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Cemetery

A cemetery which can be refered to as burial ground or graveyard, is a place where the remains of dead people/ people who have passed away are buried. The term graveyard is often used in a way that it could be exchanged with with cemetery, but a graveyard primarily refers to a burial ground within a churchyard.

The remains of people, either intact or cremated, may be interred in a grave, commonly referred to as a tomb, an "above-ground grave" (resembling a sarcophagus), a mausoleum, a columbarium, a niche, or another edifice. In Western cultures, funeral are often observed in cemeteries. These ceremonies or rites of passage differ according to cultural practices and religious beliefs. Modern cemeteries often include crematoria, and some grounds previously used for both continue as crematoria as a principal use long after the interment areas have been filled.

Decomposition of the body

The natural process of decomposition releases organic matter, bacteria, and various chemicals. These include nitrogenous compounds such as ammonia, phosphates, and organic acids. They can lead to nutrient loading in nearby groundwater and contribute to eutrophication in aquifers.

The impact of groundwater quality

As bodies decompose, nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus inevitably accumulate in the aquifer system. Elevated nutrient levels indisputably lead to problems such as algal blooms which can lead to alien species, which deplete oxygen levels and harm aquatic life. The decomposition process unquestionably leads to an increase in microbial populations, including pathogens that unquestionably pose health risks if they migrate into drinking water supplies.

Influence of Topography

The inclination of a surface may influence the potential for surface runoff, which could increase the likelihood of contaminants being transported into nearby water bodies rather than filtering through the soil. This could exacerbate surface water quality issues. On the other hand, flat areas may facilitate the accumulation of water, which could result in saturation and an elevated risk of nutrient leaching into the aquifer.

Geological Factors Influencing Contamination

The type of soil like clay, sand, silt, or loam have inevitably affects the rate at which water percolates through it. Clay soils have lower permeability and can slow down the movement of contaminants, providing a natural barrier. In contrast, sandy soils allow for rapid drainage, which facilitates the quick movement of contaminants into groundwater. The distance between the burial site and the water table is critical. A shallow water table increases the risk of contamination, as leachate can quickly reach the groundwater. In areas with deep water tables, the risk may be lower, but it is still significant as contaminants can still migrate over time.

The presence of aquifers, karst formations, or fractured bedrock can exert a considerable influence on the movement of contaminants through the subsurface. To illustrate, karst topography, typified by the presence of sinkholes and subterranean drainage systems, can facilitate the rapid and direct transport of contaminants to aquifer sources. The flow dynamics of groundwater, including the direction and velocity of flow, also exert an influence on contamination. In the event that a cemetery is situated upstream of a drinking water well, contaminants can directly impact the quality of the water. On the other hand, if the groundwater flows away from the well, the risks may be reduced.

Hydrogeological conditions and seasonal changes

In areas with steep groundwater gradients, contaminants may move more rapidly due to the tendency of water to flow swiftly towards lower elevations. This can result in the contamination of drinking water wells in a relatively short time frame. It is therefore crucial to gain an understanding of the recharge areas in question. In the event that a cemetery is situated within a groundwater recharge zone, the risk of contamination entering the aquifer system increases significantly, given that the area is of critical importance for replenishing groundwater supplies.

An increase in precipitation can result in elevated groundwater levels and facilitate the leaching of contaminants from cemeteries, particularly in soil types with reduced infiltration rates. During periods of drought, lower groundwater levels may lead to the concentration of contaminants, thereby enhancing their toxicity and potential impact on water quality.