Geological and hydrogeological characterization of the landfill areas located around Bucharest city in the context of environmental management

University of Bucharest, Doctoral School of Geology, 6 Traian Vuia, Bucharest, Romania

^* Corresponding author: ioan.alexandru.balint@drd.unibuc.ro

Abstract

The process of risk assessment and investigation of potentially contaminated soil and groundwater is highly dependent on a proper understanding of the geological and hydrogeological conditions of the investigated site. The current paper aims at identifying the general geological and hydrogeological conditions of the landfill areas around Bucharest city based on interpretations of the data available in research articles, books, public reports, and geological and hydrogeological maps. Several soil samples were collected, and laboratory analyses were conducted to validate the initial expectations in terms of physical properties of the underlying strata. Results were presented as cross-sections and piezometric maps suitable for developing tridimensional models, conceptual site models and contaminant fate and transport modeling with sufficient accuracy for environmental urban planning. The research provides a quick method which may be used when assessing the general geological and hydrogeological conditions of various sites in environmental studies. The vulnerability of the Romanian legislation in data management and decision-making was also highlighted, therefore a series of recommendations to improve the data availability and quality were provided.