Evaluation of the vulnerability and risk of pollution of the underground waters of the karst aquifer Vento, Havana, Cuba

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Keywords:
Groundwater Pollution. Aquatic karst Vulnerability Danger Risk

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Betsy Vázquez Gainza
Instituto de Geología y Paleontología
Hermes Farfán González
Centro de Investigaciones y Servicios Ambientales
Carlos Díaz Guanche
Universidad de Pinar del Río “Hermanos Saíz Montes De Oca”

Abstract

Groundwater Vulnerability is a valuable tool for land and water use planning. In synthesis, methodologies try to define areas with hydrogeological properties with homogeneous behavior against of the action of any pollutants, and are represented in classes, for the better understanding of the decision makers. Particularly for karst aquifers, several methodologies have been developed recently, as their hydrogeological and pollutant characteristics give them very particular features. In the present work, the PC method is applied. PC is a simplification of the European Approach adapted to the conditions of Cuba. In addition, the hazards and the risk of contamination were assessed, since vulnerability is only useful when no anthropic activities have been developed. The selected study area was the Vento karst aquifer, which satisfies almost half of Havana's water demand. The results show that, in general, the vulnerability is moderate and presents a low risk. However, there are critical sectors on which action must be taken to minimize impacts.

Article Details

How to Cite
Vázquez Gainza, B., Farfán González, H. and Díaz Guanche, C. (2019) “Evaluation of the vulnerability and risk of pollution of the underground waters of the karst aquifer Vento, Havana, Cuba”, INFOMIN, 11. Available at: https://www.infomin.edicionescervantes.com/index.php/i/article/view/119 (Accessed: 12 September 2026).
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Vol. 11 (2019): january-december
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Artículos Originales

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