Groundwater quality: new developments on understanding transport and mobility of contaminants related to anthropogenic impacts.

Groundwater quality is widely compromised by anthropogenic impact. This becomes evident by the presence of numerous anthropogenic organic and inorganic contaminants in groundwater. Contaminants are of widespread origin. They enter the groundwater associated to different processes such as sewer failure, agricultural activities or contaminated industrial sites. Understanding the input mechanism, transport, attenuation and degradation processes in short and long term is crucial for sustainable groundwater development. Although unwanted, contaminants even in smallest quantities might provide information for locating their input or allow for understanding transport and attenuation processes within aquifers. In addition, microbial communities might not only be harmful but assist in the degradation of harmful substances. We call for contributions that deal with groundwater quality in all type of aquifers (e.g. alluvial, fractured, and karst aquifers). We welcome topics such as urban groundwater, new tools for water quality characterization, organic micropollutants in groundwater, microbial contaminants (such as bacteria, virus, and protozoans), groundwater remediation, and water quality monitoring.