The effect of airborne organic substances on groundwater quality in Germany

Of special importance in this respect are (1) chlorinated acetic acids as reaction products of aromatic hydrocarbons. At nine measuring stations located in woodland areas in Germany (not influenced by industry and agriculture), samples were taken of rainwater, soil percolate from different depths, and of groundwater. Airborne organic substances were observed in poorly protected aquifers, ie below soil layers characterized by small thickness and high permeability, and with low buffer capacity. The concentrations of single organic substances are close to, or above their European limit values for drinking water. Protection measures, such as well-head protection zones in the recharge areas of drinking water wells remain ineffective in the case of an input by airborne pollutants. -from Authors