The impacts of climate change on groundwater quality: A review
Phuong Uyen Dao1, Arnaud Guillaume Heuzard1, Thi Xuan Hoa Le1
1Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong.
Abstract:
Groundwater has been known as the second largest freshwater storage in the world, following surface water. Over the years, groundwater has already been under overwhelming pressure to satisfy human needs for artificial activities around the world. Meanwhile, the most noticeable footprint of human activities is the impact of climate change. Climate change has the potential to change the physical and chemical properties of groundwater, thereby affecting its ecological functions. This study summarizes existing research affiliated with the possible effects of a changing climate on the quality of groundwater, including changes in water availability, increased salinity and pollution from extreme weather events, and the potentiality of seawater intrusion into coastal aquifers. Previous works dealing with groundwater-induced responses to the climate system and climate impacts on groundwater quality through natural and anthropogenic processes have been reviewed. The climate-induced changes in groundwater quality including pH, dissolved oxygen level, salinity, and concentrations of organic and inorganic compounds were assessed. Some future research directions are proposed, including exploring the potential changes in the occurrences and fate of micropollutants in groundwater, examining the relationship between the increase of microcystin in groundwater and climate change, studying the changes in the stability of metals and metal complexation, and completing studies across different regional climate regions.
Related Concept Videos
What is Climate?
Global Climate Change
Adaptations that Reduce Water Loss
Quality of Water
Responses to Drought and Flooding
Effect of Sea Water on Concrete
Concrete in areas between tide marks,...


