GROUND-WATER DYNAMICS AS A FACTOR FOR CHEMICAL POLLUTION SPREAD AROUND THE METALLURGICAL PLANT OF ASENOVGRAD-PLOVDIV (BULGARIA)

3rd International Scientific Conference - SGEM2003, www.sgem.org, SGEM2003 Conference Proceedings/ ISBN: 954-918181-2, June 9-13, 2003, 287- 294pp

ABSTRACT
/Full article available only in Bulgarian language/

This study is conducted through a NATO – Science for Peace Project
“WATERMETAPOL”. Ground-water flow is a major premise for the
dissemination of chemical pollutants after they have somehow fallen into the
aquifer.
The metallurgical plant is settled on a large alluvial cone of Chepelarska
River. A highly productive aquifer is formed in the coarse grained deposits. The
general direction of ground-water flow is northward, where a final discharge zones
are Maritza River and Chepelarska River (lower reach). Several pumping stations
are withdrawing groundwater for water supply of the near by villages and the plant
itself.
A numerical groundwater flow model of the region is on preparation in the
Geological Institute. An analyses of groundwater movement and estimation of the
aquifer water budget are the main goals in the first stage of modeling. The
conceptual model settings and initial input data are based on the previous hydrogeological
surveys, performed by other organizations, as well as our monitoring
observations during the last two years. As model result the aquifer hydrodynamic
features are outlined, the hydraulic head being represented by contour lines.
Approximate aquifer water budget have been obtained, including recharge by
precipitations, lateral alimentation from the adjacent fissure-karstic waters from
the Rodop mountain slopes, as well as outgoing water budget elements, such as
drainage to the rivers, pumping of ground-waters for domestic use and for
irrigation etc. In the second stage of the Project a further model development will
enable to trace the path of heavy metal elements in ground waters and surface
waters. Hydro-dynamical and hydro-chemical modeling is helpful instrument for
directing pollution mitigation.