I. Diamantis

Application of geographical information systems (GIS) for the management of coastal aquifers subjected to seawater intrusion.

The phenomenon of seawater intrusion is a very common and widespread environmental problem which is present in the majority of coastal aquifers and therefore plays a vital role for the integrated coastal groundwater resources management. This paper refers to the investigation of seawater intrusion into the coastal aquifer of Rhodope, in Greece, and the use of a geographical information system as a tool for the rational management of the groundwater resources of the area. The presentation of specific chemical components (such as sodium and chloride ions) with the use of thematic maps illustrates the qualitative regime of the groundwater aquifer of the area and therefore can be used by the water authorities for the rational water resources management. Additionally, it is stated in Directive 2000/60/EC, for the establishment of framework for Community action in the field of water policy, that water authorities should develop GIS maps with certain colour variation according to the qualitative characterization of waters.

SWOT analysis in groundwater resources management of coastal aquifers: a case study from Greece

This paper applies a SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats) analysis to groundwater resources management of a coastal aquifer in northern Greece typical of those subjected to seawater intrusion. SWOT analysis is found to be a useful managerial tool, incorporating interdisciplinary issues – engineering, scientific, legislative, economic and social – which are difficult to quantify, in order to identify the main environmental problem of the study area, which is overexploitation of the groundwater resources (and seawater intrusion as a consequence). Based on the main outcomes of the SWOT model, specific countermeasures are suggested in order to combat the over-pumping of the aquifers resources which leads to overexploitation of the groundwater potential.

Geophysical research of groundwater degradation at the eastern Nestos River Delta, NE Greece

This paper deals with the hydrogeological study of the evolution of groundwater salinisation - degradation at the eastern Nestos River Delta, NE Greece, based on geophysical research including 10 geoelectrical soundings. Relevant hydrogeological works included in-situ measurements of groundwater level, pH, Specific Electrical Conductivity (SEC) and temperature, as well as chemical analysis of groundwater samples (July 2009). Important conclusions were drawn based on the analysis of all the available data and the elaboration of piezometric and SEC distribution maps and the designed geoelectrical intersections.

Groundwater recharge using a Soil Aquifer Treatment (SAT) system in NE Greece

The design of a proper Soil-Aquifer Treatment (SAT) groundwater recharge system is proposed after studying the geological and hydrogeological regime of the coastal aquifer system at Nea Peramos, NE Greece. The investigation of the qualitative problem of the study area included groundwater level measurements and groundwater sampling and chemical analyses, respectively. The paper also includes the design of necessary maps, such as geological, piezometric and distribution of specific qualitative parameters. The investigation concludes to further research and managerial useful proposals.