Gis – Based Groundwater Vulnerability Mapping of Atebela River Catchment, Sebeta Area
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Date
2007-07
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Addis Ababa Universty
Abstract
This research work which focuses on Atebela groundwater catchment found in
Sebeta–Alemgena area applied the DRASTIC MODEL to the assessment of
groundwater vulnerability to contamination. The area is characterized by recently
expanding industrial activities around Sebeta town and modern and traditional
agricultural practices all around which have polluting potential of the groundwater
system. Both intrinsic vulnerability and specific vulnerability assessment and
mapping are conducted in the objective of classifying vulnerable and non vulnerable
areas, and to provide zoning for groundwater protection.
The mapping process involved GIS (ArcGIS 9.1 software) application and model
builder extension in ERDAS 8.6 software. The specific vulnerability of groundwater
to nitrate contamination and hazard centers was assessed and mapped. The
vulnerability maps are presented in a clear and easily understandable format for the
use by policy makers. These maps are useful to develop an appropriate legislative
framework for the protection and sustainable use of the groundwater resources and
for water pollution prevention of the groundwater of Atebela River catchment.
Therefore, the vulnerability maps can be one tool that helps to achieve the
Millennium Development Goals (“ensure environmental sustainability”).
Keywords: DRASTIC Model, intrinsic vulnerability, specific vulnerability, nitrate
contamination, hazard centers, GIS mapping.
Description
Keywords
DRASTIC Model, Intrinsic vulnerability, Specific vulnerability, Nitrate contamination, Hazard centers, GIS mapping