| Institutes (2) |
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- Universiteit Gent; Faculteit Wetenschappen; Vakgroep Geologie; Laboratorium voor Toegepaste Geologie en Hydrogeologie, more
- Natural Environment Research Council; British Geological Survey (BGS), more, co-ordinator
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| Abstract |
| The objective of the BASELINE project is to establish criteria for defining natural water quality baselines and develop a standardised Europe-wide approach for use in the emerging Water Framework Directive. Such a standard, based on geochemical principles, is needed to be able to assess scientifically the natural variations in groundwater quality since these alone may breach existing health limits. These criteria are also needed as a reference to assess quantitatively whether anthropogenic pollution is taking place. The project will also focus on timescales influencing the natural processes and the rates at which these are occurring and appropriate dating tools (including radioisotopes and CFC's) will be used. The extent to which pristine waters are being depleted by contaminated waters moving into the aquifer will also be assessed. As well as giving the scientific framework, this project will provide a forum for discussion with policy makers and end users, including the utilities and general public. The work will be conducted in a number of representative aquifer cross sections in both carbonate and non-carbonate terrain in groundwater catchments in several European countries (Estonia, Poland, Denmark, Belgium, France, UK, Spain and Portugal). |
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