engleski

The possible impact of agriculture on the groundwater quality, an example of karst field Dugopolje

More than 25 % of the world’s population relies on karst aquifers for their water supply. Karst aquifers are known for their sensitivity to pollution due to thin soil cover, concentrated infiltration, swallow holes and concentration of flow in the epikarst and vadose zones. Different agricultural practices can be a source of high levels of heavy metals in soils. They can have an impact on plant health, soil biological processes and enter the human body through biomagnification processes. Since soil is Earth's largest natural filter it also has a protective function being a significant factor in retardation and attenuation of potential pollution on its way to groundwater. Dugopolje is a typical karst field located on the northern slopes of the Mosor mountain. The area consists of mesozoic and kenozoic carbonate and clastic rocks. The soils are brown and red soils on limestones and dolomites. Because of the intensive tectonics, area is intensively karstified with couple of active swallow holes. A tracer test carried out from Colića abyss has proven direct connection between river Jadro and Dugopolje field. Since Jadro spring provides about 300, 000 inhabitants with drinking water it is very important to minimize any possible negative impact human activities can have on groundwater quality. This paper analyses the physical - chemical indicators of soils from Dugopolje and compares them with values obtained from deep boreholes from the same area in attempt to determine the impact the agriculture has on groundwater quality.

karst aquifer, groundwater, agriculture, heavy metals

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