Intrinsic Vulnerability of the Alburni Karst System (Southern Italy)

In order to assess the aquifer intrinsic vulnerability of the Alburni karst system (Southern Italy) at medium scale (i.e. 1:50,000), the “European Approach” has been applied. The vulnerability map shows that the prevalent vulnerability degrees are high and very high, due to the widespread karstification of the area and to the presence, on the plateau, of large vegetated areas with gentle slopes favouring fast infiltration. Interpreting the information on the map in the light of land use, development planning and groundwater protection, the Alburni karst area requires great care regarding the location of the potential contamination sources.