A novel concept in ground water quality management: Towards function specific screening values

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Hydrogeology
• Risk Assessment

Background:

• Current groundwater screening values (GSVs) may not adequately account for specific human and ecological exposure scenarios.
• A need exists for more nuanced approaches to groundwater quality management that balance protection with cost-efficiency.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and elaborate on a procedure for deriving function-specific GSVs.
• To explore the application of these GSVs for more effective and cost-efficient groundwater quality management.
• To ensure human health and ecosystem protection are maintained.

Main Methods:

• Developed a procedure to derive function-specific GSVs based on land use and groundwater management purpose.
• Derived risk limits for human health and ecological targets for four contaminants: arsenic, benzene, MTBE, and vinyl chloride.
• Considered various land uses (Agriculture, Nature reserves, Residential, Industrial) and management types (curative, sustainable).

Main Results:

• Function-specific GSVs were derived, showing higher values are acceptable for less sensitive land use and function combinations.
• Risk limits varied significantly based on the specific contaminant, land use, and management purpose.
• Demonstrated that function-specific GSVs can identify groundwater volumes posing no unacceptable risk.

Conclusions:

• Function-specific GSVs offer a more sophisticated and effective approach to groundwater quality management.
• Implementation requires careful evaluation of protection targets, risk assessment methodologies, and the dynamic nature of groundwater.
• Alignment with existing water framework directives and harmonization with national standards are crucial for policy integration.