Assessment of groundwater nitrate pollution and determination of groundwater protection zones using DRASTIC and composite drastic [CD] models: the case of Shiraz unconfined aquifer

ABSTRACT

Background: Groundwater nitrate pollution is an important environmental problem in water resources management. In this regard, specific measures aiming at prevention of water pollution will be helpful to managers and decision-makers. Identification of aquifers' vulnerable areas and determination of groundwater protection zones using most widely used models, such as DRASTIC and CD, are one of the most useful approaches in water resources' hygiene