The ERANETMED- CrITERIA project aims to assist water resource management organizations and water users on decision making when coping with water scarcity, climate change and polluted water. Pollution by Cr(VI) is used as an example of additional water pressure problem that has to be tackled through integrated water resource management.  

CrITERIA study areas in red stars on map showing Tethyan ophiolites.

Most of the Cr(VI) in the environment arises from human activities.

Until recently, this was considered the only Cr(VI) source in groundwater, although latest research has shown that relatively high levels of Cr(VI) can also be attributed to natural processes.

These are related to the weathering of minerals of specific rock types found in ophiolite sequences, i.e. remnants of ancient oceanic crust. 

The methodological approach of the project is based on comparative, collaborative research using real situation data from case study areas in each of the participating countries. Such areas had already been identified in Greece and Italy where measurement data on Cr(VI) in water exist. These are further monitored, evaluated and compared to potentially affected water bodies in Cyprus, Turkey, Jordan and Oman, suspect for Cr(VI) contamination due to either natural or industrial sources within the same time frame.

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