Assessment of the vulnerability of groundwater to anthropogenic contaminants in Kasihan, Bantul, Yogyakarta special province, Indonesia

Groundwater contamination is a ubiquitous problem, especially in developing countries such as Indonesia. Groundwater vulnerability assessment is an effective tool that provides information about the status of groundwater and potential contaminants. This approach helps in groundwater conservation and management. This study conducted an intrinsic groundwater vulnerability assessment to anthropogenic contamination in Kasihan, Yogyakarta, Indonesia. This research delineated the spatial distribution of physicochemical properties of groundwater and analysed land-use patterns. This study was conducted based on Groundwater confinement, Overlying materials and Depth to groundwater table (GOD) method. The GOD method was applied to assess the intrinsic properties of the geology and hydrogeology of the study area. Secondary land use data were analysed using GIS software to determine major anthropogenic activities in the research area. Land use and cover analysis of the study area indicated a rapid development including settlement, agricultural and industrial facilities. Groundwater vulnerability assessment showed medium to high classes. These findings suggest a high probability of contamination at present and in the future. Thus, future researchers should assess the groundwater quality of Kasihan based on specific vulnerability using groundwater flow and mass transport modelling because the investigated area is highly susceptible to pollutants.