Effect of hydrogeological and anthropogenic factors on the spatial and temporal distribution of CVOCs in the karst system of northern Puerto Rico

This study evaluates factors affecting the spatial and temporal distribution of chlorinated volatile organic contaminants (CVOCs) in the highly productive aquifers of the karst region in northern Puerto Rico (KR-NPR). Historical records from 1982 to 2016 are analyzed using spatial and statistical methods to evaluate hydrogeological and anthropogenic factors affecting the presence and concentrations of multiple CVOCs in the KR-NPR. Results show extensive spatial and temporal distributions of CVOCs, as single entities and as mixtures. It is found that at least one type of CVOC is present above detection limits in 64% of the samples and 77% of the sampling sites during the study period. CVOC distribution in the KR-NPR is contaminant-dependent, with some species being strongly influenced by the source of contamination and hydrogeological characteristics of the system. Persistent presence of CVOCs in the KR-NPR system, even after contaminated sites have been subjected to active remediation, reflect the high capacity of the system to store and slowly release contaminants over long periods of time. This study shows that karst aquifers are highly vulnerable to contamination and can serve as a long-term route of contaminants to potential points of exposure.