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The karst geosystems functioning frequently implies very quick mass and energy transfers, which make them highly sensitive to any natural or anthropogenic disturbance. Therefore, the groundwater resources, threatened by agricultural and industrial pollution, should be carefully exploited, taking into account the intrinsic vulnerability of the region

The Mehedinţi Plateau represents an area highly marked by the intensity of the karst processes and by the diversity of the exokarst and endokarst features. The analyzed area includes two parallel limestone bars, developed on the Carpathian structures direction (NNE-SSW). In addition to the results obtained following the EPIK method protocol, we bring forward data concerning the water quality, performing hydrogeochemical analyses on water samples collected from the main sources in the region

Karst aquifers represent an important source of drinking water supply, therefore their vulnerability analysis in regions affected by human interventions is needed. Vulnerability assessment mapping, establishes an adequate framework on the karst aquifers catchment areas extension. The present study emphasizes the significant role of lithology, structure and epikarst, on the one hand, infiltration conditions, soil and quaternary deposits (karst protective cover), on the other hand, in groundwater vulnerability assessment of a typical karst area, located in the Mehedinţi Mountains