The Importance of Groundwater Vulnerability Maps in the Protection of Groundwater Sources. Key Study: Sarajevsko Polje

AbstractIn order to ensure effective protection of groundwater sources, it is important to take into account all pollutants and activities that may present a potential risk. In the last period, as a useful tool in the protection of groundwater vulnerability mapping is applied. There are many methods for mapping groundwater vulnerability, some of which are more applicable than others. Although the use of and the choice of methods for assessing vulnerability depending on data availability, scale mapping, spatial distribution of data, hydrogeological and hydrological characteristics and many other parameters that serve as inputs for obtaining valid results.In this regard, this paper will analyze several methods for assessing the vulnerability of groundwater, which can be applied to the source of groundwater in the Sarajevo area. After the analysis, the results of completed vulnerability assessment, and mapping of groundwater vulnerability in the exploration area will be displayed using the COP method. The results will be presented with the help of GIS tools and presented in the form of maps of vulnerability for the catchment area of Sarajevsko Polje