Exploring the Interplay of Water Quality and Groundwater Hydrology

Dear Colleagues,

Groundwater is a fundamental resource for humanity and ecosystems, providing approximately 50% of the world’s drinking water and supporting over 40% of global agricultural irrigation. This Special Issue focuses on the critical interface between groundwater hydrology and water quality, an area of research that is becoming increasingly important in light of the growing pressures on these resources. Understanding the interactions between hydrological and hydrogeochemical processes is essential for the sustainable management of aquifers. Historically, these aspects have often been studied separately, but recent advances highlight the importance of an integrated approach. Groundwater flow directly influences contaminant transport, while biogeochemical processes alter the hydraulic properties of aquifers. This complex bidirectional relationship requires innovative conceptual and methodological frameworks.

This Special Issue explores several interconnected themes. Spatial and temporal variations in groundwater flow determine the distribution of chemical elements and contaminants. Current research investigates how geological heterogeneities, seasonal fluctuations, and extreme events shape these dynamics. Interface zones (hyporheic zones and fresh–saline water transitions) are of particular interest as hotspots of biogeochemical activity. Intensive water extraction, agricultural practices, urbanization, and industrialization disrupt natural balances, while climate change modifies recharge patterns and intensifies interactions with contaminants. These combined stressors create unprecedented challenges for preserving groundwater quality.

Multitracer approaches, coupled modeling, remote sensing, and real-time in situ sensors are transforming our ability to understand these complex systems. Integrating data at different scales allows for better characterization of essential spatial and temporal heterogeneities for predicting future trajectories. This Special Issue examines how scientific knowledge can be translated into adaptive management practices and effective policies, including case studies on contaminated aquifer remediation, catchment protection, and establishing science-based regulatory frameworks. This Special Issue aims to stimulate the development of an interdisciplinary research community dedicated to the holistic study of groundwater, contributing to addressing major challenges of our time: ensuring access to drinking water, maintaining food security, preserving ecosystems dependent on groundwater, and adapting management strategies to environmental changes. Through a collection of original studies, critical reviews, and conceptual perspectives, this Special Issue represents a significant contribution to our understanding of groundwater systems and our capacity to manage them sustainably for future generations.

We look forward to receiving your contributions. 

Dr. Salah Ouhamdouch
Dr. Eleni Vasileiou
Guest Editors

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• groundwater
• hydrology
• water quality
• sustainable management
• climate change