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Project title

GRoundwater Age DistributionS for the Sustainable MAnagement of gRoundwaTer reSources in Ireland

Primary Funding Agency

Environmental Protection Agency

Co-Funding Organisation(s)

n/a

Lead Organisation

University of Dublin, Trinity College (TCD)

Lead Applicant

Carlos Rocha

Project Abstract

GRADS&SMARTS will constitute the first targeted effort at groundwater dating in Ireland using environmental tracers. The research will employ a combination of environmental ‘age’ tracers (δ18O, δ2H in water, CFC-11, CFC-12, SF6, 3H and 3H-3Hetrit, 228Ra, 226Ra,14C-DIC) to resolve a wide range of groundwater ages (1->10,000 years) in selected catchments and therefore provide an improved understanding of the lag times of nitrate pollution in representative hydrological settings within Ireland.The main outcomes of the project will be the provision of a) average groundwater residence times (GRTs) and mean groundwater travel times (GTTs) in selected Irish catchments, and b) the first spatially continuous and seasonally dynamic water isoscape for the country, linking the atmospheric and continental water cycles. Laying the foundation for our approach is a comprehensive sampling programme across the island of Ireland for δ18O, δ2H in precipitation, groundwater, and surface water. This initiative will leverage two important resources: the high-throughput, relatively low-cost analytical capacity provided by the stable isotope CRDS (Cavity Ring Down Spectroscopy) systems installed at TCD, and the extant precipitation, surface and groundwater monitoring programmes conducted by the EPA, Met Eireann and the GSI. Because regular water sampling activities already cover a significant extent of the national hydrological network, arranging the collection and delivery of extra samples for isotopic analysis at TCD will guarantee national coverage on a seasonal and multiannual basis while providing data that complements existing water quality databases. The data collected this way will add to existing datasets (GNIP Valentia, IAEA-Armagh, GSI-IsoMech, etc) and allow for the construction of a high resolution, seasonally dynamic isoscape (isotopic landscape) for the water cycle in Ireland, from recharge to discharge. To increase geographical coverage, and simultaneously generate interest in STEM subjects and ensure community engagement with stewardship of national water resources, we will develop a network of citizen scientists (‘the Water Seekers’) in the form of junior and senior cycle students throughout the country that led by their teachers and supported by learning materials provided by project scientists will collect water samples from their regions and actively contribute to the mapping of Irelands isotopic landscape.

Grant Approved

�499,950.00

Research Hub

Natural Environment

Research Theme

n/a

Start Date

31/03/2022

Initial Projected Completion Date

31/03/2026