Soil and aquifer pollution

The Water Research Institute at the Technion (Israel Institute of Technology) initiated and sponsored the International Workshop on "Soil and Aquifer Pollution: Non-Aqueous Phase Liquids - Contamination and Reclamation," held from May 13th-15th, 1996, at the Technion campus in Haifa. Groundwater contamination is a critical issue for Israel and other nations reliant on groundwater for their water supply, with 60% of Israel's water sourced from this resource, primarily from two major aquifers. The Coastal Aquifer, located beneath a densely populated area, is particularly vulnerable to surface pollution. In contrast, the Mountain Aquifer, which is recharged from higher terrain, flows westward and is more susceptible to contamination due to its higher permeabilities and flow velocities. Smaller local aquifers also play a vital role in the national water system. Despite protective measures, some aquifers have already experienced contamination, and accidental pollution remains a risk. Understanding groundwater contamination processes, recommending preventive measures, and identifying effective reclamation strategies are essential. Non-aqueous phase liquids (NAPLs) represent some of the most significant contaminants, highlighting the need for ongoing research and action in this area.