Coordinated Research Project (CRP)D15018 “Multiple Isotope Fingerprints to Identify Sources and Transport of Agro-Contaminants”

During Research Contract No. 23719, “Stable Isotope Monitoring of Agricultural Pollutants in Two Aquifers under Intensive Production in Slovenia” project, a sampling strategy will be designed in collaboration with Public Water Supply, Geological Survey and the Public Health Office in Slovenia, and surface, ground and soil water will be analyzed for their hydrological and chemical composition. Stable isotope analyses in water (δ18O, δ2H) of other solutes: δ15N(NO3) δ18O(NO3), δ18O(SO4), and Compound-specific isotope analysis (δ13C and δ15N) will be used to detect pesticides. Within the project, we will analyze the soil physical properties at this site and take soil cores samples for the analysis of oxygen and hydrogen isotope in the pore water. Combined with mathematical modelling, this will allow the estimation of transit times of and how it varies in different soils and for different land use. The outcomes of the project successfully provided the guidelines for water quality improvement, and application of improved farming practices t in the Krško Brežiško polje and the Ljubljansko polje catchments.

Project will establish shared and transnational guidelines to monitor the status and functionality of torrent control works. Evaluate the long-term effectiveness of structures. Prioritizing the maintenance intervention and improving the watershed management strategies. A joint paper published in a peer-reviewed journal is planned

It is fundamental for European countries to meet the objectives of the EU Water Framework Directive and Nitrate Directives, and assess the level of pollutants from agriculture and other sources surface and groundwater bodies as well as the risk they pose to the water bodies. A crucial part of achieving these objectives is to identify the sources and transport of pollutants (nitrate and pesticides) from intensive fruit and vegetable production areas and to develop policies and strategies for improving land management practices and protecting surface and groundwater quality. Two catchments (Krško Brežiško polje and the Ljubljansko polje) will be investigated..