Groundwater for Sustainable Development最新文献

This study proposes an integrated approach that aims at finding locations which are eligible for Managed Aquifer Recharge (MAR) installation in Cyprus via the active involvement of key stakeholders of MAR-related sectors during all stages of the decision process to ensure the validity of the outcomes. The MAR problem is jointly formulated with the key stakeholders according to the site needs by introducing the so-called "MAR typology" concept, consisting of the recharge objective, the recharge method, and the available water sources. Tertiary-treated wastewater is adapted as the water source, which is recharged in aquifers via recharge ponds for irrigation. Various sources of information have been considered for assessing the degree of feasibility, aggregated in three thematic clusters (feasibility components), namely intrinsic site-suitability, the availability of water resources for MAR purposes, and water demand. Twelve criteria have been selected jointly with key stakeholders to evaluate the feasibility components via a GIS-MCDA process. Seven of these criteria are associated with the intrinsic suitability of a region (aquifer, land-use, and topographical properties), and five criteria are associated with the amount of water available for MAR (characteristics of the water source and evapotranspiration) and the crop irrigation needs. Stakeholder meetings were conducted to determine weights for each criterion and thematic cluster, leading to thematic and feasibility maps. The results demonstrate large discrepancies among the feasibility components in terms of their spatial variation and the location where the most favourable regions are present. Smoother profiles are observed for intrinsic suitability compared to the other thematic layers, partly attributed to the use of a larger number of criteria. Sensitivity analysis demonstrates that the MAR-favourable regions are weakly influenced by the variation of the relevant importance among the thematic layers, being mostly present in the vicinity of the southern and south-eastern coastlines.

Developing efficient and eco-friendly adsorbents for removing dye from wastewater presents a significant challenge. In this study, by combining MgFe-hydrotalcite (MgFe-HT) with bamboo charcoal (BC) we report the synthesis of a composite material named BC-MgFe-HT to achieve rapid and effective adsorption of methylene blue (MB) dye. The novelty of our work lies in the distinctive intercalation arrangement of the MB dye post-adsorption within the BC-MgFe-HT layers, which was quantitatively measured and found to be at an intercalation angle of approximately 44.26° rather than the conventional vertical positioning. This unique phenomenon indicates a dynamic rearrangement of the composite structure upon MB adsorption, significantly enhancing its adsorption capacity and efficiency. Comprehensive characterization of the BC-MgFe-HT composite was performed using the following techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) surface area analysis, and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The adsorption studies demonstrated a maximum adsorption capacity of 194.09 mg/g within 20 min, attributed to the composite's high surface area, porous architecture, and dye intercalation capacity. Kinetic studies revealed that the pseudo-second-order (PSO) kinetics model best describes the adsorption process, while the Langmuir isotherm model provided the most accurate fit for the adsorption equilibrium data. These findings offer novel insights into the adsorption mechanisms of MB onto the BC-MgFe-HT composite, highlighting its potential for the design and optimization of composite materials for effective wastewater remediation.

The intrusion of salt water into coastal regions threatens water resources, especially in arid and semi-arid regions. It damages large quantities of fresh water in these regions, and the productivity of the freshwater abstraction wells declines. Management of seawater intrusion (SWI) is therefore needed to improve fresh groundwater in these regions. This study investigated 12 different configurations of mixed physical subsurface barriers (MPBs) to control SWI in homogeneous and heterogeneous layered aquifers. The effectiveness of different MPB locations and configurations was tested, including (i) a barrier wall on the landward side and the subsurface dams on the seaward side, (ii) a barrier wall on the seaward side and a subsurface dam on the landward side, and (iii) the barrier wall was placed above the subsurface dam, both with different permeabilities. All simulations were based on the SEAWAT code. The numerical model was validated against experimental data. The results showed that a permeable cut-off wall above an impermeable subterranean dam (case MPB-3) with different permeabilities resulted in a reduction of the seawater wedge of 91% and 92% for homogeneous and heterogeneous layered aquifers, respectively. When the barrier wall was placed on the land side and the dam on the seaside (case MPB-1), the reduction of the seawater wedge reached 83% and 85% for homogeneous and heterogeneous layered aquifers, respectively. In contrast, when the dam was placed on the land side and the wall on the seaside (case MPB-2), the saltwater wedge was reduced by 73% for both homogeneous and heterogeneous layered aquifers. In addition, a case study was conducted on the Biscayne aquifer, southeast Florida, USA, with homogeneous conditions. Seawater intrusion was reduced by 36% and 44% in case MPB-1, 41% and 38% in case MPB-2, and 43% and 46% in case MPB-3. These seawater intrusion control methods offer numerous benefits, including improving freshwater storage, effectively controlling salinity during droughts, and potentially improving contaminant management.

Al-Hassa region in the eastern part of Saudi Arabia is well-known for its geological and hydrogeological importance since it has historically hosted over 280 natural springs, which were used to irrigate the largest oasis in the world. Al-Hassa is located near the renowned Ghawar oil field, the largest conventional oil field globally, which represents a potential pollution source. This study utilizes and integrate hydrochemical investigations and geophysical gravity surveys to understand and reconstruct the subsurface heterogeneity in the Al-Hassa area. The dataset encompasses 113 groundwater wells distributed across the Al-Hassa Oasis which have been analyzed for salinity major ions, and isotopic (oxygen and hydrogen) compositions. A total of 571 gravity stations covering the broader oasis area (approximately 350 km²) are collected, processed, and modeled. The combined hydrochemical and geophysical results show a good agreement between groundwater quality and density (gravity anomalies) distribution within the study area. The southeastern part of the study area exhibits distinctive positive gravity anomalies, indicating denser rock formations alongside high total dissolved solids (TDS) in groundwater, reflecting poor water quality. Conversely, the southwest displays significant negative gravity anomalies, suggesting basins filled with loose sediments and low TDS values, signifying good water quality. Furthermore, the study reveals a certain pattern in groundwater temperature distribution, with cooler waters in the areas characterized by negative gravity anomalies (basins), and hotter waters emerging from areas with positive gravity anomalies. These findings suggest that groundwater quality differences may stem from varying sub-basins and interactions with distinct geological substrates. Temperature variations may also be attributed to differing subsurface flow pathways. This study attempts to explain the controlling factors for groundwater heterogeneity in the Al-Hassa Oasis area, emphasizing the role of geological, tectonic, and hydrogeological elements in shaping the Oasis's hydrological and hydrochemical pattern.

Aquifer vulnerability assessment constitutes a crucial tool for the protection and sustainable management of groundwater resources, particularly in complex karst aquifers. This study conducted a detailed comparative analysis of two tailored and widely used vulnerability mapping methodologies, COP and PaPRIKa, to evaluate their performance within a Mediterranean karst groundwater system. The methods were employed for the development of a hybrid vulnerability map after geospatial and statistical analysis. Both COP and PaPRIKa were applied using a combination of geological, hydrological, and geomorphological aquifer characteristics that can potentially influence its vulnerability to contamination. While COP predominantly assigned Low and Very Low vulnerability values across the study area, PaPRIKa identified the Moderate class as dominant, suggesting a finer sensitivity to karst-specific features. To address potential biases in PaPRIKa, a single-parameter sensitivity analysis was performed, leading to adjusted weights and the development of a modified version, PaPRIKa-Mod. A quantitative comparison of all three methods highlighted the varying degrees of consensus and discord, with PaPRIKa and its modification showing the highest consistency, suggesting robust methodological integrity. Conversely, the comparison of COP with either version of PaPRIKa revealed a lesser yet notable concordance, underscoring their capacity to be integrated and their potential to complement each other in vulnerability assessments. Finally, a hybrid vulnerability map was developed from the integration of similar vulnerability classes, attributing the most vulnerable setting prevailing across all methods. The methodological approach that was followed is adaptable and can provide significant insights for vulnerability estimations across different regions and methodological concepts.

In situ selenium-doped graphitic carbon nitride, also known as Se-g-C₃N₄(SCN), were created in the current study by employing inexpensive urea and selenium metal powder as precursor materials. SEM (scanning electron microscopy), XRD (X-ray diffraction), FTIR (Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy), as well as TEM (transmission electron microscopy) techniques were utilized to describe the morphological characteristics, optical characteristics, and structural characteristics of the treated photocatalyst. Because of its potential use in photocatalytic environmental pollution remediation, graphitic carbon nitride (g-C₃N₄), a metal-free photocatalyst, has received a lot of interest. This work not only offers a straightforward method to improve the photocatalytic performance for g-C₃N₄ but also creates a new path for the logical preparation of efficient polymeric photocatalysts. The results demonstrate that does not alter the crystalline structure of the sample but instead increases the surface area of g-C₃N₄ by dispersing it widely. Three different photocatalytic composites of g-C₃N₄ and SeNPs in the mass ratios of 1:1, 2:1, and 3:1, denoted SCN1, SCN2, and SCN3, were created for the methylene blue (MB) and methyl orange (MO) photodegradation. The combined photocatalytic degradation rate of MB after 150 min in visible light (500–800 nm) was 52.4% for g-C₃N₄, 75.4% for SCN1, 87.8% for SCN2, and 81.3% for SCN3. For methyl orange, the photocatalytic activity of produced materials was also investigated. The analysis's outcome reveals astonishing deterioration values were 45.6% for g-C₃N₄, SCN1 (62.5%), SCN2 (74.1%), and SCN3(68.5%), respectively. The synthesized photocatalyst offers great potential for the effective removal of dye industeries wastewater remediation.

Groundwater management is not only about technology but also about the governance of the resources. The National Hydrograph Stations Network (NHSN) has been operated by the Central Groundwater Board (CGWB), India for more than 55 years and covers a large geographical area. It has over 25000 monitoring wells, including dug wells, bore wells, tube wells, and springs across India's 18 regional offices, including 28 states and 8 union territories. During the last two decades, the NHSN has gone through a significant modernization process, involving the installation of bore well stations equipped with Digital Water Level Recorders (DWLR). Groundwater level data is collected from the wells in January (winter/non-monsoon), May (pre-monsoon), August (co-monsoon), and November (post-monsoon), and continuously examined quarterly to monitor the groundwater's quantity, quality, and significance changes. The present study aims to understand and provide details about the NHSN that include, 1) data streaming from field hydrograph stations to the regional offices for analysis; 2) automatic and manual publication of the fluctuation in groundwater; 3) chemical analysis of observed data, etc. Additionally, the study analyses the borewells, temporal and spatial changes in the groundwater level, chemical content, and groundwater assessment in the country. The spatial and temporal analysis of bore well stations further indicates the network's capability in recent decades. It is noteworthy that, the total number of assessment units in the safe category has increased after the implementation of the National Aquifer Mapping program (NAQUIM) in year 2012. The exercise spearheaded by the CGWB and the increased involvement of the society is improving the groundwater scenario in India. Groundwater monitoring is important for the conservation of water resources and also essential for the policymakers for sustainable development and management. These results provide valuable understandings for decision-making and strategies to improve the resilience of water resources in the region.

Groundwater springs are critical to achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 6, access to clean water) in the Himalaya and remain highly vulnerable to climate change and land-use and land cover change. In a first from Eastern Himalaya, we analysed the relative controls of land-use, precipitation, soil properties, and hydrogeology on the diel and seasonal variability in three representative springs using high-frequency discharge monitoring. Kamrang spring is a high-discharge depression spring fed by a homogenous aquifer, whereas Mamley and Gaddi show dual-flow characteristics attributed to primary matrix-based flows and secondary conduit (karst) or unconsolidated storage-based flows, respectively. The first reports of strong diel fluctuations in springflows show significantly higher amplitude in the depression spring (22 ± 41 l min⁻¹) than the fracture (15 ± 26 l min⁻¹) and karst springs (12 ± 24 l min⁻¹), attributed to evapotranspiration and hydrogeology, respectively. The forest spring (Gaddi, low soil hydraulic conductivity, K_sat) showed a faster response at intense precipitation (>30 mm h⁻¹), whereas the agriculture springs (Kamrang and Mamley, high K_sat) showed the lowest lags at low-moderate intensities (<20 mm h⁻¹). The depression spring showed high recharge potential, whereas the karst and fracture springs were constrained by their relatively smaller recharge area and low K_sat, respectively. The per capita daily water availability was barely sufficient to support the minimum (20 l) and mandated (55 l) requirements for 30–70% and 2–47% of days a year, respectively. Thus, future precipitation intensification and land-use change will disproportionately impact the >5th-order karst and fracture springs. The study provides an integrated analytical framework for understanding Himalayan springs, which are critical for achieving SDG 6 (access to clean water) and a baseline for developing appropriate springshed models for effective management of freshwater ecosystems (SDG 15) against future climate change impacts (SDG 13), as well as informing the water security assessment in the Himalaya.

Sbeitla is located in a semi-arid region, central western Tunisia, where groundwater is considered an essential resource for economic development and social well-being. The main objective of this study is the assessment of potential groundwater recharge and delineation of aquifer recharge. Structural and hydrostructural database coupled with remote sensing techniques (RST), was employed. The lateral variation of recharging zones was determined through ArcGIS software, utilizing TOPSIS approaches. Results reveal that the study area is classified in five classes, very low recharge (45%), low recharge (15%), moderate recharge (20%) and 15% of the plain have good to very good potential recharge. Predominantly located in the southern part of the Sbeitla region, these areas distribution is controlled by some natural features such as geology and geomorphology. The findings show that there are five places in the Sbeitla plain where water can soak into the ground. About 40% of the area doesn't have much water soaking in, while 15% has a little bit. Also, around 25% of the plain has medium amounts soaking in, and 20% has a lot. This tells us where water is going into the ground in Sbeitla, which helps us use it better. The potential recharge for the Sbeitla aquifer system, using TOPSIS and RST, is estimated to 13.5 Mm³/year. Although this recharging rate constitutes only 7% of the total rainfall, there is potential for improvement. TOPSIS and RST approach proves valuable for potential recharge areas mapping. This integrated approach underscores the significance of informed resource management in addressing water challenges in front to climate change. Thus, the combination of parametric methods and MCDM approaches such as TOPSIS, has shown its efficiency in decision for classifying aquifer recharge zones and will be an effective tool to assist researchers in this field.

Human health risk assessment (HHRA) in probabilistic space is an ongoing research activity that plays a crucial role in managing water quality risks. This study formulates a probabilistic HHRA based on two-dimensional Monte Carlo simulation (MCS) for a set of groundwater samples exposed to trace elements of arsenic (As), nickel (Ni), and lead (Pb) for dermal and oral pathways. The developed two-dimensional MCS captures the parameter variability in Dimension I and the functional uncertainty of the probability functions in Dimension II. The probabilistic HHRA was implemented in the Tabriz plain, a strategic aquifer in northwest Iran. The results of probabilistic HHRA indicate that the minimum and maximum values for total risk are 10 and 44 times greater than the tolerable contamination range (TCR = 1 × 10⁻⁴), respectively. The HHRA results also delineate the hotspots in the aquifer for individual and total designated elements. The results also indicate that remedial strategies are necessary for As and Ni as their exposure values at the 95th percentile exceed the TCL. We also used the correlation coefficient matrix and the factor analysis to detect the probable sources of the designated trace elements. The results show that As and Pb are likely to have geogenic sources. Our findings also suggest that geogenic and anthropogenic sources contribute to Ni concentration in the aquifer. These findings support the decision to protect the public health of the over 1.7 Million people who use groundwater resources for drinking.