Abstract
The aim of this work is to investigate new approaches using methods based on statistics and geo-statistics for spatio-temporal optimization of groundwater monitoring networks. The formulated and integrated methods were tested with the groundwater quality data set of Bitterfeld/Wolfen, Germany. Spatially, the monitoring network was optimized using geo-statistical methods. Temporal optimization of the monitoring network was carried out using Sen’s method (1968). For geostatistical network optimization, a geostatistical spatio-temporal algorithm was used to identify redundant wells in 2- and 2.5-D Quaternary and Tertiary aquifers. Influences of interpolation block width, dimension, contaminant association, groundwater flow direction and aquifer homogeneity on statistical and geostatistical methods for monitoring network optimization were analysed. The integrated approach shows 37% and 28% redundancies in the monitoring network in Quaternary aquifer and Tertiary aquifer respectively. The geostatistical method also recommends 41 and 22 new monitoring wells in the Quaternary and Tertiary aquifers respectively. In temporal optimization, an overall optimized sampling interval was recommended in terms of lower quartile (238 days), median quartile (317 days) and upper quartile (401 days) in the research area of Bitterfeld/Wolfen. Demonstrated methods for improving groundwater monitoring network can be used in real monitoring network optimization with due consideration given to influencing factors.
Highlights
In regions with frequent water stress and large aquifer systems, groundwater is often used as an additional water resource
Analysis of the experimental variogram, using α-HCH data for the hydrological summer season, again showed the highest range in the North direction as well as highest RV index in Northern direction for both Quaternary and Tertiary aquifers (Tables 7 and 8). These results show that preferential groundwater flow and α-HCH concentration movement occurred in the Northern direction
The optimization results from geostatistical methods suggests the need for monitoring for only 292 out of 462 wells in the Quaternary aquifer and 256 out of 357 wells in the Tertiary aquifer (Figure 4)
Summary
In regions with frequent water stress and large aquifer systems, groundwater is often used as an additional water resource. Population growth and groundwater depletion are two of the most significant dangers to global water stability. It is evident from the trending water scarcity and continual groundwater pollution throughout the world that the existing policies fail to protect this vital resource [2,3]. Ground water monitoring involves an array of sequential processes ranging from long term standardized measurement, observation, status and trend evaluation to the final reporting of processed data in order to meet the objectives of monitoring programmes [5,6]
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