INTERNAL RESEARCH PROJECTS
Researching karst aquifer downstream from Ogulin using emerging contaminants (NONa)
Karst aquifers are a vital source of groundwater worldwide, offering significant reserves for water supply, as well as supporting surface flows and associated ecosystems. These aquifers are very heterogeneous systems with unclear true geometry due to intense karstification. It is highly challenging to conduct research in these complex terrains and provide trustworthy results. As a result, it is necessary to use a wide variety of research methods, and any improvement in the field of hydrogeological research methodology is important. Thus, NONa project will, in addition to conventional research methods, investigate potential application of emerging contaminants in researching karst aquifers. Technological advancements have enabled the determination of compounds in water at very low concentrations (ng/L). Most of these compounds are still unregulated, and their impact on human health and the environment is not yet known. A large number of compounds and their various properties can be useful for obtaining more detailed information about the characteristics of karst aquifers and assessing their vulnerability. The project plans to systematically observe basic physicochemical parameters, metals and trace elements, isotopes, and a wide range of emerging contaminants in spring water samples. Given the scarcity of existing research on the application of emerging contaminants in hydrogeological research and the accompanying numerous uncertainties, this project will certainly benefit the broader scientific community and contribute to new insights into karst aquifers on national and regional levels.
Principal Investigator / project leader: dr. sc. Jasmina Lukač Reberski
Ivana Boljat,
Maja Briški,
Ana Selak,
Andrej Stroj
Project duration: January 1st, 2024 – December 31st, 2027
Project Category: research project monitored by the Ministry of Science and Education of the Republic of Croatia, funded by the National Recovery and Resilience Plan 2021–2026 of the European Union – NextGenerationEU
Financing amount: 87,900,00 €
Status: Active
