Groundwater quality and location of productive activities in the region of Thessaly (Greece)

In the present study the involvement of human activities is assessed in the revalorization of groundwater quality. The groundwater quality was assessed on the basis of physical and chemical analysis (electric conductivity, pH, − − total dissolved solids (TDS), total hardness, NO−, NO2 , SO4 2, Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, B, residual sodium absorption 3 (RSC) and sodium absorption ratio (SAR) for the period 2000–2004. From the analysis of results, it emerges that there are significant differences on the quality of water among the sample areas studied. The degradation of groundwater quality is mainly due to the pollution caused by the rural use of land, as well as its intensive exploitation. The salination and toxicity are potential problems of groundwater quality, especially in some areas, indicating that there is a need to take direct actions for the purpose of the optimum management of water resources in the Region of Thessaly.

It is well documented that anthropogenic activities affect negatively the quality of groundwater. Especially, intensive use of land associated with degradation of groundwater that is mainly caused by nitrate pollution. The results of this study reveal that in the region of Thessaly, agricultural and animal husbandry activities are also important factors, contributing to nitrate pollution of groundwater. In industrial and agricultural areas, of the study region, there is increased possibility for groundwater pollution by trace elements but this is not at present significant environmental problem. The nitrite concentrations were also increased in these areas, probably due to fertilizer application and to the absence of septic tanks in some areas. In lowland area quality of groundwater for irrigation characterized as appropriate — moderate appropriate, so demanding continuous monitoring of the quality of irrigated soils and groundwater used for irrigation. Taking into account the results of the present study it is obvious that in the areas studied of the region of Thessaly, it is essential the planning and implementation of a long-term program for the monitoring and improvement of groundwater quality.