Groundwater vulnerability based on GIS approach: Case study of Zeuss-Koutine aquifer, South-Eastern Tunisia

Abstract

Groundwater vulnerability mapping is largely used as a modeling tool to delineate areas susceptible to pollution and to protect groundwater resources from this threat. The Zeuss-Koutine aquifer, which constitutes an important source of drinking water in the Southeastern Tunisia, is subjected to an intensive exploitation and threatened by pollution due mainly to the industrial zone of Koutine. The groundwater circulates in fissured and karstified limestone. Aquifer vulnerability has been assessed using the SINTACS method. The different parameters of the SINTACS model were collected from several sources and converted into thematic maps using ArcGis. Each SINTACS parameter was assigned a weight and rating based on a range of information within the parameter. The weight of each parameter depends on the impact of potential pollution. The analysis of vulnerability map to pollution shows that the Southeastern part of the aquifer and the Wadis beds are more susceptible to pollution. The measured nitrate concentrations of two sampling campaigns carried out in high and dry water seasons are coherent with the SINTACS model results.