Topic Editors

College of Earth Science and Engineering, Shandong University of Science and Technology, Qingdao, China
College of Earth Science and Engineering, Shandong University of Science and Technology, Qingdao, China

Human Impact on Groundwater Environment

Abstract submission deadline
closed (15 September 2024)
Manuscript submission deadline
15 November 2024
Viewed by
33956

Topic Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Topic aims to gather novel and innovative works of general interest for the broad audience of the journal related to the environmental implications of ever-growing human activities, with a particular emphasis on the changes these are inducing on groundwater. Global demand for water is projected to outstrip supply by 40% in 2030 and 55% in 2050 as a result of climate change, a rising population, economic growth, rapid urbanization, and increased water–energy–food nexus pressures. Humans are thus now facing the critical challenge of preserving our groundwater resources from biological and chemical contamination induced by its own point and diffuse sources. Addressing this challenge will require a holistic system approach by addressing new issues and emerging contaminants, as well as multiple embedded exposures to ultimately be able to achieve a comprehensive environmental and human health risk assessment.

Consequently, the contributions to this Topic will encompass a broad spectrum of topics in human impact on groundwater resources, including but not limited to: Emerging topics dealing with water resource vulnerability and human impact, including emerging and chemical contaminants; Advances in analytical techniques to monitor and identify sources and processes controlling the budget of human contaminants in water resources; Advances in hydrological processes and hydrodynamic models for investigating water vulnerability to human impact; Analysis of urban growth consequences for water resources and water management; Remote sensing applications for water vulnerability assessment; Linkage between water vulnerability, scarcity, security, and sustainability.

In this Topic, we aim to fill gaps on the application of hydrochemistry (including measurements of radioactive and stable isotope ratios, nutrients, trace elements, and organic components) on environmental research by asking for manuscripts which constitute original contributions on studies developing applications in hydrogeology, nutrient balances, pollution, environmental changes, as well as modeling or empirical studies aimed at improving our mechanistic understanding of short- and long-term chemical variations in global hydrological systems. The submission of inter- and multidisciplinary original research and review papers is particularly encouraged.

Prof. Dr. Zongjun Gao
Dr. Jiutan Liu
Topic Editors

Keywords

  • groundwater resources
  • human impact
  • contaminants
  • vulnerability
  • hydrogeology
  • environmental health

Participating Journals

Journal Name Impact Factor CiteScore Launched Year First Decision (median) APC
Energies
energies
3.0 6.2 2008 17.5 Days CHF 2600 Submit
Hydrology
hydrology
3.1 4.9 2014 18.6 Days CHF 1800 Submit
Remote Sensing
remotesensing
4.2 8.3 2009 24.7 Days CHF 2700 Submit
Sustainability
sustainability
3.3 6.8 2009 20 Days CHF 2400 Submit
Water
water
3.0 5.8 2009 16.5 Days CHF 2600 Submit
Earth
earth
2.1 3.3 2020 21.7 Days CHF 1200 Submit

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Published Papers (22 papers)

Planned Papers

The below list represents only planned manuscripts. Some of these manuscripts have not been received by the Editorial Office yet. Papers submitted to MDPI journals are subject to peer-review.

Title: AGRICULTURAL MEASURES TO PROTECT THE GROUNDWATER HABITAT OF THE BLACK OLM (/Proteus anguinus, Parkelj/) AGAINST NITRATE POLLUTION
Authors: Matjaž Glavan
Affiliation: Agricultural Land Management, Agro-Economics and Rural Development, Agronomy Department, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana,1000 Ljubljana, Slovakia
Abstract: he black olm (/Proteus anguinus/, /parkelj/) is an endemic species that inhabits only 2 km^2 of underground water systems in the Dinaric region. These karst areas are characterized by rapid and direct water flow through the underground, which simultaneously allows the transport of harmful substances and endangers underground cave habitats and the quality of drinking water. Nitrates, mainly originating from agricultural sources such as fertilizers and untreated urban wastewater, can be transported through soil and groundwater into the olm habitats. The upper limit of nitrate concentration that is dangerous for olms is 9,2 mg NO_3 ^- /l. Measured nitrate concentrations in karst springs were from 3 (natural background) to up to 20 mg NO_3 ^- /l, exceeding the safe limit and posing a severe threat to the health of the black olm. Using the SWAT modelling method, which assessed the impact of different land management and land-use scenarios on nitrate leaching into groundwater and surface water of karst springs, it was demonstrated that the adjustment of crop rotation, reduction of fertilization, and introduction of greening significantly reduced nitrate concentrations in the water. The most compelling scenario involves the combination of all measures, which would allow for more than a 30% reduction in nitrate leaching below the soil profile compared to current practices. Measures to adapt agricultural practices and land use must be carried out in a coordinated and targeted manner according to soil characteristics and hydrogeological conditions. This will enable better nitrogen management and reduce negative environmental impacts, which is essential to preserve black olm habitat and improve the quality of water resources. It is necessary to invest more work in education (agricultural technologies, crop rotations, soil management, economics of nutrient balance) and individual advice to farmers adapted to the characteristics of farms and in greater control of compliance with the requirements of fertilization plans within the framework of the EU's Common Agricultural Policy.

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