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Deterioration of a T unisian coastal aquifer due to agricultural activities and possible approaches for better water management
Author(s) -
El Ayni Foued,
Manoli Eleni,
Cherif Semia,
Jrad Amel,
Assimacopoulos Dionysis,
TrabelsiAyadi Malika
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
water and environment journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.437
H-Index - 37
eISSN - 1747-6593
pISSN - 1747-6585
DOI - 10.1111/j.1747-6593.2012.00354.x
Subject(s) - overexploitation , groundwater , agriculture , water resource management , environmental science , aquifer , sustainable management , water resources , irrigation , water quality , environmental planning , business , sustainability , geography , engineering , ecology , geotechnical engineering , archaeology , biology
The purpose of this study is to provide a better understanding of the impact of agricultural activities on groundwater quality in a semi‐arid coastal environment ( K orba, T unisia). Impacts have been assessed through groundwater samples that were analysed for a range of chemical and biological parameters. Results indicate that groundwater overexploitation for irrigation and fertiliser use have affected the quality of the groundwater not only by direct contamination but also seawater intrusion. The implementation of appropriate regulatory and economic instruments to foster sustainable practices in the agricultural sector have been analysed within the framework of the EC (European Community) FP 6 (funding program 6) INECO (Institutional and Economic Instruments for Sustainable Water Management in the Mediterranean Region) P roject. Through stakeholder involvement processes, the project analysed issues relating to the regulation and control of groundwater abstractions, the promotion of wastewater reuse, efficiency improvements in irrigation water use, as well as instruments to strengthen the socioeconomic and institutional environment towards better managing and conserving available groundwater resources.