Quantification of submarine groundwater discharge and optimal radium sampling distribution in the Lesina Lagoon, Italy

► We collected 41 surface water samples for the measurement of 224Ra in the Lesina Lagoon, Italy. ► We use location-allocation modeling (LAM) to determine optimal sampling distribution. ► With the results from the LAM we quantified submarine groundwater discharge (SGD) into Lesina Lagoon. ► SGD is 5 times higher in the western lagoon then the eastern lagoon. ► Total SGD is 10 times higher than surface water discharge.