Abstract
Coastal aquifers are distinguished from other aquifers because of saltwater intrusion effects, which cause contamination of groundwater in coastal regions. This study addressed the significance of hydraulic gradient and porosity of the coastal aquifers on contaminant transport of saltwater. Results showed hydraulic gradient of the aquifer has significant impact on the contaminant transport in coastal aquifer. When the hydraulic gradient between freshwater and saltwater is high and directed toward the sea, diffused rate of saltwater into the groundwater would be low. Therefore, hydraulic head of freshwater in coastal aquifer must be maintained at high level to control saltwater intrusion.
Highlights
Groundwater is a major source of freshwater accounting for almost 99 % of the total volume of circulating freshwater today [1]
This study provides a discussion of groundwater movement, saline interfaces and groundwater interactions
In coastal aquifers under natural conditions, the lower density freshwater lies over the higher density saline water and the flow is usually from the aquifer to the sea and the discharge zone to the sea is immediately above interface of saltwater and freshwater
Summary
Groundwater is a major source of freshwater accounting for almost 99 % of the total volume of circulating freshwater today [1]. A natural equilibrium exists between discharging fresh groundwater and seawater in coastal aquifers This is referred to as the saline interface in this study, but it is known as the sea/saltwater-freshwater interface. Under normal conditions fresh water flows from inland aquifers and recharge areas to coastal discharge areas to the sea. Groundwater flows from areas with higher groundwater levels (hydraulic head) to areas with lower groundwater levels This natural movement of fresh water towards the sea prevents salt water from entering freshwater coastal aquifers [9]. In coastal aquifers under natural conditions, the lower density freshwater lies over the higher density saline water and the flow is usually from the aquifer to the sea and the discharge zone to the sea is immediately above interface of saltwater and freshwater. This study presents the effect of hydraulic gradient of fresh groundwater on the mass flux of saltwater into the freshwater aquifers and establishes the relationship between the seepage velocity of fresh groundwater and mass flux of saltwater
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