Regression model for aquifer vulnerability assessment of nitrate pollution in the Osona region (NE Spain)
dc.contributor.author
dc.date.accessioned
2015-11-17T16:18:00Z
dc.date.available
2015-11-17T16:18:00Z
dc.date.issued
2013
dc.identifier.issn
0022-1694
dc.identifier.uri
dc.description.abstract
A multiple linear regression (MLR) model was developed for the Osona region (1260km2, NE Spain) to determine aquifer vulnerability to nitrate pollution in groundwater. The MLR model was based on a data set of nitrate data from 57 private wells sampled in 2010. Up to 70 explanatory variables were screened to statistically identify the key parameters that determine nitrate concentration in groundwater in the study area. Finally, 5 variables were selected for the regression model, which are the following: (1) nitrogen loading as manure; (2) aquifer type; (3) percent of well-drained and deep soils; (4) percent of irrigated crops; and (5) an indicator of the presence of denitrification processes, which together represent the input of nitrogen, transport and attenuation of nitrate in groundwater. The model features three innovations: net nitrogen input was determined throughout the region using a simple mass balance approach and a newly available GIS tool; the model addresses the layering of sedimentary formations distinguishing different aquifer types; and detailed aquifer chemistry at well locations was incorporated into the spatial model by reducing data to composite variables for subsequent interpolation by kriging to represent denitrification processes occurring in the aquifer. All variables were significant in the MLR model (p-values<0.10) and explained 75% of the variation in groundwater nitrate concentrations. A plot of observed vs. predicted nitrate for 25 validation wells yielded a significant (p-value<0.001) and a positive correlation. According to the results obtained in the regression model, vulnerability maps for unconfined, leaky and confined aquifers were developed
dc.description.sponsorship
This study has been financed by the Spanish Government's CGL2011-29975-C04-04 project.
dc.format.mimetype
application/pdf
dc.language.iso
eng
dc.publisher
Elsevier
dc.relation
info:eu-repo/grantAgreement/MICINN//CGL2011-29975-C04-04/ES/ATENUACION NATURAL E INDUCIDA DE LA CONTAMINACION DE ORIGEN AGRICOLA E INDUSTRIAL EN AGUAS SUBTERRANEAS./
dc.relation.isformatof
Reproducció digital del document publicat a: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jhydrol.2013.09.048
dc.relation.ispartof
© Journal of Hydrology, 2013, vol. 505, p. 150-162
dc.relation.ispartofseries
Articles publicats (D-CCAA)
dc.rights
Tots els drets reservats
dc.subject
dc.title
Regression model for aquifer vulnerability assessment of nitrate pollution in the Osona region (NE Spain)
dc.type
info:eu-repo/semantics/article
dc.rights.accessRights
info:eu-repo/semantics/embargoedAccess
dc.embargo.terms
Cap
dc.date.embargoEndDate
info:eu-repo/date/embargoEnd/2026-01-01
dc.type.version
info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion
dc.identifier.doi
dc.contributor.funder
dc.relation.ProjectAcronym