Abstract
Coastal aquifers are part of the natural resources contributing to local development and promote resilience in the most vulnerable communities near the sea. Manglaralto, an Ecuadorian coastal parish, is affected by water resource scarcity. The increase in salinity and deterioration of the water quality is generated by the local and floating population’s demand, causing an increase in the Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) concentrations and decreasing the aquifer’s piezometric levels. The aim is to establish a numerical model of flow and transport of the Manglaralto coastal aquifer by using hydrogeological data and Visual Transin software, relating the hydraulic importance of a dyke’s design (“tape”) and its impact on the quality of the water. The methodology is (i) hydrogeological database analysis, (ii) the system’s recharge concerning the soil water balance, (iii) the boundary conditions of the flow and transport model and, (iv) the results and validation of the numerical simulation. The results configure the importance of the coastal aquifer’s artificial recharge in the area where the tape is located, as reflected in the increase in piezometric levels and the decrease in salinity in wells near the sea. In conclusion, the numerical model of flow and transport allows expanding the knowledge of the variation of the piezometric levels and TDS concentrations over time, the importance of recharge in the hydrogeological system’s operation, and correct community management resilience and projection to sustainable development.
Highlights
An aquifer is a natural reserve of freshwater corresponding to 1.7% of the Earth’s total and about 30.1% of Earth’s freshwater except for the Poles [1], a natural space that must be protected and monitored by several organizations
This research aims to establish a numerical model of flow and transport of the Manglaralto coastal aquifer, based on the conceptual model of the hydrogeological system, through the use of hydrogeological data and the application of Visual Transin software, relating the hydraulic importance of the design of a tape and its impact on water quality
March was the month with the highest Potential Evapotranspiration (PET) in all years studied, with 200.16, 197.55, and 193.70 mm, respectively, in 2018, 2019 and 2020, (Table 4)
Summary
An aquifer is a natural reserve of freshwater corresponding to 1.7% of the Earth’s total and about 30.1% of Earth’s freshwater except for the Poles [1], a natural space that must be protected and monitored by several organizations. The wetlands convention (RAMSAR), one of the first global and environmental conventions adopted since 1971, its objective is the conservation of surface and groundwater hydrological systems for the protection of ecosystems, guaranteeing the rational use of its resources, its importance, and international cooperation through its recognition and constant monitoring [2,3]. The recovery and management of wetlands must be examined according to their stress level and based on the various habitats that occur as alluvial plains, mangroves, arctic wetlands, marshes and forests [4]. They are promoting the increase of biodiversity, retaining surface water, and improving water and oxygen quality through appropriate recovery techniques in these habitats [4,5]. The RAMSAR wetlands of Andalucia—-Spain, such as the Fuente de Piedra lagoon, Marismas del Odiel, lagoons of Cádiz, Albufera de Adra and other wetlands included in the RAMSAR list [7]
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