Potential for Natural Attenuation of Domestic and Agricultural Pollution in Karst Groundwater Environments

In karst areas, anthropogenic contaminants reach the subsurface with detrimental effects on groundwater ecosystem and downstream springs, which often serve as drinking water sources for local human communities. We analyzed chemistry microbial community composition in upstream locations of five hydrokarst systems (HKS) during four seasons. Conductivity nitrates were higher springs than pre-karst waters, whereas concentration organic matter, considered here a pollution indicator, was lower. The varied largely between locations, multiple species potentially pathogenic bacteria decreasing HKS. Bacteria indicative decreased well when passing through HKS, but potential biodegraders increased. This suggests that HKS can filter out part polluting matter and, it, associated microorganisms. Nevertheless, quality, including presence pathogens must be further monitored to control whether is appropriate consumption. parallel, populations located advised risks resulting from their daily activities, improper stocking various wastes dumping refuse surface streams.