Influence of shallow geothermal energy on the behaviour of organic contaminants of emerging concern in urban aquifers

Abstract. Urban aquifers are a valuable resource of freshwater for cities, however, their quality is degraded due to the presence organic contaminants emerging concern (CECs). The effects CECs largely unknown, but there evidence that they pose risk human health, soil, plants and animals. Organic naturally in degradation rates depend on physico-chemical properties, i.e., redox conditions groundwater temperature. Some anthropogenic activities, like low-enthalpy geothermal energy (LEGE), may modify subsurface altering behaviour CECs. LEGE renewable carbon-free allows obtaining cooling heating energy. utilization currently growing it expected near future density systems will increase. modifies temperature some situations state (i.e., if dissolved oxygen increases when returned aquifer as result poorly design), thus, paramount importance determine impact related activities under influence investigated by means thermo-hydro-chemical numerical modelling. Simulation output shows have potential CECs, concentrations aquifers. In simulated scenario, concentration chosen CEC decreases 77 % at downgradient boundary model. results this study significant implications predicting urban suggest specific changes design facilities aiming improve boosting in-situ attenuation mechanisms.