Application of the European water framework directive in a Western Mediterranean basin (Málaga, Spain)

Application of stable isotopes (δ34S-SO4, δ18O-SO4, δ15N-NO3, δ18O-NO3) to determine natural background and contamination sources in the Guadalhorce River Basin (southern Spain)

“…The lower plain of the Guadalhorce River also constitutes an important detritic aquifer ( Fig. 1) (Carrasco et al, 2008;Sánchez, 2013).…”

“…There are several outcrops of these materials in the upper part of the basin with endhoreic areas and frequent dolines where wetlands tend to develop (Carrasco et al, 2008). Karstification processes over the evaporites give rise to this groundwater body, which is sometimes highly saline in a natural way.…”

“…These include agriculture and livestock activity in the northwest sector of the basin that are diffuse sources of pollution in the catchment (Fig. 2) (Carrasco et al, 2008). Other sources of contamination including urbanised areas, grassland, or golf courses also exist over ground water bodies of the basin, but the largest surface area is affected by agriculture, which apply fertilisers that contain sulphate and nitrates (Sánchez, 2013).…”

Water resources assessment and management of karst aquifer systems in Greece

“…In most Mediterranean countries, carbonate rocks, mainly karstified, offer the main groundwater resources, which are being exploited for several millenniums as it is proved by ancient water works on karst springs (El-Hakim and Bakalowicz 2007). Many studies of carbonate formations, that have undergone karstification, prove that these aquifer systems are of ample importance due to their role as water supply natural reservoirs within Circum-Mediterranean (Kattan 1997;Milanovic 2004;Fleury et al 2007;Bailly-Comte et al 2008;Bakalowicz et al 2008;Carrasco et al 2008;Djabri et al 2008;Mejias et al 2008;Daher et al 2011; Barbera and Andreo 2012;Bicalho et al 2012;Blondel et al 2012;Chinarro et al 2012;Fiorillo and Guadagno 2012;Jimenez-Madrid et al 2012;Kong-A-Siou et al 2012;Marin et al 2012;Mudarra et al 2012;Radulovic et al 2012). …”

Proposed methodology to delineate bodies of groundwater according to the European water framework directive. Application in a pilot Mediterranean river basin (Málaga, Spain)

“…This will permit Member States to use new data recorded to improve the initial delineation of water bodies. Carrasco et al (2008) carried out a practical application of some requirements under Article 5 of the directive (initial characterisation of surface and groundwater bodies, analysis of pressures and impacts) in a Western Mediterranean basin. However, they did not focus attention on the delimitation of groundwater bodies since they used the bodies of groundwater officially defined by the Spanish administration.…”