Integration of hydrochemical and hydrogeological perspectives for an enhanced groundwater health risk assessment and resource availability analysis.

Integrating hydrochemical and hydrogeological assessments reveals a 115-330% increase in nitrite levels and improves health risk prediction in Polish groundwater.

• Why it matters: Groundwater quality and resource availability are vital for sustainable water management, yet current methods may underestimate health risks and resource status, especially under anthropogenic pressure.
• What they did: The study analyzed data from 1286 and 1370 monitoring points in 2016 and 2022 using the Hazard Index and Groundwater Safety and Availability Index, incorporating integrated classification criteria over two EU Water Framework Directive cycles.
• The result: Findings show hydrochemical classification better explains health risk variability, with elevated nitrites and nickel linked to environmental deterioration, highlighting the need for targeted water treatment and the importance of GSAI in safeguarding public health.