Scholarly record

GROUND-WATER DYNAMICS AS A FACTOR FOR CHEMICAL POLLUTION SPREAD AROUND THE METALLURGICAL PLANT OF ASENOVGRAD-PLOVDIV (BULGARIA)

P. Gerginov, I. Petkov, V. Spasov

Abstract

This study is conducted through a NATO – Science for Peace Project “WATERMETAPOL”. Ground-water flow is a major premise for the dissemination of chemical pollutants after they have somehow fallen into the aquifer. The metallurgical plant is settled on a large alluvial cone of Chepelarska River. A highly productive aquifer is formed in the coarse grained deposits. The general direction of ground-water flow is northward, where a final discharge zones are Maritza River and Chepelarska River (lower reach). Several pumping stations are withdrawing groundwater for water supply of the near by villages and the plant itself. A numerical groundwater flow model of the region is on preparation in the Geological Institute. An analyses of groundwater movement and estimation of the aquifer water budget are the main goals in the first stage of modeling. The conceptual model settings and initial input data are based on the previous hydrogeological surveys, performed by other organizations, as well as our monitoring observations during the last two years. As model result the aquifer hydrodynamic features are outlined, the hydraulic head being represented by contour lines. Approximate aquifer water budget have been obtained, including recharge by precipitations, lateral alimentation from the adjacent fissure-karstic waters from the Rodop mountain slopes, as well as outgoing water budget elements, such as drainage to the rivers, pumping of ground-waters for domestic use and for irrigation etc. In the second stage of the Project a further model development will enable to trace the path of heavy metal elements in ground waters and surface waters. Hydro-dynamical and hydro-chemical modeling is helpful instrument for directing pollution mitigation.

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