2. Assessing Groundwater Pollution Risk in Response to Climate Change and Variability

Groundwater systems worldwide are facing increasing pressure from climate variability and human activities. The climate can affect the aquifer directly and/or indirectly through various pathways, such as groundwater recharge, the change in soil biogeochemical processes, and land use activities. To date, there has been relatively little research that specifically addressed the impacts of climate change on groundwater quality. To address the research gap, this paper highlights the mechanisms occurring at various hydrogeologic phases (e.g., soil, unsaturated zones and aquifers) of groundwater contamination that are susceptible to the effects of climate change. Relevant studies on groundwater pollution risk that have addressed or can potentially incorporate climate change impacts are summarized and synthesized in this article. It has been found that change in groundwater quality as a direct result of climate change is subject to various uncertainties affecting credible future projections. The change in land use activities, indirectly affected by climate change, may play more important roles in determining future patterns of groundwater pollution risks. Research and policy recommendations are provided to cope with the challenges to sustainable water quality management in a changing climate.