Nitrate pollution and quality degradation of Ionian coastal groundwater (Southern Italy)

The chemical and physical characterization of groundwater described by the paper resulted from a careful analysis of: the aquifers lying in the Jonian coastal plain; of the relations between surface waters and groundwater and of the effects of anthropogenic factors on water quality. Two main types of aquifers have been recognized in the study area: one involving the marine terraces and alluvial deposits in the inland sectors, and the second one corresponding with the alluvial, marine and coastal deposits of the lonian coastal plain. The quality of the entire groundwater system has been degraded by anthropogenic activities. This degradation is significant in terms of nitrate concentrations, which have increased considerably, especially in the years between 1990 and 2002. Two areas show a complex and serious degradation. The first area is located between the Agri and Cavone rivers, while the second one is located between the Basento and Bradano rivers. The total and fecal coliforms have been reported in high concentrations in the latter area, along with nitrogen cycle species and carcinogenic elements.