Advances in isotope hydrology and its role in sustainable water resources management (IHS-2007). Proceedings of a symposium. Vol. 1

Access to safe freshwater is considered a basic human right. However, in many parts of the world, surface water and ground water resources are at risk because of indiscriminate use, rapidly growing populations, increasing agricultural demands, and the threat of pollution. These risks are often compounded by a lack of understanding about local conditions governing the occurrence, distribution and movement of surface and groundwater resources. Historically, the IAEA has played a key role in advancing isotope techniques and in promoting the use of isotopes to address water resource sustainability issues worldwide. The quadrennial IAEA symposia continue to be an important component of the IAEA's mission in water resources management. The 12th symposium in the series was convened from 21 to 25 May 2007 in Vienna with the objectives of: reviewing the state of the art in isotope hydrology; outlining recent developments in the application of isotope techniques to water resources management; and identifying future trends and developments for research and applications. Over 200 participants from 59 Member States participated in a series of invited lectures, poster sessions, round table discussions, and a scientific visit to the Danube River. The breadth of topics addressed was extensive and included analytical developments, the use of isotopes to understand land-atmosphere-biosphere interactions, rivers and surface water, development of deep groundwater resources, ecohydrology, urbanization and water resources management, carbon sequestration, waste management, artificial recharge, contamination problems, coastal zone hydrology, geothermal systems, agriculture and water resources management, and research frontiers. Out of 152 oral and poster presentations, 136 contributions submitted by the authors are included in two volumes of the proceedings with editorial corrections. These proceedings are intended for those using isotopes for applied problems in hydrology as well as the research community. It is also hoped that these proceedings will promote increased use of isotopes for water resource sustainability problems and greater utilization of these techniques by hydrologists in general