Integrative measures for protection of carbonate aquifers against microbial pollution in central–southern Italy

Abstract

The refinement of groundwater protection criteria is currently of major importance in Italy. The present study has been focused on the refinement of protection measures for carbonate aquifers in central–southern Italy, taking into consideration their hydrogeological features and the results of several years of experimental research in different test sites. In these aquifers a good protection can be obtained by integrating the Italian law with specific solutions. The “map of land use restrictions” has been identified as the graphic core of a GIS-based sDSS which will aid decision-makers to protect the water resources against pollution.

Keywords:

• groundwater protection
• protection zones
• carbonate aquifers
• microbial pollution
• Central-Southern Italy

Acknowledgements

This project was funded by the European Union (KATER and KATER II research programs) the Autorità di bacino dei Fiumi Liri-Garigliano e Volturno, the Autorità di Bacino del Destra Sele, the Autorità di Bacino del Sinistra Sele, the Autorità di Bacino del Fiume Sarno and by the Agenzia Regionale Per l'Ambiente del Molise.