ORIGINAL RESEARCH
Applying a Modified DRASTIC Model to Assess
Groundwater Vulnerability to Pollution:
A Case Study in Central Poland
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1
Poznań University of Life Sciences, Department of Soil Science and Land Reclamation, Poznań, Poland
2
Poznań University of Life Sciences, Institute of Land Improvement, Environmental Development,
and Geodesy, Poznań, Poland
Submission date: 2017-12-07
Final revision date: 2018-01-17
Acceptance date: 2018-01-24
Online publication date: 2018-11-14
Publication date: 2019-01-28
Corresponding author
Michał Kozłowski
Poznań University of Life Sciences, Department of Soil Science and Land Reclamation, Piątkowska 94, 60-649 Poznań Poznań, Poland
Pol. J. Environ. Stud. 2019;28(3):1223-1231
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ABSTRACT
Our paper presents the possibility of applying the DRASTIC model as a useful tool to support
the process of local and regional development planning. The study was carried out in the catchment
of Stare Miasto Reservoir in Central Poland. In order to plan the policy to protect the reservoir
and groundwater, the assessment of groundwater vulnerability to pollution was made by means
of the DRASTIC model. The original model was modified by adding a new parameter called “land use.”
The measured nitrate concentrations were used to test the original and modified models. The results
of the study revealed that the modified DRASTIC model gave more accurate predictions than
the traditional model. The Pearson correlation coefficients characterising the relationship between
the vulnerability index and the nitrate concentration was 0.56 before the modification and 0.69 after
it. The groundwater vulnerability map is necessary for planning local development and for assessing
environmental impact. The DRASTIC model is expected to be a useful tool for designing programs
and strategies, e.g., for improving the quality of surface water and groundwater.