Groundwater anomalies in the urban areas of Azerbaijan

Analysis of recent hydrogeological conditions indicates that industry in Azerbaijan has intensively affected the groundwater. The resulting destabilisation of the natural groundwater regime threatens to damage the ecology and economy of the country. Regional assessments of the anthropogenic impacts on groundwater were conducted through an analysis of seasonal and long-term variations of hydrodynamic and hydrochemical parameters. Using developed criteria, the following levels of impact were identified: a) naturally low, b) abnormal c) intensively abnormal. It was found that groundwater in the urban territories, namely in the cities of Baku, Gyandja and Sumgayit, had been most affected by anthropogenic activity. This formed the basis for detailed studies which showed that, irrespective of the natural conditions, all long-term changes to the groundwater regime were caused by technogenic impacts. The degree of change was determined by the hydrogeologic setting and economic conditions. Detailed mapping of the groundwater regime and hydrogeological conditions allowed areas most affected by the processes of urbanisation to be identified. Recommendations have now been made that will alleviate the problem.