Geostatistic application for the study of contaminated groundwater in broad industrial areas

A geostatistic application is proposed for the realization of a hydraulic conductivity map in an abandoned industrial area, characterized by the extension of about 300 ha, in which a characterization study is in progress. The study has made it possible to define the distribution of the grade of vulnerability of the area and, in relation to the knowledge of the centres of danger, has given further elements for the individuation of hot spots and the paths of contamination. In order to obtain a map of the hydraulic conductivity, through investigation of a direct nature, experimental values of permeability and trasmissivity have been subjected to specific experimental checks, and to calibration made through theoretic hydrogeologic approaches in order to establish the reliability of the data that have been given. The results, which are the object of verification, have been treated afterwards through a geostatistic approach in order to get a punctual valuation of the hydraulic conductivity, also in non-sampled points which are inside the examined area.