Assessment of vulnerability of groundwater to pollution in agricultural karstic regions: Antalya Altinova region application

Protection of karstic groundwater resources against pollution gain a special importance. The aim of the thesis is to develop an integrated approach for management of groundwater quality in karstic agricultural regions using groundwater vulnerability and hazard analysis and create groundwater risk maps. Antalya Altınova region was chosen as the pilot study area for this work due to presence of intensive agricultural and greenhouse activities. Within the monitoring study, seasonal in-situ measurements of physico-chemical parameters, data collection for agricultural activities, hydrogeological surveys, etc. were conducted from the pre-determined groundwater sampling wells. Comprehensive analyses of groundwater quality for physical, bacteriological and chemical parameters including pesticides and soil analyses have been conducted during the field studies. Using the collected data sets, the necessary databases were created using ArcGIS software. Groundwater risk assessment was conducted using intrinsic vulnerability and hazard analyses. Intrinsic vulnerability assessment and mapping were accomplished using PI, COP, EPIK, DRASTIC and SINTACS methods and the achieved results were compared. Hazards were defined based on land-use maps and observations from site surveys. All the activities and results were compiled together to give recommendations for protection of groundwater quality. The applied tools provide an integrated approach for sustainable groundwater quality management in agricultural karstic aquifers. The applied approach and the achieved results contribute to reduction of nitrates from agricultural sources, designation of nitrate vulnerable zones and use of good farming practices.