Validation of two applied methods of groundwater vulnerability mapping: application to the coastal aquifer system of Southern Sfax (Tunisia)

Abstract

Research Article| February 28 2015 Validation of two applied methods of groundwater vulnerability mapping: application to the coastal aquifer system of Southern Sfax (Tunisia) Nabila Allouche; Nabila Allouche 1Water, Energy and Environment Laboratory (LR3E), National School of the Engineers, B.p.w.3038 Sfax, Tunisia Search for other works by this author on: This Site PubMed Google Scholar Fatma Ben Brahim; Fatma Ben Brahim 1Water, Energy and Environment Laboratory (LR3E), National School of the Engineers, B.p.w.3038 Sfax, Tunisia Search for other works by this author on: This Site PubMed Google Scholar Mona Gontara; Mona Gontara 1Water, Energy and Environment Laboratory (LR3E), National School of the Engineers, B.p.w.3038 Sfax, Tunisia Search for other works by this author on: This Site PubMed Google Scholar Hafedh Khanfir; Hafedh Khanfir 2CRDA-Sfax, Rue Commandant Bejaoui, 3018 Sfax, Tunisia Search for other works by this author on: This Site PubMed Google Scholar Salem Bouri Salem Bouri 1Water, Energy and Environment Laboratory (LR3E), National School of the Engineers, B.p.w.3038 Sfax, Tunisia E-mail: [e-mail] Search for other works by this author on: This Site PubMed Google Scholar Journal of Water Supply: Research and Technology-Aqua (2015) 64 (6): 719–737. https://doi.org/10.2166/aqua.2015.105 Article history Received: July 16 2014 Accepted: January 21 2015 Views Icon Views Article contents Figures & tables Video Audio Supplementary Data Share Icon Share Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Tools Icon Tools Cite Icon Cite Permissions Search Site Search Dropdown Menu toolbar search search input Search input auto suggest filter your search All ContentAll JournalsThis Journal Search Advanced Search Citation Nabila Allouche, Fatma Ben Brahim, Mona Gontara, Hafedh Khanfir, Salem Bouri; Validation of two applied methods of groundwater vulnerability mapping: application to the coastal aquifer system of Southern Sfax (Tunisia). Journal of Water Supply: Research and Technology-Aqua 1 September 2015; 64 (6): 719–737. doi: https://doi.org/10.2166/aqua.2015.105 Download citation file: Ris (Zotero) Reference Manager EasyBib Bookends Mendeley Papers EndNote RefWorks BibTex The coastal aquifers system of Sfax Agareb Chaffar Mahres (Southern Sfax) located in the central east of Tunisia is well known for population growth and industrial development. These industrial and agricultural developments have led to the degradation of water quality. In this study, DRASTIC and GALDIT models were integrated with geographical information system (GIS) tools, in order to assess the aquifers vulnerability to pollution and the seawater intrusion risk. These methods use different parameters explaining the different results in the vulnerability degrees in the Aghereb–Chaffar–Mahres aquifer system. The vulnerability map to contamination as well as vulnerability to seawater intrusion showed three classes of vulnerability: low, moderate and high, depending on the intrinsic properties. In addition, the risk map showed three risk classes: low, moderate and high depending on hydrogeological characteristics, land use, distance from the coast and human impacts in the majority of the study area. GIS is used to manage, manipulate and analyze the necessary geographical data used in the different vulnerability methods. These maps could serve as a scientific basis for sustainable land use planning and groundwater management in Southern Sfax. coastal aquifer, DRASTIC, GALDIT, pollution, risk map, Southern Sfax © IWA Publishing 2015 You do not currently have access to this content.