Projects / Programmes
Groundwaters and geochemistry
January 1, 2020
- December 31, 2027
| Code |
Science |
Field |
Subfield |
| 1.06.00 |
Natural sciences and mathematics |
Geology |
|
| Code |
Science |
Field |
| P470 |
Natural sciences and mathematics |
Hydrogeology, geographical and geological engineering |
| Code |
Science |
Field |
| 1.05 |
Natural Sciences |
Earth and related Environmental sciences |
groundwaters, geothermal energy, hydrogeochemistry, geochemistry, soil, lithology, elements, geochemical background, geochemical mapping
Data for the last 5 years (citations for the last 10 years) on
June 28, 2024;
A3 for period
2018-2022
| Database |
Linked records |
Citations |
Pure citations |
Average pure citations |
| WoS |
309 |
6,286 |
4,913 |
15.9 |
| Scopus |
394 |
7,579 |
5,838 |
14.82 |
Researchers (34)
Organisations (2)
Abstract
Research programme "Groundwater and Geochemistry" integrates different branches of geology in order to deepen understanding of geological phenomena and their impact on the consequences of human activity in the natural environment. The geological environment and the processes in it are very complex and extensive. Their understanding therefore requires sinergetic cooperation of experts from different geological branches united in one scientific programme.
The major objective of the programme is to define natural geological state of the environment and to assess the impacts of anthropogenic activities on the natural environment with regard to natural geological circumstances. Therefore, we research in the field of hydrogeology and geochemistry of potentially harmful elements (PHE), which is an important and growing field of research in Slovenia and worldwide. The programme will examine the sources, transport, and fate of trace and toxic substances in pristine and contaminated environments. Understanding of the processes that influence the release, transport, and uptake of these substances is of particular importance as well as making connections between the presence of PHE in the environment and their toxicity. Our knowledge of geological settings and understanding of hydrogeological processes to the natural variability of groundwater quality will be linked to the risk of transferring anthropogenic substances into groundwater. With regard to groundwater quality, this will include an evaluation of the spatial variability of concentrations of chemical elements in natural, thermal and mineral waters. The presence of modern organic pollutants in groundwater will be studied. With this purpose, new tools for monitoring implementation will be developed.
Part of the proposed activities represents continuation of the successful cooperation of interested institutions from Slovenia, European Union and the Western Balkan. Future work includes a hydrogeological, geological and geochemical studies of geological environment and secondary materials (soil, dust, sediment, biological materials, solid particles in snow) with a variety of analytical methods, and the use of advanced statistical and mathematical methods such as multiple polynomial regression, artificial neural intelligence – multilayer perceptron and remote sensing techniques for prediction of PHE concentration and their transport in real environment. The performing of comprehensive conceptual models of aquifers will be supported by analysis of radioactive and stable isotopes in groundwater. Geophysical methods such as georadar and various well-logging measurements will be used.
Significance for science
In the scope of the research programme (RP) we are continuing with the study of natural and anthropogenic processes, occurring in a media as a consequence of interaction soil–rock–water–pollutant–air and of factors controlling these processes. Investigations will contribute to basic geological knowledge and at the same time also to solving the methodological problems connected with research and practical work. Significant scientific knowledge in the field of hydrogeology and geochemistry will be obtained, important for Slovenian as well as foreign scientists.
With the results of the suggested RP many unsolved problems concerning regional geochemical and hydrogeological characteristics of Slovenia will be solved. Establishment of new conceptual models for aquifer systems will provide basis for implementation of new methodologies in further research work. Special care will be given to optimization of mathematical geothermal model of regional groundwater flow in NE Slovenia. In this survey the most up to date measurement techniques and models of thermal flow will be applied.
Our researches will contribute to new scientific knowledge concerning geochemical processes in soil, sediments and groundwater. Results of the RP will be applied as additional knowledge concerning complexity of chemical composition of secondary materials and their chemical interdependence. Knowledge of relation between parameters in the recharge areas of water sources and hydrochemical composition of groundwater is, despite great progress in the last decades, still inadequate, especially for certain chemical compounds and isotopes regularly used in hydrogeological practice. Product of analysis of systematic hydrogeochemical researches will be hydrogeochemical map of Slovenia, which will be of great importance for further hydrogeological research in Slovenia, while methodological approach used, and its innovativeness will become globally known.
We expect great progress in understanding transport processes and degradation of pollutants. Important data concerning potential harmful elements (PHE) and other substances of anthropogenic origin, especially in groundwater, will be obtained with planned studies. These data represent the basis for the study of transport processes and assessment of burdening of aquifers. Results will contribute to improved understanding of the role of the unsaturated zone and physical and chemical processes taking place in it during transport of pollutants. Methodology for establishment of hydrogeological conceptual models will be optimized in the part that concerns with description of movement of pollutant and thus contribute to interpretation of their effect on the environment. New scientific knowledge concerning relations between potential pollution sources, water dynamics, land use and occurrence of substances of anthropogenic origin is expected. With proposed research we will contribute to the current scientific trends at a global scale.
The results of the programme group show a high degree of scientific relevance, as we have tried to answer the key issues in the field of dynamics and groundwater quality, which we do not have the answers to yet. Through research, the programme group is included in the global trends within this field.
Important progress was done in understanding fluids evolution, origin and dynamics of thermal and mineral waters and mofettes. At the latter, we have used georadar to identify the concentrated outflow zones of cold CO2 gas while noble gases have determined their origin and degassing processes. Geothermal research has improved knowledge on groundwater flow and heat transfer mechanisms in the regional and transboundary geothermal aquifers in East Slovenia as well as enhanced development of methodologies for water balance assessment and determination of renewable thermal water quantities. We have applied new methods (noble gases, Sr and B isotopes) to determine temperatures of paleo-infiltrated waters, m
Significance for the country
The research programme (RP) »Groundwater and geochemistry« is aimed to realize one of the principal strategic goals of Slovenia, i.e. to improve the quality of life and health. Groundwater is almost the only source of safe drinking water in Slovenia, an important technological resource and the basis of numerous tourist activities (e.g. spas, health resorts). The soil is also of crucial importance for human existence, since it is an irreplaceable source of nutritional substances and water, the habitat of many organisms and the carrier of life on the Earth’s surface. It is very important that the soil will be able to further fulfil all these functions to the best possible extent. All EU member states confront the phenomenon of extensive and worrying degradation processes which influence the quality of different environmental compartments.
The RP will have long-term effects on society in the form of better protection of soil and groundwater as a natural resource. The research results will be significant for the country as a manager of water resources and for other consumers of drinking, thermal, mineral and spring water. The results will contribute to the long-term economic and investment development of companies.
The RP is important for the socio-economic and cultural development of Slovenia as it effects on:
conservation and protection of soil and water resources as part of the natural heritage and the development of guidelines for the environmental protection
assessment of the quality and availability of drinking water resources
legislation for the protection of drinking water resources, monitoring of groundwater, soil and sediment, drainage of rainwater, etc.
optimization measures for effective water regime in terms of flood protection, water supply, exploitation of energy potential and environmental protection
creating programs of environmental protection measures and policies in the field of agriculture and land use
creating guidelines for sustainable exploitation of the aquifers with thermal, mineral or drinking water
comprehensive and long-term water supply
basis for land use (e.g. underground construction, construction of highways, railways, waste-dumps design)
development of measurement equipment.
The RP group also includes students; master degree diplomas and doctoral thesis are part of the RP content. After successful completion of their studies some of these students are included in the RP group as young researchers. Senior researchers are involved in the education in the role of teachers and mentors. Some members of the RP group become appointed lecturers at the Faculty of Natural Science and Engineering in Ljubljana. We are popularizing our scientific achievements in popular-scientific media and with good cooperation with schools. Among important activities of the RP group members is also intensive contribution in the editorial boards of the scientific and professional journals.
