"Groundwater is a hot topic these days, and not just for Texas"

Groundwater is a hot topic these days, and not just for Texas. The quality and quantity of water stored deep in aquifers is an issue affecting the livelihoods of millions of people as well as economies across the globe. How can we know when groundwater becomes depleted or polluted? And what can we do to remediate the situation? Dr. Paul Hudak, a physical geographer at UNT, focuses on exactly these kinds of questions. He designs monitoring networks used to detect chemicals released from waste storage facilities, including landfills, as well as systems that can be applied to clean up polluted groundwater. In addition, he monitors and characterizes groundwater quality and storm water runoff from landscapes in Texas (see map below). More recently, Dr. Hudak's research has focused on using constructed wetlands in north-central Texas to help offset the loss of natural wetlands to development. These wetlands also offer important environmental services, including storm water detention, chemical uptake and retention, plant and animal habitat, and recreation. As populations continue to grow into the future, and our reliance on groundwater increases, knowledge about how to monitor and manage this valuable resource will be vital.

Figure Caption: Median nitrate levels (mg/L) in Texas groundwater. From Hudak, PF. 2000. Regional trends in nitrate content of Texas groundwater. Journal of Hydrology 228: 37-47.