Using numerical methods for map the spatiotemporal geogenic and anthropogenic influences on the groundwater in a detrital aquifer in south Spain.

The presence of trace elements in water for domestic supply or irrigation could pose a significant toxic risk for health, due to direct consumption or bioaccumulation through the ingestion of vegetables irrigated with this water. This paper studies the presence of 41 trace elements plus nitrate and bromate in groundwater, using a multivariate statistical tool based on Principal Component Analysis and a geostatistical Kriging method to map the results. Principal Component Analysis revealed 11 significant principal components, which account for 82% and 81% of the total variance (information) respectively for the two dates analysed.

Analysis of the geological control on the spatial distribution of potentially toxic concentrations of As and F in groundwater on a Pan-European scale.

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.

A methodology for assessing public health risk associated with groundwater nitrate contamination: a case study in an agricultural setting (southern Spain).

Groundwater nitrate contamination from agriculture is of paramount environmental interest. A continuous consumption of polluted water as drinking water or for culinary purposes is by no means a minor hazard for people's health that must be studied. This research presents a new methodology for the spatial analysis of health risk rate from intake of nitrate-polluted groundwater.

Categorical Indicator Kriging for assessing the risk of groundwater nitrate pollution: the case of Vega de Granada aquifer (SE Spain).

Groundwater nitrate pollution associated with agricultural activity is an important environmental problem in the management of this natural resource, as acknowledged by the European Water Framework Directive. Therefore, specific measures aimed to control the risk of water pollution by nitrates must be implemented to minimise its impact on the environment and potential risk to human health. The spatial probability distribution of nitrate contents exceeding a threshold or limit value, established within the quality standard, will be helpful to managers and decision-makers.