Hydrogeological determinants of migration of potential pollutants to shallow groundwater in the Mogilnica river catchment

This study describes the hydrological conditions of migration of potential pollutants to shallow groundwater in the Mogilnica River catchment, classified as a typically agricultural lowland catchment in Poland. The assessment of vulnerability of aquifers to the inflow of pollutants from the ground's surface was conducted with the use of the GOD rank method introduced by Foster, and the method of calculation of contamination migration time through the aeration zone according to the formula of Bachmat and Collin. Using the data collected in the geographic information system, digital (screen system) maps were prepared for the catchment, illustrating the spatial distribution of the analyzed parameters. There were identified zones with different degrees of groundwater resistance, including areas that, owing to hydrological conditions, are the most vulnerable to the inflow of pollution. The collected data sets were compared with information on the method of development and use of the catchment, which was the basis for classification of the scale of hazard for groundwater from existing and potential anthropogenic activity.