A Modified DRASTIC Model for Intrinsic Vulnerability Mapping for Karst Aquifers: A Case Study PDF

Keywords

Aquifer vulnerability, groundwater, DRASTIC index, Karst, Palestine.

Abstract

Groundwater in karstic aquifers can be dangerously sensitive to contamination. In this paper, the DRASTIC model was modified and applied to address the intrinsic vulnerability of karst aquifers. The theoretical weights of two DRASTIC’s parameters (aquifer media and hydraulic conductivity) were modified through sensitivity analysis. Two tests of sensitivity analyses were carried out: the map removal and the single parameter sensitivity analyses. The modified model was applied to the karst aquifers underlying Ramallah District, Palestine, as a case study. The aquifer vulnerability map indicated that the case study area is under low, moderate and high vulnerability of groundwater to surface contamination. The vulnerability index can assist in the implementation of groundwater management strategies to prevent degradation of groundwater quality. The modified DRASTIC model has proven to be effective because it is relatively straightforward, using data that is commonly available or estimated and produces an end product that is easily interpreted.