Water quality and relationship between superficial and ground water in Rome (Aniene River basin, central Italy)

Chemical, physical and biological features of streams and groundwater of the North-Eastern area of Rome are jointly analyzed in order to assess the status of water resources. Groundwater was investigated with classical survey methods (pH, temperature, and electric conductivity). Microbiological pollution, faunal composition, and stream surrounding area conditions of surface waters were studied, inorder to quantify the residual value of these ecosystems from both a human and an environmental point of view. Results show a general impairment of the system and the comparison between superfical waters and shallow groundwaters makes it possible to detect the presence of a connection between the two levels. This relationship occurs as an exchange from superfical waters (streams and rivers) to the shallow aquifers. Where superfcial waters are contaminated, as in the Tor Sapienza stream, pollutants move to the shallow aquifers too, due to the decreased pressure of the overexploited aquifer. Moreover, uncontrolled drilling activity, diffused in urban areas, makes it possible the connection between shallow and deep groundwater. Notwithstanding this, the mixing between superficia and deep groundwater system in Rome is not very widespread and, apparently, limited to restricted areas.