| Session Details | |
| Section | HS - Hydrological Sciences |
| Session Title | Assessment and Prediction of Groundwater Contamination |
| Main Convener | Prof. Subhasis Ghoshal (McGill University, Canada) |
| Co-convener(s) | |
| Session Description | Groundwater is a vital resource for mankind and it provides for the sustenance of a large fraction of the global population, including that of Asia and Oceania. Groundwater accounts for more than 95% of Earth’s accessible freshwater resources and can be a steady, reliable source of relatively clean freshwater for agricultural, municipal and industrial uses. The availability of uncontaminated groundwater has important socio-economic implications, particularly in areas where surface water availability is scarce or inconsistent. Contamination of groundwater due to agricultural, industrial and other anthropogenic activities is increasingly compromising precious groundwater resources. Groundwater contamination by pathogens and hazardous chemicals released by anthropogenic activities or natural sources, pose serious public health hazards, as well as a loss of water resources. Increasing salinity of groundwater in coastal areas due to over-extraction of groundwater, the release of geological arsenic in groundwater, the leaching of toxic pesticides from farmlands, uncontrolled discharges of industrial wastes and wastewaters, and the release of pathogens from various point and non-point sources have caused widespread groundwater contamination in certain regions of Asia and Oceania, and elsewhere. Systematic studies are needed to assess the extent and nature of contamination. Advanced geochemical analyses tools and geophysical investigation methods are required to efficiently determine the nature and extent of contamination. Furthermore, a though understanding of the chemical and microbiological fate and transport processes, and of groundwater flow characteristics are required to build predictive models that provide information on the evolution of groundwater contamination with time. Such predictive models when validated with field results are an important tool for groundwater management and restoration. This session will aim to present studies from government, academia and industry that highlight the aspects of groundwater contamination assessment and prediction described in the above paragraph. Studies based on investigations of groundwater contamination in Asia and Oceania, as well as those dealing with general principles of groundwater contamination will be presented. Papers from well known groundwater contamination experts will be sought for invited presentations. Co-conveners from the Asia and Oceania region will be invited to assist with the creation of an attractive speaker list. |