engleski

Hydrogeology and Groundwater Quality in Croatia

The Republic of Croatia, with the area of 56 594 km2, is situated in the South-eastern part of Europe, surrounded by Alps in the West, Sava and Drava rivers in the North and East and the Adriatic Sea in the South. According to the 2010 mid-year population estimate, this area was populated by 4.4 millions inhabitants with the average density of 78.1 inhabitants per km2. About 75 % of population has access to water network, mainly from groundwater. The quantity and spatial distribution of groundwater in Croatia is determined by geological composition, climate and hydrological conditions and the hydrogeological characteristics. Regarding hydrogeology Republic of Croatia consists of two similarly large regions which are very different physiographically and from the aspect of water management. The Karst region of the mountainous and coastal zone, is composed mostly of carbonate rocks. The precipitation and ground water recharge are high, surface streams are rare but the region abounds in ground water. It is sparcely populated and mostly poorly industrialized. Quality of groundwater in general is very good with some local problems with nitrate pollution or sea water intrusion. The Panonian region is characterized by large lowlands, thick alluvial sediments, moderate precipitation, common surface stream network, relativly developed industry and agriculture with existing and potential pollution impacts. Problems of natural groundwater quality are conected with dissolved iron and manganese, and in Eastern Croatia higher concentration of arsenic.

alluvial aquifers ; karst aquifers ; water well revitalization

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