Statistical characterisation and stochastic parameterisation of sedimentary geological formations for sustainable groundwater quality management

Abstract

The fate of contaminants in groundwater aquifers is determined by the buffering capacity of those aquifers together with the composition of inflowing groundwater. A nationwide characterisation of the environmental geochemistry of the shallow subsurface (down to 30 m below surface) has been started in the Netherlands. This covers: 1. the reaction capacity of sediments as buffer for contamination, and 2. typical elemental composition of geological formations and the association between trace elements and major minerals...