ASSESSMENT OF VULNERABILITY AND CONTAMINATION POTENTIAL OF THE OZARK PLATEAU AQUIFER IN CHEROKEE COUNTY, KS

Access to clean drinking water is essential for public health. However, groundwater contamination by toxic metals like lead (Pb), zinc (Zn), and cadmium (Cd) poses a significant threat to drinking water supplies, particularly in areas with a history of mining. These metals can cause neurological disorders in children, heart disease, kidney problems, and more. This study investigates the vulnerability of aquifer systems in Cherokee County, Kansas, a former mining district within the Tri-State Mining District, designated as a Superfund site by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) due to environmental degradation. Limited research exists regarding the vulnerability of Cherokee County's aquifers to heavy metal contamination. This study employs the DRASTIC model, a well-established method that considers seven hydrogeological parameters: depth to water table (D), net recharge (R), aquifer media(A), soil media (S), topography (T), impact of the vadose zone (I), and hydraulic conductivity (C) to evaluate aquifer vulnerability. The DRASTIC analysis identified three vulnerability zones within Cherokee County: low vulnerability (risk index 60-102), moderate vulnerability (risk index 102-117), and high vulnerability (risk index 117-158). The moderate and high vulnerability zones are primarily concentrated in the southeastern portion of the study area. This assessment provides insights for future research and resource management strategies in Cherokee County. Identifying vulnerable areas can inform land-use planning, pollution prevention measures, and potential remediation efforts, ultimately aiming to protect public health and ensure sustainable groundwater resources.