VULNERABILITY ANALYSIS OF UNDERGROUND AQUIFERS TO CONTAMINATION USING THE DRASTIC METHOD AND RISK DETERMINATION

Abstract

Groundwater represents an important component in the supply of freshwater in several regions around the world. The contamination of these waters is a worrisome problem in the management of water resources. Since underground aquifers are vulnerable to contamination by human and industrial activities, including land use, the diagnosis associated with land use is critical for environmental management. The present study was carried out in the Uberaba sandstone formation, in which the vulnerability of the subterranean aquifers was determined using the DRASTIC method, by evaluating the interaction between the use and occupation of the land using a geographic information system. Thus, the risk of contamination of the underground aquifer was determined by evaluating the land use with the water quality and fertility. The tool applied in the present study proved effective for the diagnosis, management and action planning in the short and long term, with the intention of preserving these natural resources.