Polemio M., De Giorgio G., Matic N., Zuffianò L.E., 2021, A comprehensive approach to the knowledge of the carbonate transboundary aquifers of the Adriatic Region, ISARM2021 2nd International Conference - Transboundary Aquifers Challenges and the way forward, pp. 174–174, Paris, 06 - 09 December 2021,
URL: http://www.cnr.it/prodotto/i/460169

The increasing groundwater exploitation and contamination risks due to the progressive population growth in coastal areas are emphasized in the case of carbonate coastal aquifers, the peculiarities of which, especially in the Mediterranean basin, constitute a scientific matter of worldwide relevance, especially as some of these are wide transboundary aquifers. These aquifers not only ensure the socio-economic development of the populations but feeds with their spring waters valuable wetland and coastal environments with relevant and highly positive effects on ecosystems. Their groundwater resources are highly vulnerable, especially if affected by karstic phenomena, to the quality and quantity degradation phenomena, not only for the increasing water demand and the decreasing recharge due to climate changes but also in relation to the sea level changes and the pollutant loads due to the contamination occurred in the whole hydrogeological basins. The aim of this study is to offer a systematic and synoptic view, useful for knowledge, management and forecast purposes, contributing to assure enduring availability of high-quality groundwater, conciliating water demand satisfaction with the ecological needs of coastal Adriatic and Ionian environments in which the role of groundwater is very important. A geodatabase, collecting information for all carbonate aquifers present along the Adriatic and Ionian coast, have been created. At the core, there is a Geographic Information System, in which are placed the spatial information regarding the geology of aquifers, hydrogeological and geochemical features, together with specific information concerning groundwater use of CCAs. The added value of this database is the availability of a wide bibliography related to CCAs, together with a schematized summary of key information realized considering available information in the whole geodatabase. This study meets the requirements connected with UN Sustainable Development Goals, SDG 6 - Environment (Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all). Basing on this broad approach, the conceptualization and the management of any transboundary aquifer could be planned, starting from the information sharing. The potentialities of the knowledge system are shown for selected study case, e.g. transboundary aquifers between Croatia, Slovenia, and Italy.

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