Environmental health risk index, tool for the management of nitrates vulnerable zones

Nutrient pollution, originated from agricultural or household activities, is one of the main issues our modern world has to deal with. Due to the specific aspects this type of pollution implies the relative continuous character of the pollution process, the complex environment system implied (soil, surface waters, and ground waters), and the health risk raised to vulnerable population groups using well water for drinking purposes, these issues are difficult to manage and presume an integrated approach and a strategic perspective. In a specific approach included in the process of implementing the 91/676/CEE Directive, Romania has been initially assigned with nitrate vulnerable areas (NVZ), for 255 regions, representing 8.64% of the total surface of the country and, respectively, 13.93% of the total agricultural surface. The paper presents a methodology to establish an environmental health risk index as an intervention management tool for the designated NVZ, considering that Romania was advised by the European Commission to establish action plans against water resources' pollution by nitrates from agricultural source, for the entire country surface. The field results considered to build the risk index are provided by the project „Integrated Control of Nutrient Pollution", having the following objectives: (i) reducing nutrients discharge in water bodies; (ii) promoting behavioral shifts at regional level; (iii) providing support in strengthening regulation and institutional capacity system, coordinated by the Ministry of the Environment and Climate Changes, and financially supported by GEF, and IBRD. There were selected 87 rural localities representative for NVZ, with a population in range of 1,000-37,000 inhabitants, located in 34 counties all over the Romania. In each locality, water samples from private and public drinking water supplies were analyzed on site, using rapid field kits for nitrates, and sanitary inspections of the wells were carried out. The sampling points were recorded and represented in Geographic Information System (GIS) format. The model of establishing the risk index is based on the aggregation of data regarding water supply, coverage with sewage services, level of nitrates in shallow wells used for drinking purposes in rural areas, aquifer depth, health risk score based on sanitary field inspection, population information level, the presence of a manure disposal platform or any other similar facility, issues representative for reportin