Laboratory for Applied Geology and Hydrogeology (LTGH)

Research at the Laboratory for Applied Geology and Hydrogeology is related to hydrogeology, hydrogeochemistry, and applied geophysics, with special emphasis on hydrogeophysics. For quantitative aspects, our research is concentrating on groundwater recharge, groundwater exploitation and sustainability, in relation to climate and specific groundwater utilization practices, both in Flanders and in developing countries. The Laboratory is also involved in research related to shallow geothermal energy. Quantitative assessment of hydrogeological resources is often done through groundwater models with a particular emphasis on the role of geological heterogeneity and the development of new methodologies to quantify the uncertainty related to hydrogeological predictions.

From the qualitative point of view, the natural baseline quality of aquifers is studied; against this natural background, pollution is investigated, specifically focusing on diffuse pollution (mostly by nitrates). The research unit has been involved in several European projects related to natural baseline chemistry of groundwater, which have supported the development of the EU Groundwater Directive.

Research related to nitrate distribution in groundwater in Flanders has laid the basis for the Flemish policy concerning nitrate pollution of groundwater. The research unit has been investigating the fresh-salt water distribution in the Belgian coastal area since the 1960, and is still involved in research of this fascinating phenomenon, including in foreign countries (e.g. Libya, Palestine, Tanzania, Vietnam).

Geophysical prospection has been extensively applied in salt water intrusion, as well as in pollution cases and geological characterization. The Laboratory is active in the application and development of innovative geophysical imaging techniques with a special emphasis on the geophysical monitoring of natural processes and active experiments (e.g., heat tracing experiments). In recent years, an increasing focus has been towards Africa, where groundwater exploitation, pollution and the problem of sustainability of groundwater resources are even more directly crucial for life than in the industrialized world. Several PhD and MSc theses dealing with African groundwater sustainability problems have been concluded recently, while many more are ongoing.