Artificial Recharge Zones Research Articles

Identifying potential artificial recharge zone in an arid craton

Identifying sustainable artificial recharge zones in arid cratons is challenging due to complex geology and limited natural recharge conditions, making accurate site selection and management difficult. This study integrates Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES), the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), and Boolean analysis to identify sustainable artificial recharge zones in the arid Bundelkhand craton of India. Aquifer thickness and fractures emerged as critical determinants of groundwater recharge conditions, revealing varying degrees of suitability for recharge across the study area. Approximately 2.31% (13.36 km2) of the area along streams exhibited "very high" suitability, while 8.09% (45.82 km2) had "high" suitability. “Moderate" suitability covered 17.86% (101.66 km2), "low" suitability accounted for 38.85% (218.39 km2), and "very low" suitability represented 17.35% (98.75 km2) of the area. Recharge potential was highest in the northeast and central parts, with the middle of the watershed exhibiting the lowest potential. The study demonstrated that this integrated approach significantly improved precision from 71.40% to 85.70% and enhanced the F1 score from 0.833 to 0.923, surpassing the performance of the AHP method alone. The findings highlighted the importance of strategic selection and targeting of specific locations for artificial recharge, as only ∼18% of the study area was suitable for such efforts, despite ∼43% showing potential for groundwater. AHP with VES proves more precise and reliable than Fuzzy-AHP with VES, with AHP's conservative approach classifying 55.70% of the area as very low to low suitability compared to Fuzzy-AHP's 41.92%, ensuring only the most suitable sites are selected. VES offers cost-effectiveness, noninvasiveness, and rapid generation of a 1D subsurface model, balancing its lower detail compared to Electrical Resistivity Tomography. When combined with the AHP, VES enhances adaptability to changing conditions, emphasizing ecological preservation and climate change resilience. This approach effectively addresses water challenges in arid regions, contributing to sustainable water resource management.

Mapping of Groundwater Recharge Zones in Hard Rock Aquifer through Analytic Hierarchy Process in Geospatial Platform

Extensive use of groundwater is a result of the growing population; in relation to this, studies have focused on groundwater conservation measures. This study identified groundwater artificial recharge zones (GWARZs) in the upper Manimuktha sub-basin through the application of remote sensing and GIS. A spatial analysis using the analytical hierarchical process (AHP) and weighted overlay analysis (WOA) was employed by integrating several spatial thematic layers such as geology, geomorphology, aquifer thickness, lineament density (LD), drainage density (DD), soil, slope, rainfall, and land use/land cover (LULC) in order to classify the GWARZs. The geomorphology along with lithology, higher aquifer thickness, low lineament densities, higher drainage densities, and gentle slope regions, were identified as suitable areas for artificial recharge zones. The study area was divided up into five classifications based on the integration analysis: excellent (41.1 km2), good (150.6 km2), moderate (123.9 km2), bad (125.5 km2), and very poor (57.7 km2). Excellent and good GWARZs were identified in the eastern and central regions of the study area. The final outcomes of this research were evaluated with seasonal electrical conductivity (EC) variations. The majority of samples with minor seasonal EC variations were observed in the excellent and good GWARZ categories. The results showed that the spatial analysis tool is useful for GWARZ delineation and sustainably managing groundwater resources.

Identification of Potential Groundwater Recharge Zones Using GIS Based Multi-Criteria and AHP Technique: A Case Study of Pune City, Western Maharashtra

With dwindling supply of surface water, Ground water is increasingly being used as a source of fresh water in many cities across the world. Consequently, there is an increasing need to evaluate groundwater potential of an area. Over the past few decades, Remote Sensing and GIS have been used for systematic investigations on potential recharge of aquifers. As in major cities of the world, the demand for water in Pune City is also increasing every year and demand outstrips the supply of surface water. This study delineated potential zones for artificial recharge across Pune City by using Multi-criteria analysis and the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) techniques. Artificial recharge techniques especially the use of rainwater harvesting (RWH) are being deployed globally to augment supply of fresh water. Ground-water recharge is directly influenced by surface characteristics such as rainfall, geology, soil types, Land Use/Land Cover (LULC), drainage, lineaments/fractures, etc. Hence, six such parameters, namely, LULC, Slope, Soil texture, Rainfall, Drainage density, and Geology were considered to generate a groundwater recharge potential map. Based on the analysis, the study area was zoned into five classes, namely, low, moderate, good, very good and high groundwater potentials. About 45% of the city shows good to high potential for recharge. The results reveal that the high and good potential recharge zones lie to the western part of the city, whereas the central part (inner city) and the eastern part show medium to low potential for recharge. The results can help to identify areas for recharge and formulate a framework for systematic recharge of the existing aquifers in the area under study.

Site selection for artificial recharge in Cisangkuy sub-watershed, West Java, using combined fuzzy logic and genetic algorithm

The Cisangkuy sub-watershed is part of the Citarum watershed with ±300 km of river length. The total area is in line with the potential of water resources which is quite good, but over time the hydrological condition of the site has decreased. Decreasing the hydrological state is due to changes in land use and land cover from year to year and is indicated by high discharge and flooding in the rainy season. This study aims to find the optimal location of artificial recharge to maintain water balance in the Cisangkuy sub-watershed. Fuzzy logic is used for determining the location of artificial recharge by considering the input variable DRASTIC in the form of depth to groundwater level, net recharge, aquifer media, soil type, slope, vadose zone, and hydraulic conductivity. In addition, subtractive clustering is performed to obtain the class of each DRASTIC parameter. Furthermore, a genetic algorithm is carried out to get the optimal location of the artificial recharge zone. The priority zone is indicated by the high class of each DRASTIC parameter input. Combined fuzzy logic and genetic algorithm show that the optimal location for artificial recharge is in the northern part of the Cisangkuy sub-watershed, precisely in the Banjaran area.

Assessment and delineation of potential groundwater recharge zones in areas prone to saltwater intrusion hazard: a case from Central Iran

Demarcation of the potential zones for groundwater artificial recharge (GAR) based on the most influential factors is an urgent need for retardation of saltwater intrusion and, thus, sustainability of groundwater resources in the arid zones. This study developed an overlay-index methodology to delineate favorable GAR zones by a linear combination of 11 influential thematic layers in ArcGIS. The proposed methodology was implemented on two coastal aquifer settings Sharif-Abad (SAA) and Qom-Kahak (QKA) aquifers adjacent to Salt Lake, Central Iran. Results indicated that 16.41% of the surface of SAA and 28.58% of QKA were identified as the high potential zone for GAR mainly located in low GW vulnerability parts. Based on the analysis of the area under the receptive operating curve (AUC), the produced GAR map has an accuracy of 0.643, and 0.611 for SAA and QKA aquifers, respectively, which relies on the acceptable limit. Finally, the quantity of water required for GAR to control the intrusion of seawater at the suitable parts of these aquifers was estimated as 25 MCM and 35 MCM, annually. The methodology adopted in this study can serve as a holistic assessment for the detection of SWI in coastal aquifers, and also a comprehensive blueprint for managers to delineate the favorable GAR zones, especially in arid regions.

Artificial Groundwater Recharge Zones Mapping using Remote Sensing and GIS for Sub-Watersheds of Krishna Basin

The exacerbated exploitation of groundwater resources has led to an alarming decrease in groundwater levels. It is necessary to identify areas that allow for efficient recharge so that implementation of artificial groundwater recharge can be conducted in such areas with better efficiency. This study maps zones with their varying degrees of affinity for groundwater recharge in two of the sub-watersheds of the Krishna Basin.The factors affecting the potential of groundwater recharge were determined and then thematic maps for each factor were generated in ArcGIS 10.8. Remote sensing data from sources like ‘Bhuvan’ and ‘Bhukosh’ were used for the generation of the thematic layers. The Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) was used while deciding the relative and subsequently overall importance of each layer. The weights derived from the AHP were applied to the thematic layers and the mapping of zones for artificial groundwater recharge was done.

Deciphering artificial groundwater recharge suitability zones in the agricultural area of a river basin in Andhra Pradesh, India using geospatial techniques and analytical hierarchical process method

The aim of the present study is to decipher artificial groundwater zones in the agricultural area of the Varaha River basin in the Visakhapatnam district, Andhra Pradesh, India, using a combination of the Geospatial Techniques (remote sensing and GIS) and Analytical Hierarchical Process (AHP) method. For identification zones suitable for recharging aquifers, the thematic maps on determinant factors (n = 9) including rainfall, slope, drainage, soil cover, geomorphology, geology, lineaments, seasonal fluctuation of groundwater levels, and land use/land cover were considered and prepared them, using Landsat Satellite Imageries and Shuttle Radar Topography Mission Digital Elevation Model (SRTM DEM). These factors were classified into different sub-classes for integration by assigning appropriate weights (1 to 5) and ranks (4 to 35) for each given factor based on their respective groundwater recharge contributions, using the AHP method. The coefficient of determination, regression analysis, and ANOVA tests were performed prior to integrating the layers for the degree of accuracy in the prediction output, which supports the result of the AHP method. Finally, ArcGIS was used to integrate all thematic layer maps to delineate artificial groundwater recharge zones. These zones included very low artificial recharge zone (4.60%), low artificial recharge zone (18.33%), moderate artificial recharge zone (50.40%), high artificial recharge zone (23.43%), and very high artificial recharge zone (3.24%) to replenish groundwater resources. Most study area (77.07%) falls under moderate to very high artificial groundwater recharge zones. The study recommends the suitable recharge structures (roof-top rainwater harvesting, check dams, percolation tanks, and injection wells) and irrigation efficiency methods (sprinklers and drips irrigations) to augment groundwater quantity and thereby improve groundwater quality. Therefore, this study helps to expand the practice of irrigation and increase agricultural income for better living conditions of rural communities.

Identification of Artificial Recharge Sites for Nand Samand Catchment

Abstract: Security of groundwater is widely regarded as a serious impediment to India's economic and social progress. According to the Central Ground Water Board's (CGWB) assessment, India's groundwater tables are plummeting at an alarming rate, with reserves in some regions reaching critical levels. Unregulated groundwater use in southern peninsular India has also resulted in excessive extraction, lowering the 'critical' threshold. With over 30 million groundwater structures in use, India is on the verge of a disaster of over-extraction that will leave 60% of all aquifers in critical condition within the next two decades. To resolve the issue, a variety of renewable groundwater solutions must be implemented. Artificial recharge is a procedure that augments groundwater at a pace that is significantly greater than the rate of replenishment under natural conditions, which may give a solution. The current study is for the Nand Samand catchment in the district of Rajasthan. The investigation of artificial groundwater recharge sites is being conducted using an integrated Remote Sensing and Geographic Information System (GIS) approach. Thematic maps such as topographic elevation, post-mosoon groundwater level, recharge, slope, transmissivity and soils map are created, and weighted overlay analysis is used to identify areas suitable for artificial recharge. Keywords: Nand Samand catchment, artificial recharge zone, thematic map, remote sensing, GIS

Identification of artificial groundwater recharge zones in semi-arid region of southern India using geospatial and integrated decision-making approaches

The present study integrates various decision-making methods viz. Fuzzy Logic (FL), Frequency Ratio (FR), Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) to delineate the artificial groundwater recharge zones (AGRZs) in semi-arid region of south India. Eight criterions used in this process, including lithology, soil types, lineament density (LD), drainage density (DD), vadose zone (VZ), rainfall, land use/ land cover (LULC), and slope. All of these criteria and their sub-criteria used to derive weights for different thematic layers and combined using a geospatial method to classify AGRZs. The resultant map was categorised into five classes: very poor, poor, moderate, good and very good. The FL, AHP, FR, and integrated approaches were validated against groundwater fluctuation data using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) and field AUC [Area Under the Curve] approaches, showed an accuracy of 72%, 76% and 78% and 82%. As a result, the output of the integrated models outperforms that of the FR, FL and AHP models. Fuzzy reasoning and AHP methods rely on assigning a relative score based on the significance of the variables, which necessitates extensive knowledge of the criterions. FR, on the other hand, is simpler and more reliable since it does not rely on user-based scoring for the various criterions. The results of this study can be useful for decision makers responsible for the sustainable management of groundwater resources.

Identification of groundwater potential recharge zones using GIS-based multi-criteria decision analysis: A case study of semi-arid midlands Manyara fractured aquifer, North-Eastern Tanzania

The extraction of groundwater has recently increased due to water scarcity as a result of human activities including agriculture, industrial and domestic use. This has accelerated the need to spatially identify groundwater potential zones for artificial aquifer recharge and extraction through boreholes drilling. The current study is aimed at identifying groundwater potential recharge zones (GPRZ) of semi-arid midlands Manyara fractured aquifer using Geographic Information System (GIS) and Multi-criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) based on Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) technique. The study area solely depends on groundwater for human survival through deep and shallow boreholes water extraction. Eight influencing factors including aquifer lithology, slopes, land use/land cover (LULC), soil types, drainage density, geological lineament density, flow accumulation, and topographic wetness index (TWI) were determined and reclassified on a scale of 1–5 in ArcGIS 10.6 environments. These factors were weighted with the help of AHP and integrated with ArcGIS pro based on the weighted linear combination (WLC) method. The results were scaled into five recharge potential classes; very high, high, moderate, low, and very low recharge potential zones. The results indicates that about 1607 km2 (14.7%) of the study area is under very high potential recharge zones, 3982 km2 (36.43%) falls under high recharge zones, 3120 km2 (28.55%) moderate, 1658 km2 (15.17%) low and 562 km2 (5.14%) under very low recharge zone. To assess the accuracy of the result a total of 66 boreholes collected from the field were used and the Receiver Operator Characteristics (ROC) curve generated. The area under the curve (AUC) was found to be 78% signifying moderate to higher accuracy of the model. The presented results provide an inventory of information for the land, water, environmental policy maker's authorities, and other stakeholders to enhancing groundwater resource management within semi-arid midlands Manyara basement fractured aquifer of the internal drainage basin North-Eastern Tanzania.

Identification of groundwater recharge sites in Latur district of Maharashtra in India based on remote sensing, GIS and multi‐criteria decision tools

AbstractIn this study, groundwater potential zones and artificial recharge zones were delineated and favourable sites for placing recharge structures were identified. Different thematic layers were generated using ArcGIS and were scrutinized by a multivariate technique called principal component analysis (PCA). Selected thematic layers and their features were assigned suitable weights on Saaty’s 9‐point scale and their normalized weights were obtained by Saaty’s analytical hierarchy process (AHP). Selected thematic layers were integrated by weighted linear combination method to calculate groundwater potential index (GWPI) and groundwater recharge index (GWRI). Based on calculated GWPI, the study area was delineated into five groundwater potential zones, namely “poor”, “moderate”, “good”, “very good” and “excellent”, which cover 1.61%, 71.99%, 22.77%, 3.54% and 0.09% of the study area, respectively. Also observed that, the study area has an area of 5957.89 km2 of moderate recharge zone. Further 34 artificial groundwater recharge sites are identified for effective groundwater management.

Hydrogeophysical Assessment for Groundwater Resources In Lower Vellar Watershed, Cuddalore District, Tamilnadu, India

Seventeen Vertical Electrical Soundings were carried away in vellar river Bank of Bhuvanagiri and Chidambaram Taluk, Cuddalore District, Tamil Nadu to classify the development and management through Artificial Recharge zone in alluvium formation and identify the sub-surface lithological series. The most electrode division used is 100m by Schlumberger pattern. Geologically, sedimentary rocks are alluvium and tertiary formations. The resistivity reports were interpreted by using IPI2WIN software. The construe outcome shows 3 and 4 layer strata. It has been prepared pseudo section in comparison with the subsurface strata to validate the results.

An Approach to Mapping Groundwater Recharge Potential Zones using Geospatial Techniques in Kayadhu River Basin, Maharashtra

Rapid increase in population, agricultural expansion and ongoing development projects in the region. However, the region is facing water scarcity because of seasonal precipitation and inadequate surface water resources. Therefore, groundwater resources are gaining much more attention mainly in Kayadhu river basin to fulfil drinkable water requirements in the area. To maintain the long-term sustainability of water resources artificial recharge is expected to become frequently necessary in future as the growing population requires more water and consequently, more storage is required to conserve water for use in the times of shortage. Geospatial techniques are used in the field of hydrology and water resources management. One of the chief advantages of this techniques for hydrological investigation and observe its ability to generate data in spatial and temporal fields, which plays vital role for fruitful analysis, estimation and authentication. The suitable zones for artificial recharge were identified by overlaying thematic layers such as land use/land cover, lineament density, slope, drainage density, lithology, geomorphology, rainfall and soil characteristics are integrated with recharge potential factors. The result reveals that 79% area of Kayadhu river basin is most effective for high to moderate artificial recharge potential zone.

An integrated approach for mapping groundwater potential applying geospatial and MIF techniques in the semiarid region

Geospatial methods play an important role in the identification, monitoring, assessment, and conservation of groundwater resources. An integrated approach combining the geospatial techniques and multi-influencing factors (MIF) was adapted for the determination of potential groundwater zone in the Purulia District of West Bengal, Eastern India. The present groundwater is underexploited for agricultural and other activities. This study would also benefit in identifying the artificial recharge zone for further research and developmental activity in the region. The important parameters including slope, landuse/cover, lineament, drainage, geology, and soil affecting potential groundwater occurrence were generated from Topo Maps, Landsat remote sensing imagery, and various ancillary data. Various thematic layers were allocated a fixed score as weightage using MIF technique. Thereafter, the weighted layers were statistically computed in the overlay analysis to generate the groundwater prospect map. The groundwater potential map demonstrated five zones, viz. very good (13.8%), good (34.9%), moderate (48.3%), poor (2.8%), and very poor (0.2%). The findings of the research study would enable to carry out future research and propose effective planning and management of groundwater development.

Artificial recharge to groundwater using geospatial and groundwater modelling techniques in North Western Himalaya, India

Artificial recharge to groundwater is an important process for the management of surface and subsurface water resources. In the present study suitable sites for artificial recharge to groundwater were delineated using geospatial techniques and groundwater modelling in Jammu Himalaya, India. Different thematic layers were prepared from remote sensing data (IRS-P6 and LISS-IV), and SRTM-DEM and aquifer parameters thematic layers were prepared from pumping test data and well inventory data collected during the field observations were integrated using the weighted index overlay method in the GIS environment to prepare the artificial recharge zone map. Further, suitable sites for artificial recharge map were determined by superimposing a drainage network map over the artificial recharge zones map, considering the terrain and local conditions for artificial recharge. The groundwater modelling for artificial recharge to groundwater was also carried out using Visual Modflow Flex software to determine the modeling zones for artificial recharge to groundwater. The lithologs data, aquifer thickness, hydraulic conductivity, specific yield and water level data were used to generate simulations of groundwater modelling zones. Finally, GIS based artificial recharge zones map and groundwater modelling zones were compared to validate artificial recharge zones. Simultaneously, a case study was also carried out to determine the impact of discharge and artificial recharge to surrounding aquifers. The results achieved from the current research proved the efficiency of geospatial technology and groundwater modelling techniques for delineating suitable zones and sites for artificial recharge to groundwater and their implementation in the field.

Application of web enabled open source geospatial technologies in generation of water resource development plan

Sustainable planning and management of water resources is necessary, as water is essential for food security, industrial production and sustaining ecosystems as well as socio-development of a country. Geospatial technologies are successfully employed in the field of hydrology for planning and management. However, the implementation of these technologies is restricted because of non-availability of necessary data, processing knowledge as well as software and hardware infrastructures in time. Hence, in this study, a web enabled customised geographic information system (GIS) is developed using open source geospatial tools to generate water resource development (WRD) plans for non-GIS professionals. The application was demonstrated by considering the spatial layers pertaining to three districts of Jharkhand state, India. The tool takes the area of interest as an input from the user and analyses the data to produce WRD action plans. Plans include identifying suitable zones for artificial recharge that makes watershed management simpler and more effective.

Identification of artificial groundwater recharge zones in Vavuniya district using remote sensing and GIS

Ground water is a major source for domestic and irrigation purposes in Sri Lanka and plays a crucial role to human life and economic activity. With rapid growth of population and urbanization water requirements for drinking and other purposes are dramatically increasing. The over extraction and unplanned development of ground water resources have led to considerable depletion of water resources. Artificial recharge is the practice of increasing the amount of water that enters groundwater reservoir by artificial means of planned human activity. The distribution and recharge of groundwater in the country varies significantly depending on geology, rainfall and geomorphology. The objective of this study was to identify artificial recharge potential. This study was conducted in Vavuniya district since the water shortage was observed over the years. Geomorphology, geology, soil, land use and stream data along with Landsat 7 ETM+ and DEM images were utilized to develop the relevant thematic layers such as geology, geomorphology, soil, slope, lineament density, land use and stream density by integrating GIS (Geographic Information System) and image processing techniques. The resultant thematic layers were utilized to prepare the groundwater recharge maps of the area through a weighted overlay method in a GIS platform. The results revealed that the artificial recharge was high in Southern part of the study area. Further the area has significant groundwater recharge zones which can be utilized for a sustainable ground water management system.

Mapping groundwater recharge potential zones in arid region using GIS and Landsat approaches, southeast Tunisia

ABSTRACTThe rapid growth of population and agricultural and industrial activities has caused an increase in demand on the Jeffara aquifers of Gabes (southeast Tunisia). In fact, the over-pumping of this aquifer system has resulted in water-level declines ranging from 0.25 to 1 m/year during the past three decades. The aim of this study is to identify favourable artificial recharge sites of this aquifer system based on the combined use of remotely sensed data, a geographic information system (GIS), the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM) product and a multiple criteria decision making (MCDM) technique. The delineation of artificial recharge zones shows high to moderate potential for groundwater recharge (40%) in the Gabes region, with high precision of good potential proposed sites. Recharge processes need to account for natural conditions and ecosystems.

Delineation of artificial recharge zones in Mnasra Aquifer (NW, Morocco)

The coastal area of Gharb basin containing Mnasra aquifer constitutes the only hydric resource for region in terms of domestic consumption and agricultural demand which does not cease to increase. In addition, there are large drops in the water table especially during the last two decades. Moreover, there is the problem of saline intrusion and an alarming deterioration in its quality, which imposes a major management issue. At this level, we resort to the artificial recharge highlighting a set of techniques, tools and methods that can ensure rationally the sustainability of exploitation despite eventual constraints: growth of population, extension of agricultural perimeters and climate change. In this work, we focus on the identification of potential zones for artificial recharge using numerical model (hydrodynamic), and the analytical model of Glover to localize area, assess the flow, and time needed for the smooth progress of implementation.

Rebuttal on “Multi-criteria decision analysis for planning and management of groundwater resources in Balod District, India” by Kumar et al. (Environ Earth Sci 2016, 75(8):649)

The discusser would like to acknowledge the scientific contribution of Kumar et al. (Environ Earth Sci 2016, 75(8):649) with respect to the application of an enhanced geographical information system-based multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) to determine the potential of artificial groundwater recharge zones in India. Although the authors have addressed potential description and provided some necessary information about analytical hierarchical process as an MCDA model along with evaluation of the assessment criteria, this article is plagued by some shortcomings which are demonstrated in this rebuttal.