The groundwater pollution in Lombardy (north Italy) caused by organo-halogenated compounds

This paper deals with the phenomenon of the presence of organo-halogenated compounds in groundwaters of the Lombardy Region (North Italy). The regionwide study evidentiated the magnitude of the phenomenon, since these compounds are employed in all productive and household activities. The main cause of groundwater contamination is the infiltration of industrial wastewater: in the Province of Mantova, for example, organic chlorinated solvents have their origin in the NaOCl wastewater treatment for ammonia removal. Organic alogenated compounds in waters intended for human consumption in Lombardy are present in 510 wells over 92 townships, affecting a population of 1,934,133 equivalent to 20% of the total resident population (1991 data). Maximum observed concentrations are related to trielin and tetrachloroethilene. Water treatment was achieved through aeration (stripping) and activated carbon or resin adsorption; in a few instances, also hydraulic interventions were implemented.