The Use of the DRASTIC-LU/LC Model for Assessing Groundwater Vulnerability to Nitrate Contamination in Morogoro Municipality, Tanzania

Groundwater is a useful source of water for various uses in different places. The major challenge the use this resource how to manage and protect it from contamination. current study was conducted Morogoro Municipality identify vulnerable groundwater areas by using DRASTIC-LU/LC model. applied eight input parameters, i.e., depth table, net recharge, aquifer media, soil topography, impact vadose zone, hydraulic conductivity land use/land cover patterns, which were overlaid GIS generate map. model used rating (R = 1–10) weighting (W 1–5) techniques assess effect each parameter on Vulnerability Index map classified into low- (area 29.2 km2), moderate- 120.4 km2) high-vulnerability zones 124.4 km2). Nitrate analysis cadmium reduction method (DR 890) validity observed that 55%, 15% 50% samples with unacceptable (>50 mg/L), high (29–50 mg/L) moderate (14–28 nitrate concentrations, respectively, fall zone. Furthermore, 45%, 70% unacceptable, moderate-vulnerability In low-vulnerability only found concentration.