Abstract
The structure, status, and processes of the groundwater system, which can only be acquired through scientific research efforts, are critical aspects of water resource management. Isotope hydrology and hydrogeology is a genuinely interdisciplinary science. It developed from the application of methods evolved in physics (analytical techniques) to problems of Earth and the environmental sciences since around the 1950s. In this regard, starting from hydrogeochemical data, stable and radioactive isotope data provide essential tools in support of water resource management. The inventory of stable isotopes, which has significant implications for water resources management, has grown in recent years. Methodologies based on the use of isotopes in a full spectrum of hydrological problems encountered in water resource assessment, development, and management activities are already scientifically established and are an integral part of many water resource investigations and environmental studies. The driving force behind this Special Issue was the need to point the hydrological and water resource management societies in the direction of up-to-date research and best practices.
Highlights
The increasing worldwide pressure on water resources, under natural and anthropogenic conditions—including climatic change—requires an aggressive integrated multidisciplinary approach to address the scientific and societal issues involving water resources.The structure, status, and processes of the groundwater system, which can only be acquired through scientific research efforts, are critical aspects of water resource management
The chloride mass balance inferred that groundwater currently contributes more than 90% of the annual chloride loading to the lake, which is likely four times greater than the earlier period (1981–2000) with a lower groundwater input
Isotope hydrology is a genuinely interdisciplinary science. It was developed from the application of methods evolved in physics to problems of Earth and environmental sciences since around the 1950s
Summary
Methodologies based on the use of isotopes in a full spectrum of hydrological problems encountered in water resource assessment, development, and management activities are already scientifically established and are an integral part of many water resource investigations and environmental studies. Recent overviews [1,2] have highlighted how some isotope systematics have become well-established, especially in areas characterized by natural and anthropogenic input and its potential as a tool for monitoring and environmental planning This Special Issue aims to advertise and mainly deal with findings on the robustness or fitness-for-purpose regarding the relevance and use of isotopes in water resource systems, with respect to approaching problems and opportunities scientifically. Original research papers were selected by a peer-review process with the purpose of rapid, accessible, and wide dissemination of results
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
