This paper is about assessing the amount of nitrates and ammonium in groundwater’s of interfluves Timis-Bega Canal by using direct measurements. For half of the rural population, the only source of drinking water is represented by individual wells. The case study was done on common Peciu Nou from Timis County. In the area there is a historical pollution caused by nitrates from the former Comtim, which has led to soil and groundwater pollution. The main risk factors for nitrate pollution are septic tanks and stables, which lead to nitrate and ammonia infiltration into the groundwater on the one hand, and another risk factor is the agricultural activity by applying organic and mineral fertilizers. Soil and water pollution by nitrates became a highly debated issue in recent years especially after the entry into effect of the Nitrates Directive in 1991. Romania, as a member of the European Union must report to the communitarian committees about the nitrate pollution situation that respects the Nitrates Directive for promoting a sustainable and durable agriculture. Nitrate vulnerable zones assigned in 2003 were based on the natural conditions of soil, terrain, climate and hydrogeology related to nitrate transfer to groundwater bodies and surface water and on the the nitrogen balance (nitrogen produced by livestock manure - nitrogen extracted vegetable crops) in the corresponding administrative establishments of elementary units of the European classification of administrative units (NUTS5) communes, towns, municipal. The aim was to monitor potential areas vulnerable to nitrates, using predetermined indicators. For evaluating the content of nitrates in groundwater, several measurements were performed to track the following indicators: water temperature, depth of groundwater layer, content of nitrogen, ammonia, chlorophyll and dissolved oxygen contents. Together with the measurements and observations about the local conditions were recorded the type wells, distance of wells to the stables or other potential source of pollution. The paper presents also the environmental conditions in the area studied, and some relations between measured values.

groundwater, nitrates pollution, vulnerable area

Presentation: oral