Hydrostratigraphical setting and groundwater quality status in alluvial aquifers: the low Garigliano River Basin (Southern Italy), case study

The study aims at applying a 3D lithologic model for the characterization of the Garigliano River plain aquifer and the assessment of the nitrate contamination risk . The risk map obtained presents a good spatial correlation with the nitrate content of the aquifer highlighting the sectors more affected by nitrates and supporting the individuation of the source of nitrate contamination. This suggests that the source of the groundwater nitrate is prevalently related to intensive cropping or livestock. The paper highlights the great advantage to use a 3D model of the subsoil of a alluvial plain (Garigliano basin) and the great results that it is possible to achieve. Indeed, the author would stress that the originality of this paper lies not in the application of the method to assess nitrate contamination risk, but rather in his application directly by the 3D lithostratigraphical model.