Abstract Carbon isotope composition of dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) was studied at springs, lakes and tributaries of the Plitvice Lakes. The Plitvice Lakes are a unique and complex karst lakes system consisting of 16 flow-through lakes connected by waterfalls and streams and characterized by intense calcium carbonate precipitation in the form of tufa and lake sediments. Two main springs have different 14 C concentrations due to different geology and their variations were controlled by flow rates. Further downstream, at lakes to the Korana River that outflows from the lakes, the 14 C activity and δ 13 C consistently increased down the flow. Carbon isotope composition from 2010 to 2015 was compared with the values measured 30 years earlier. The variation in δ 13 C DIC was accounted for seasonal change, while 14 C activity of surface water DIC decreased 7–12% during the 30 years. Using a semi-empiric model, it is calculated that the downstream increase is controlled by the exchange of DIC and atmospheric CO 2 carbon and by introduction of decomposed biogenic carbon from the top soil organic matter of the lakes surrounding area in almost equal proportions.

The long-term success of water projects in water-stressed communities hinges not only on providing access to safe water, but also on equipping communities for sustainable resource management. Coupling research with education facilitates sustainability by growing local hydrogeologic knowledge and supporting prudent management. Adjusting management practices requires time, and it is helped through collaboration and trust between researchers and stakeholders. Research and education were integrated during an evaluation of groundwater resource sustainability and wastewater management practices at Restoration Gateway, an orphanage in northern Uganda. Basic hydrogeologic understanding was established through field work, staff interviews, and literature. An opportunity to collaborate with a visiting surveying and master planning team leveraged time spent on-site for greater results. Hydrologic education occurred formally and informally, through science lessons at the orphanage school and daily interactions with the Restoration Gateway population. Staff were interviewed regarding as-built designs, water usage, and wastewater management practices. Knowledge gained enabled researchers to make recommendations for preserving groundwater quantity and quality. Site-specific information was incorporated into a master plan for future development. Education efforts and trust gained through immersion in the life of Restoration Gateway increased awareness and acceptance regarding groundwater sustainability. In international work, it can be easy to focus on maximizing time for research and associated tasks. This case study presents ideas for spending time in local participation and education. Participation in the local community, involving them in research efforts, and building their hydrogeologic understanding improve the chances of recommendations being adopted and can foster long-term partnerships that enhance groundwater sustainability.

The new high-speed, high-capacity Treviglio-Brescia railway line is an integral part of the Trans-European Transport Network, the “Mediterranean Corridor,” and constitutes a critical stage in the construction of the high-speed, high-capacity Milan-Verona railway line, which extends a total of 140 km, 27 km of which have been in operation between Milan and Treviglio since 2007. The activities currently under way include the construction of a railway line covering a distance of ~52 km between Treviglio and Brescia, and the completion of a series of complementary projects to mitigate the interference with other infrastructures (e.g., canals, underground utilities) and new road systems. Geological investigations have been necessary during the course of the work, to manage excavations and excavated materials, to manage abandoned waste encountered along the line, and for remediation of contaminated sites. In addition to the characterization of the project area, data collected have contributed to the Environmental Monitoring Plan issued by the Consorzio Eni per l’Alta Velocità (CEPAV Due), which will monitor for potential environmental impacts caused by the execution of the project, particularly related to the soil, surface water, and groundwater, and the project measures needed to reduce environmental impact. This paper provides an overview of the activities carried out so far, as illustrated with some case studies.