the safety of the Koroška Bela settlement that lies downstream. The stable isotope analyses of oxygen-18 (18O) and deuterium (2H) in the precipitation and groundwater were used to estimate the groundwater mean residence time and the average altitude of the landslide recharge area. This information will help to plan and prioritize remedial landslide measures aiming to reduce the recharge of the landslide body and, thus, lower the risk of transformation of the sliding material into debris flow. The results of the chemical analysis of samples taken from springs and a piezometer show a Ca–HCO3 water type. This indicates low water–rock interaction in a landslide area composed of Upper Carboniferous and Permian clastic rocks and points to upper laying carbonate rocks and scree deposits as the main recharge area. Water samples for stable isotope analyses of δ18O and δ2H were collected from a rain gauge, springs, and a piezometer over a two-year period (2018–2020). The estimated mean recharge altitude of the groundwater at sampling points was from approximately 1700 to 1800 m a.s.l. with a mean residence time of 2–5 months.
Keywords: landslide, groundwater, stable isotopes, oxygen-18, deuterium, hydrogeology, recharge dynamic
Published in DiRROS: 16.03.2022; Views: 695; Downloads: 295
.pdf Full text (3,55 MB)

10.
Geophysical investigations in the Radovna River Spring area (Julian Alps, NW Slovenia)
Anja Torkar, Marjana Zajc, Jure Atanackov, Andrej Gosar, Mihael Brenčič, 2021, original scientific article

Abstract: The Radovna River Valley is located in the north-western part of Slovenia in the Julian Alps, where there is an extensive intergranular aquifer whose depth to pre-Quaternary bedrock is unknown. Therefore, to obtain information about the depth of the valley and the geometry of the aquif er two geophysical methods were used in our study; ground penetrating radar (GPR) and seismic reflection method. The low-frequency GPR method has shown to be useful for determining the depth of the groundwater and the predominant groundwater recharge. Also, the high-resolution seismic method provided an insight about the morphology of the pre-Quaternary basement with the deepest point at 141 meters below surface. Measurements of hydrogeological parameters such as groundwater level and river discharge measurements were carried out in the study area. Both data analyses showed that groundwater level and river discharge are highly fluctuatingand rapidly changing, indicating a well-permeable aquifer, implying that such an aquifer is extremely sensitive and vulnerable to extreme climate events. Both the geophysical methods and the hydrogeological information have provided important information about the morphology of the valley and the alluvial aquifer, as well as increasing the knowledge about the Radovna springs system, which will contribute very important information for future hydrogeological studies.
Keywords: Ground penetrating radar, Seismic reflection method, Radovna spring, hydrogeology, aquifer geometry, glacial valley, groundwater table
Published in DiRROS: 09.03.2022; Views: 669; Downloads: 306
.pdf Full text (6,27 MB)

Search done in 0.25 sec.
Back to top