<p>A road in operation along with its traffic can pose aserious pollutant threat to groundwater and surface water inits vicinity. Examples of pollutants are metals from thecorrosion of vehicles, rails and poles and the wear of roadsurfaces and tyres; hydrocarbons from the wear of roadsurfaces, tyres, exhausts, oils; sodium chloride from roadsalt; and hazardous goods discharged in accidents. Eventuallypollutants that are not degraded or retarded in soil will reachgroundwater and surface water. The chloride ion in deicing saltis a good tracer. It is conservative and highly soluble and notsubject to retardation or degradation. If the chlorideconcentration has increased in groundwater or surface water inthe vicinity of a deiced road, other road-related pollutantsmight also be present in the water.</p><p>Increased chloride concentrations have been observed inseveral water supplies, in groundwater as well as in surfacewater, since the 1970s. The number of affected water supplieshas also increased. The increase in chloride concentration inwaters is concurrent with the increase in deicing saltapplication and it is clear that most of the increase is due tothe application of deicing salt.</p><p>The thesis presents a simple tool that quantified theincrease in chloride concentration for water in a catchmentarea, based on a steady-state water balance. The data wereefficiently processed and presented as maps with GIS. At aregional catchment area scale, substantially increased chlorideconcentrations were calculated. The variation between catchmentareas was verified by a national monitoring programme of lakes.Deicing salt application was estimated to account for more thanhalf of the total chloride load for a catchment area in the midsouth of Sweden.</p><p>A distributed dynamic method was used to evaluate thetemporal and spatial variation of the chloride concentration inan aquifer. The distributed dynamic approach integrated thespreading of deicing salt from the road with the infiltrationin the unsaturated zone in the soil, which in turn wasintegrated with the groundwater flow. The simulation was runfor a 40-year period and showed a potential to describe aspecific system.</p><p><b>Keywords:</b>road, deicing salt, monitoring, chloride,catchment area, river basin, simulation, GIS, groundwater,surface water</p>

Under sommaren 2014 bröt den största skogsbranden ut i modern svensk historia. Branden startade i närheten av Sala och totalt brann cirka 14 000 ha. Till följd av klimatförändringar förväntas medeltemperaturen öka och nederbörden minska under sommarhalvåret i Sverige, vilket ökar risken för skogsbränder. Skogsbränder kan ha betydande effekter för akvatiska ekosystem och ett flertal studier av skogsbränders effekter har visat på förhöjda halter av näringsämnen, bas- och anjoner. Det branddrabbade området domineras av skogsmark, öppna torvmarker samt sjöar. Området har påverkats av ett intensivt skogsbruk och försurning. Med syfte att analysera brandens hårdhet och dess vattenkemiska effekter, utvärderades och klassificerades brandhårdheten. Analysen indikerade att ökad brandintensitet orsakat ökad brandhårdhet samt att skogsbeklädda dikade torvområden varit känsligare än öppna torvmarker. I området provtogs nio bäckar och tio sjöar. Under de första tre månaderna efter branden observerades höga halter av ammoniumkväve och sulfat i samtliga bäckar och i de flesta sjöarna inom det branddrabbade området. I Gärsjöbäcken var medianhalterna av ammoniumkväve 79 gånger högre efter branden. De höga ammoniumkvävehalterna medförde höga nitratkvävehalter till följd av nitrifikation. Surhet bedöms ofta genom pH och ANC (Acid neutralicing capacity) som är ett vattens förmåga att neutralisera en stark syra. Den initiala sulfatpulsen orsakade en sänkningav ANC i samtliga bäckar. Efter pulsen ökade ANC till följd av ökat läckage av kalium, kalcium och magnesium efter branden. Buffertkapaciteten varierade i bäckarna och i Myckelmossbäcken observerades högst sulfathalter och lägst ANC-värden. I april var ANC fortfarande lägre i Myckelmossbäcken än i övriga bäckar. Totalfosforhalterna ökade efter branden men inte i samma utsträckning som ammoniumkvävehalterna. Korrelationsanalyser gjordes mellan brandhårdhet och vattenkemiska parametrar. Maxhalterna av ammoniumkväve korrelerade positivt med svedd öppen torvmark och hårt brända kronor i skogsbeklädd torvmark. Det indikerade att när organiskt material förbränndes i öppna och skogsbeklädda torvmarker vid måttliga förbränningstemperaturer ökade läckaget av ammoniumkväve. / During the summer of 2014 the largest wildfire in Swedish modern history occurred. The fire was ignited in a forest close to the Swedish town Sala and incinerated a total of 14 000 ha. The frequency of wildfires is expected to increase, due to effects of climate change such as increased temperature and decreased precipitation during the summer months. Wildfires can have a considerable impact on aquatic ecosystems and previous studies of wildfires have shown elevated concentrations of nutrients, cat- and anions. The area of the fire mainly consists of forestland, peatland and lakes and has been affected by acidification and intensive forestry. To assess the fire severity and the effects on the water chemistry, the fire severity was analyzed and classified. The analysis indicated that increased fire intensity caused increased fire severity and that drained forested areas were more vulnerable to fire than undrained peatland. Measurements of water chemistry were conducted at nine streams and ten lakes inside the affected area. During the initial three months of the post-fire period large peaks of ammonium-nitrogen and sulphate were observed in the streams and in a majority of the lakes. In the stream Gärsjöbäcken the median concentrations of ammonium-nitrogen were 79 times higher after the fire. Due to nitrification the elevated concentrations of ammonium-nitrogen caused elevated concentrations of nitrate-nitrogen. ANC (Acid Neutralizing Capacity) and pH are often used to assess the acidity in surface waters, where ANC is the water’s ability to neutralize a strong acid. The initial peak of sulphate caused a drop in ANC but after the peak had past ANC increased due to elevated concentrations of base cations. The measured streams and lakes had different buffering capacity and in one stream Myckelmossbäcken the highest concentrations of sulphate and weakest buffering capacity were observed. In April ANC were still lower in Myckelmossbäcken than in other measured streams. Correlation analysis of fire severity and water chemistry indicated that the maximum concentrations of ammonium-nitrogen increased with severely burned canopies in drained forested peatlands and in scorched open peatland.

Groundwater and surface water in the Edwards Plateau region exhibits spatial variability arising from mineral differences in aquifers and mixing of groundwaters with diverse flow paths and ages. Integration of basic hydrochemical and isotope data (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr, [delta]¹⁸O, [delta]D, ¹⁴C, ³H) document that groundwaters in the Lower Cretaceous Edwards-Trinity (Plateau) aquifer system reflect intermixing of modern and Pleistocene recharge. Pleistocene recharge occurred under cooler paleo-climatic conditions, based on [delta]¹⁸O variance of 4.59%, and flow traversed sub-cropping Permian evaporite and Triassic strata under hydraulic conditions that promoted upward flow into the Plateau system. Recharge areas may have been in topographically elevated areas in New Mexico that no longer are connected with the Plateau. Present distribution of groundwaters with higher SO₄/Cl values occurring beneath topographic divides on the Plateau suggests that modern recharge occurs preferentially in losing-stream networks and is inhibited on divides by low-permeability soils. Relationships between ¹⁴C, tritium, [delta]¹³C, and Mg/Ca values confirm that effectively younger groundwaters occur beneath the upper parts of drainage networks, but down slope of divides. Thus, groundwater-age and hydrochemical data suggest that recharge preferentially occurs in the upper parts of drainage networks. Correlations between groundwater relative age and Mg/Ca enable estimation of the proportion of modern recharge at specific well locations based on Mg/Ca values and enables estimating local absolute recharge rates from regional-scale recharge estimates obtained from regional flow models. The Upper Colorado River bounds the northern and northeastern margin of the Plateau system and shows systematic chemical evolution along its flow path, including decreasing salinity and increasing SO₄/Cl values. The stream can be conceptually divided into three segments that each reflect groundwater inputs from five hydrochemically distinct intervals: 1) deep Permian and Pennsylvanian reservoirs similar to those that produce hydrocarbons in the region; 2) Upper Permian halite (Salado Formation); 3) the Triassic siliciclastic aquifer (Dockum Group); 4) the sulfate-evaporite-bearing Permian system (Ochoan, Guadalupian, and Leonardian Series); and 5) the Plateau aquifer system. Conservative mixing models suggest that any aquifer that the river is traversing at a specific location contributes a distinct hydrochemical signature, but the dominant contribution is from the Plateau system. / text

Οι περιβαλλοντικές επιπτώσεις από τη λατόμευση και επεξεργασία γύψου στις μονάδες παραγωγής γυψοσανίδων,αφορούν το έδαφος, την ατμόσφαιρα, αλλά και τους επιφανειακούς υδάτινους σχηματισμούς (λιμνοθάλασσα, λίμνες). Στην παρούσα εργασία γίνεται προσπάθεια να ποσοτικοποιηθούν οι παραγώμενοι ρύποι και να περιγραφεί η αλληλεπίδραση των ρύπων με την γεώσφαιρα, υδρόσφαιρα, ατμόσφαιρα και βιόσφαιρα. / The environmental impacts of the gypsum extraction and processing that produces plaster board, inside the gypsum plants, not only affects the soil and the atmosphere,but also the surface water reservoir. With this present task I try to give emphasis to the quantification of the derivative pollutants and a description of the interaction of the pollutants as far as it concerns the geosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere and biosphere.

Combining geochemical data with physical data produces a powerful method for understanding sources and fluxes of waters to river systems. This study highlights this for river systems in regions of complex hydrogeology, shown here through the identification and quantification of base-flow sources to the Verde River and its tributaries within the middle Verde River watershed. Specifically, geochemical tracers (major solutes, stable and radioactive isotopes) characterize the principal aquifers (C, Redwall-Muav, and Verde Formation) and provide a conceptual understanding of the hydrologic connection between them. For the surface-water system, PCA is utilized to identify potential base-flow sources to the Verde River on a several-kilometer scale. Solute mixing diagrams then provide relative inputs of these sources, and when combined with stream discharge, allow for quantification of water sources. The results of this study provide an improved conceptual model that reveals the complexity of groundwater-surface water exchanges in this river basin.

The occurrence of chemical contaminants in the environment is one of the key issues the world isfacing today. Special effort has been put on the screening of endocrine disrupting compounds(EDCs), substances that have been shown to have adverse effects on the endocrine system. EDCs are mainly found in pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs), but also other products covering almost all categories of our daily life. EDCs can be both organic, such as the persistent organic pollutants (POPs), and inorganic, e.g. heavy metals. Today, all kinds of EDCs are currently being investigated on a large scale. Two EDC sub-categories that have gained increased public attention during the last years are organic flame retardants (FRs) and per- and polyfluoroalkylated substances (PFASs). Both categories have shown to be bioaccumulating, persistent and toxic, which has led to banning of several substances in both categories. However, as both FRs and PFASs are considered to be emerging POPs, their fate and behaviour in the environment are still in great need of research. FRs and PFASs often end up in surface waters due to their disinclination of getting removed in waste water treatment plants (WWTPs) and their persistence. Thus, the objective of this project was to provide a snapshot of the current situation of FRs and PFASs in Swedish rivers, including both smaller streams and bigger rivers. Grab water samples were taken at 25 sites for FRs and 44 for PFASs in rivers all over Sweden. The results showed that sparsely populated areas such as the northern part of Sweden generally showed lower concentrations of PFASs in the water than the southern part did. The summarised concentrations of FRs ranged from 37 ng L-1 to 4.6 μg L-1, and from 0.59 ng L-1 to 59 ng L-1 for the detected PFASs, which was in good comparison to previous studies carried out on surface water in Europe. The percentile composition, the so-called fingerprint, showed significant differences between the southern part and the northern part for both FRs and PFASs, but also great similarities between some of the rivers with the highest measured PFASs concentrations. The highest loads of both FRs and PFASs were detected in Delångersån, which is one of the smaller rivers screened and likely to be affected by a nearby industrial point source. The European environmental quality standard of 0.65 ng L-1 of perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) was exceeded in 12 of all 44 sampled rivers.

Vandenų apsauga yra viena iš svarbiausių aplinkosaugos sričių. Europos Sąjungos direktyvos griežtai reglamentuoja išleidžiamų į paviršinius vandenis miestų nuotekų kokybę. Ne mažiau kaip 80 procentų išleidžiamų nuotekų neturi viršyti didžiausios leidžiamos koncentracijos. Darbo tikslas ištirti nuotekų valyklų Raseinių rajono savivaldybėje darbo efektyvumą ir numatyti priemones jų darbui pagerinti. Darbe analizuojama Raseinių rajono (Raseinių, Ariogalos, Kaulakių gyvenviečių) nuotekų valyklų darbo efektyvumas. Analizei naudoti 2005-2007 metais atliktų tyrimų duomenys. Duomenų analizė parodė, kad visoms valykloms reikalinga rekonstrukcija, visose gyvenvietėse reikia didinti prie centrinės nuotekų šalinimo sistemos prisijungusių gyventojų skaičių. / The protection of water is one of the most important spheres in the environment control. The quality of cities‘ sewage, that is drained to surface water, is strictly regulated by the directives of European Union. Not less than 80 per cent of drained sewage must not exceed the maximum allowable concentration. The purpose of this research is to analyse the effectiveness of sewage works in Raseiniai district and to provide the plant improvement scheme. In the article there is discussed the effectiveness of sewage works in Raseiniai district (Raseiniai, Ariogala, Kaulakiai). The data of 2007 is used in the analysis. The results show that the reconstruction is necessary for all the sewage works. Moreover, in all the places of residence it is a must to increase the number of residents who are linked to the central sewage removal system.

Two wild blueberry fields were selected to evaluate the impact of variable rate (VR) fertilization on crop productivity, surface and subsurface water quality. Management zones were delineated based on slope variability, and different fertilizer rates were applied according to prescription maps. Runoff collectors were place in the fields to measure the nutrient losses in surface runoff, while lysimeters were installed to evaluate the impact of VR fertilization (VRF) on subsurface water quality. The VR treatment significantly decreased phosphorus and nitrogen loadings in surface runoff as compared to uniform treatment. The concentrations of nutrients in subsurface water samples were also significantly lower for VR treatment as compared to uniform treatment. The excessive nutrients enhanced vegetative growth in low lying areas of uniform fertilization, while berry yield was less. Based on these results, it can be concluded that VRF in wild blueberry fields improved the crop productivity and potential environmental impacts. / This study was conducted to evaluate the impact of variable rate fertilization on crop productivity and surface and subsurface water quality in wild blueberry fields. Result illustrated that variable rate fertilization significantly reduce the nutrients loading in surface and subsurface water, and improved blueberry yield.

Research has shown biological filtration can be a successful treatment for manganese (Mn) removal from groundwater and surface water. In this study, bench-scale direct biofiltration was used to remove Mn and dissolved organic carbon (DOC) from a pH 6 surface water source in Halifax, Canada. The removal of Mn in pH 6 surface water was significantly (? = 0.05) removed with 200-300 µg/L phosphorus (P), and 500 µg/L hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). DOC removal was significantly (? = 0.05) improved with granular activated carbon (GAC) media, P enhancement at 200-300 µg/L, and H2O2 enhancement at 500 µg/L. Mn was likely removed by biological oxidation and physical adsorption to biogenic Mn and iron (Fe) oxides. These results show direct biofiltration of surface water at pH 6 can remove Mn below the 50 µg/L aesthetic guideline from a Mn loading of over 1 mg/L. Further research is required to verify the microbial mechanism.

Groundwater is an important source of baseflow. Baseflow supports minimum flows and living area through dry periods, and moderates surface water temperature. The reductions in baseflow after urbanization can cause degradation of the stream ecosystem. The purpose of this study was to investigate the groundwater-surface water interaction and thermal regime of Clythe Creek, Guelph to illustrate the importance of groundwater/streamflow interaction in determining the health of a stream ecosystem. Piezometers were used to quantify vertical and lateral groundwater flow direction, and surface water temperature measurements were used to characterize and quantify the thermal regime. Groundwater-surface water interaction varied both temporally and spatially between the two geomorphic units. Average summer surface water temperatures were consistently cooler in the downstream portion of the study reach. The importance of groundwater-surface water interactions in supporting stream ecosystems was concluded from this study, and restoration strategies to address threats from urbanization were made. / Ontario Research Fund (ORF)