Work

Groundwater Safety and Availability Index (GSAI) and its association with salinity indicators

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: This study assesses the quality of groundwater in the Odra River Basin in Poland, focussing on environmental health risks, temporal variability, and their association with salinity indices. A new indicator, the Groundwater Safety and Availability Index (GSAI), was developed to evaluate groundwater resources by integrating health risk and resource quantity factors, providing a novel tool for ranking water resources and informing environmental and administrative decision-making. Groundwater samples were collected between 2005 and 2021 and analysed in accordance with national standards. The results demonstrate an improvement in groundwater quality over time, indicated by a reduction in Health Index (HI) values, particularly in Lower Silesia, Lubusz, and Silesia. Significant correlations were found between HI and NO₃ − (τ-Kendall = 0.40) and arsenic (τ-Kendall = 0.55). GSAI values varied across regions, with West Pomerania showing the highest groundwater safety and availability, while Silesia had the lowest. Elevated concentrations of contaminants such as arsenic and nitrates were found to significantly impact water safety, particularly during hydrogeological droughts. These findings support the need for region-specific management strategies to ensure sustainable groundwater use and mitigate health risks, with the GSAI serving as a valuable tool for policymakers and environmental planners. • Groundwater Safety and Availability Index (GSAI) has been developed. • GSAI helps evaluating groundwater resources and their interaction with human demand. • Correlations were found between Health Index (HI) values and nitrates and arsenic. • GSAI can support region-specific management for sustainable groundwater use.

Source: The Science of The Total Environment

DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2025.179019

Authors: Justyna Kubicz, Paweł Lochyński, Joanna A. Kamińska

Institution: Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences

Language: English

Topic: Water Quality and Pollution Assessment

Subfield: Water Science and Technology

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Clean water and sanitation, Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,250