Projects / Programmes
Study of pollutant transport dynamics with artificial tracers in the porous aquifer of Ljubljansko polje
| Code |
Science |
Field |
Subfield |
| 1.06.00 |
Natural sciences and mathematics |
Geology |
|
| Code |
Science |
Field |
| P470 |
Natural sciences and mathematics |
Hydrogeology, geographical and geological engineering |
| T270 |
Technological sciences |
Environmental technology, pollution control |
tracer experiments, groundwater flow dynamics, solute transport, groundwater quality, porous aquifer, Ljubljansko polje
Researchers (12)
Organisations (2)
Abstract
Human activities on the Ljubljansko polje area threaten groundwater quality. A numerical groundwater flow model was established for the wider area of the Ljubljansko polje aquifer. A lack of experimental data on solute transport leads to unreliability of the transport model and it is predictions of pollution scenarios. The transport model needs to calculate reliable scenarios of pollution dispersion, which can be achieved only with the application of real transport parameters. These could be provided from tracer experiments in the Ljubljansko polje aquifer. In the frame of the research project a multi-tracer experiment in the area of the Hrastje waterworks and a small tracer experiment in the area of Jarški Brod waterworks will be carried out. Tracer test design considers differences between pollutant spreading in unsaturated and saturated zones of the aquifer. Therefore, the tracer injection is planned as spreading on the surface (injection to the unsaturated zone), as well as injecting directly into the saturated zone through observation wells. Structure of the Ljubljansko polje aquifer is very complex and vertical stratified. Flow direction is very unpredictable because of a presence of conglomerate layers. The latter can play a double role: they could be karstified and very permeable on one hand or compact and unpermeable on the other hand. Therefore some geophysical measurements (borehole neutron and density probe) will be performed. Results of the geophysical measurements and multi-tracer experiment will improve the flow and transport model. All together, this will enable better knowledge of the hydrodynamic conditions in the Ljubljansko polje aquifer, which will yield more effective measures for waterwork protection. Consistent implementation of these measures will improve the groundwater quality in the waterworks.
