report
6.5.2 Short description

In many parts of Europe groundwater is the main source for drinking water. It is therefore crucial to assure clean groundwater. Polluted groundwater may also affect the soil ecosystem and/or other water compartments such as lakes and rivers.

Groundwater sources are frequently contaminated with pesticides and sometimes with heavy metals or halogenated compounds. According to Van der Bruggen et al. nitrate concentrations in groundwater are increasing and often close to or above the legal standard (Van der Bruggen et al., 2001). Landfill leakage, agriculture and chemical accidents are the main sources of groundwater pollutants. 

Overview over methods, materials and target compounds: