Josep Mas-Pla

Josep Mas-Pla is a Professor in the Department of Environmental Sciences at the University of Girona (UdG) and a Research Professor at the Catalan Institute for Water Research (ICRA). He holds a PhD in Geology from the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (1988) and a PhD in Hydrology and Water Resources from the University of Arizona (1993). His academic career includes positions at UAB (1993–2006) before joining UdG in 2006. He is affiliated with the Research Group in Environmental Geology and Cartography and has led the consolidated GAiA research group since 2009.

His research focuses on hydrogeological dynamics, groundwater contamination (particularly nitrates and emerging pharmaceutical contaminants), natural attenuation, vulnerability assessment, and surface water–groundwater interactions. He employs field data, hydrochemical and isotopic tracers, and numerical modeling to study regional flow systems and assess water resource sustainability under human and climate pressures. His work has significant implications for water management and policy, especially regarding the EU Nitrates Directive.

His recent publications highlight trends in emerging contaminants, antibiotic resistance in groundwater, climate change impacts on hydrological systems, and integrated modeling approaches. He has contributed extensively to understanding nitrate pollution sources and attenuation mechanisms using multi-isotopic methods, and his 2024 paper explores hydrological trends in Mediterranean basins under changing land use and water demand.

• Fulbright Scholar (1990–1992)
• Associate Editor, Hydrogeology Journal (Springer, since 2019)
• Vice President, Tracers in Hydrogeology Commission, IAHS-IUGG (2012–2019)
• Board Member, International Association of Hydrogeologists – Spanish Chapter (2022–2026)
• Coordinator, Consolidated Research Group 'Applied and Environmental Geology (GAiA)' (since 2009)

He has directed six PhD theses and numerous master’s theses, and has secured significant funding as Principal Investigator for 13 Spanish competitive projects, 2 EU Alfa programs, 1 EU Marie Curie project, and 2 EU Framework projects (including GLOBAQUA and PERSIST). He currently leads the EU Water4All project TREASURE (2024–2027) on drought adaptation. He collaborates with institutions in Italy, the UK, Argentina, Tunisia, and New Zealand, and has served as visiting researcher at UC Davis and Lincoln University.

He leads research in groundwater-surface water interactions, contaminant fate, and sustainable water management, with active projects on antibiotic pollution (GW-GEN, ADVANCE4WATER) and induced in-situ remediation (REMÉDIATE). His lab integrates hydrogeochemical analysis, field monitoring, and numerical modeling to address complex water challenges.