Groundwater Layer Research Articles

Identification of the Distribution of Seawater Intrusion Using the Resistivity 2D Method in the Belawan Area, North Sumatra Province

Excessive withdrawal of deep groundwater has an impact on changing the direction of groundwater flow so that the hydrostatic pressure decreases, resulting in seawater intrusion. This study aims to determine the areas indicated by seawater intrusion and determine the direction of distribution of saltwater contaminants. The method used is the Schlumberger configuration resistivity geoelectric method to obtain resistivity values with a path length of 200 meters. In the research results obtained in the field, processing using Ms. Excel and interpreted using IP2WIN.. The results of the processing using IP2WIN are then processed using Surfer to draw the correlation between Track I and Track III in 2D form. Line I which indicated seawater intrusion, namely the seventh layer with a resistivity value of 0.198 m, was designated as seawater intrusion. Track II shows seawater intrusion, namely in the sixth layer seawater intrusion is found with a resistivity value of 0.0584 m. Track III shows the presence of seawater intrusion, namely in the eighth layer seawater is found with a resistivity value of 0.0035 m. Based on the research conducted, the distribution of seawater intrusion from Track I on Jalan Raya Belawan, Belawan Harbor, Bagan Deli Village, Medan Belawan District, which is close to the beach. Seawater intrusion flows to the southwest which is the location of Track II and Track III through the groundwater layer affected by the intrusion.

Survivability and life support in sealed mini-ecosystems with simulated planetary soils

Establishing a sustainable life-support system for space exploration is a formidable challenge due to the vast distances, high costs, and environmental differences from Earth. Building upon the lessons from the Biosphere 2 experiment, we introduce the novel “Ecosphere” and “Biosealed” systems, self-sustaining ecosystems within customizable, enclosed containers. These systems incorporate terrestrial ecosystems and groundwater layers, offering a potential model for transplanting Earth-like biomes to extraterrestrial environments. Over 4 years, we conducted rigorous experiments and analyses to understand the dynamics of these enclosed ecosystems. We successfully mitigated moisture deficiency, a major obstacle to plant growth, by incorporating groundwater layers. Additionally, we quantified microbial communities proliferating in specific soils, including simulated lunar and Ryugu asteroid regolith, enhance plant cultivation in space environments. Metagenomic analysis of these simulated space soils revealed diverse microbial populations and their crucial role in plant growth and ecosystem stability. Notably, we identified symbiotic relationships between plants and Cyanobacteria, enhancing oxygen production, and demonstrated the potential of LED lighting as an alternative light source for plant cultivation in sun-limited space missions. We also confirmed the survival of fruit flies within these systems, relying on plant-produced oxygen and photosynthetic bacteria. Our research provides a comprehensive framework for developing future space life-support systems. The novelty of our work lies in the unique design of our enclosed ecosystems, incorporating groundwater layers and simulated extraterrestrial soils, and the detailed analysis of microbial communities within these systems. These findings offer valuable insights into the challenges and potential solutions for establishing sustainable human habitats in space, including the importance of microbial management and potential health concerns related to microbial exposure.

Enhancing Drought Resilience through Groundwater Engineering by Utilizing GIS and Remote Sensing in Southern Lebanon

Countries face challenges of excess, scarcity, pollution, and uneven water distribution. This study highlights the benefits of advances in groundwater engineering that improve the understanding of utilizing local geological characteristics due to their crucial role in resisting drought in southern Lebanon. The type of drought in the region was determined using the Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI), Standardized Vegetation Index (NDVI), Vegetation Condition Index (VCI), and Soil Moisture Anomaly Index (SM). The dry aquifer and its characteristics were analyzed using mathematical equations and established hydrogeological principles, including Darcy’s law. Additionally, a morphometric assessment of the Litani River was performed to evaluate its suitability for artificial recharge, where the optimal placement of the water barrier and recharge tunnels was determined using Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient. This analysis involved excluding certain parameters based on the Shapiro–Wilk test for normality. Accordingly, using the Geographic Information System (GIS), we modeled and simulated the potential water table. The results showed the importance and validity of linking groundwater engineering and morphometric characteristics in combating the drought of groundwater layers. The Eocene layer showed a clearer trend for the possibility of being artificially recharged from the Litani River than any other layer. The results showed that the proposed method can enhance artificial recharge, raise the groundwater level to four levels, and transform it into a large, saturated thickness. On the other hand, it was noted that the groundwater levels near the surface will cover most of the area of the studied region and could potentially store more than one billion cubic meters of water, mitigating the effects of climate change for decades.

Water-use characteristics of Populus euphratica trees in response to flood and groundwater depth in desert oasis

Populus euphratica, as the dominant species in arid desert area, plays an important role in maintaining the stability of desert ecosystem. However, P. euphratica water-use characteristics at different sizes and the effects of flooding and groundwater depth on water use remain unclear. In this study, the hydrogen and oxygen isotope compositions of xylem water, soil water, and floods were measured and coupled with the MixSIAR model to investigate the water-use patterns of P. euphratica at different sizes, flood periods (before, during, and after floods), and groundwater depths in the Taklimakan Desert hinterland. The carbon isotope composition of P. euphratica leaves was determined to investigate the water-use efficiency (WUE) of P. euphratica. The water-use patterns of P. euphratica at different sizes were consistent because of its reproductive mode (aswxual root tiller reproduction). P. euphratica showed a greater degree of ecological plasticity during different flood periods. Before the flood, the main water sources for P. euphratica were deep-soil-layer (140–220 cm) and near-groundwater-layer (220–300 cm). During the flood, it could absorb the flood directly, reducing water absorption from deep-soil-layer and near-groundwater-layer. After the flood, it resumed water absorption from deep-soil-layer and near-groundwater-layer. P. euphratica water absorption patterns differed at different groundwater depths. In the shallow and middle groundwater depth sample plots, the water sources were the deep-soil and near-groundwater layers, and the population of P. euphratica grew well. In the deep sample plot, water absorption was mainly near the groundwater layer, and the P. euphratica population showed a decreasing trend, further explaining the degradation of P. euphratica in terms of water-use patterns. WUE is related to the growth stage of P. euphratica and the water conditions of the living environment; the more mature the P. euphratica, the more deficit the water conditions, and the higher the WUE. This study provides a basis for maintaining the stability of P. euphratica forests in arid deserts and for water allocation.

Identification of Groundwater Potential on Katela Island, West Muna Regency Using the Geoelectric Resistivity Method

Island Katela has a population of 957 people. Currently, the community has difficulty getting clean water. Activities to identify potential groundwater resources on Katela Island need to be carried out to solve this problem. The purpose of this research activity is to identify the subsurface of the land on Katela Island, West Muna Regency using the geoelectric resistivity method to obtain information on the potential of the groundwater layer. The main objective is to determine the existence of groundwater resources on Katela Island where the presence of groundwater is depicted in 2-dimensional (2D) and 1-dimensional (1D) subsurface resistivity cross-sectional models. The results obtained show that the structure of the subsurface layers in the survey area consists of layers of clay, sand, sandstone, limestone, salt water layers and groundwater (fresh) layers. The potential existence of a groundwater layer (fresh) is at a depth of 31.25 m at Site 1, with a resistivity value above 0.2 Ωm to 1 Ωm. This layer is thought to be a fresh water layer because above it there is a layer of clay which is impermeable so it is difficult for sea water to intrude. Based on resistivity data, at shallow depths (at the surface to a depth of 25 m) in the survey area sea water has been intruded.

Studying the Condition of Irrigated Land in the Mil-Mughan Economic Region

The article examines the current reclamation state of irrigated lands in the Mil-Mughan economic region. There are favorable conditions for irrigation and growing heat-loving crops. However, the development of irrigated agriculture here is limited by soil salinity, which is widespread in the study area over quite large areas. Thick layers of soil and groundwater are susceptible to salinization. Conventionally, the territory is suitable for irrigation in hydrogeological and reclamation terms.

Peatland aquifer zone modeling via Wenner and Schlumberger configuration geoelectric strategies in Tarai Bangun Village, Riau Province, Indonesia

The quality of freshwater in peatland areas poses significant concerns for both governmental bodies and local communities. Challenges arise during well drilling activities, where individuals often encounter difficulties in accessing fresh water, either due to its absence or contamination with peat-infused water. Tarai Bangun Village, situated in the Kampar Regency of Riau, represents a critical peatland region warranting thorough investigation, particularly along street of Sarana Utama. Despite lacking social amenities such as markets, the area is equipped with essential facilities like schools and places of worship. This study aims to assess the efficacy of Wenner and Schlumberger configuration modeling in horizontal and vertical soil mapping, thereby facilitating a comprehensive understanding of groundwater distribution and aquifer zoning within the peatland areas under examination. Analysis conducted utilizing Res2DInv software for horizontal modeling revealed significant findings. In track 1, groundwater layers were identified at depths of 6.50 meters and 19 meters, comprising gravel, sandstone, and limestone. Track 2 exhibited an aquifer layer spanning depths from 2.50 meters to 24.9 meters, consisting of alluvium, gravel, and limestone. Furthermore, interpretation of 1D geoelectric vertical model cross-sections using Progress software unveiled additional insights. Path 1 delineated depths of 0.12 meters, 19.30 meters, and beyond 41.28 meters, featuring a lithological composition of sandstone, limestone, and dry gravel. Path 2 showcased depths of 0.14 meters, 9.43 meters, and exceeding 12.02 meters, characterized by dry sand and gravel formations.

Characteristics of Natural Ti-Bearing Nanoparticles in Groundwater within Karst Areas of Northern China

Karst areas are widespread in China and can be divided into southern karst and northern karst based on the geographical boundary of Qinling Mountains and Huaihe River. In northern karst regions, karst springs are the predominant landform. Previous studies on karst springs have predominantly focused on macroscopic perspectives, such as water chemistry characteristics, with less attention given to the microscopic characteristics of springs. Therefore, this study focused on the Jinan Baotu Spring area, representative of a typical northern karst region, and investigated the natural nanoparticles present in different aquifers at various depths from a microscopic point of view. Through the observation of nanoparticle tracking analyzer (NTA), numerous nanoparticles were identified in the groundwater samples. The particle size range of the particles contained in groundwater is mainly concentrated in the range of 150–500 nm, and the particle concentration is mainly concentrated in the range of 1.5–5.0 × 105 Particles/L. The microstructure, chemical composition, and element distribution of these nanoparticles were analyzed using TEM-EDS techniques. The results unveiled the presence of Ti-bearing nanoparticles in various groundwater layers, including both crystalline and amorphous states, as well as nanoparticles exhibiting the coexistence of crystal and amorphous structures. By comparing the measured lattice spacing with PDF cards, the crystalline Ti-bearing nanoparticles were identified as rutile, brookite, anatase, ilmenite, pseudorutile, and ulvospinel. Furthermore, the main components of the amorphous Ti-bearing nanoparticles predominantly consisted of Ti or a mixture of Ti and Fe. EDS analysis further indicated that the Ti-bearing nanoparticles carried additional metal elements, such as Zn, Ca, Mn, Mo, Cr, and Ni, suggesting their potential role as carriers of metal elements during groundwater transportation. This discovery provided new insights into the migration of metal elements in groundwater and underscores the capacity of nanoparticles to enhance the mobility of inorganic substances within the water environment. Notably, brookite was detected in three different areas, including the direct discharge area, indirect recharge area, and discharge area, which may indicate that some special natural nanoparticles could serve as natural mineral tracer particles in the process of groundwater migration.

Studying the Condition of Irrigated Land in the Mil-Mughan Economic Region

The article examines the current reclamation state of irrigated lands in the Mil-Mughan economic region. There are favorable conditions for irrigation and growing heat-loving crops. However, the development of irrigated agriculture here is limited by soil salinity, which is widespread in the study area over quite large areas. Thick layers of soil and groundwater are susceptible to salinization. Conventionally, the territory is suitable for irrigation in hydrogeological and reclamation terms.

Groundwater Age and Origin and Its Relation with Anthropogenic and Climatic Factors

Groundwater plays a major role in addressing the worldwide problem of water scarcity and food security. With a growing population and increasing urbanization, there is a rising demand for groundwater to meet agricultural and domestic water needs. A variety of advanced approaches are necessary to sustain groundwater management. This study investigated the age and origin of groundwater, as well as its relationship with anthropogenic and climatic factors. Stable isotopes were used, namely oxygen-18 (18O) and deuterium (2H) for the estimation of groundwater origin and radioactive isotopes of Tritium (3H) for the estimation of its age. The investigation of stable isotopes revealed that the aquifer is predominantly influenced by river water, with a minor contribution from rainwater. Furthermore, the analysis of radioactive isotopes revealed that the groundwater age ranges from 5 to 50 years old in most areas. Older groundwater is predominantly found in urban areas, while younger groundwater is present in agricultural and woodland regions. However, the presence of “old” water in the upper groundwater layers in urban areas is attributed to over-abstraction and limited natural recharge. The primary climatic factor that governs the age and origin of groundwater is rainfall upstream of the study area, which directly contributes to the river flows. The rainfall is high in the east but, due to urbanization, recharge is decreased. Consequently, old and river recharge groundwater is found in this area. These observations underscore the unsustainable and alarming use of groundwater in urban areas.

Calculating the connection between precipitation and shallow groundwater

From a water management point of view, it is particularly important to be able to examine the temporality of the precipitation that replenishes the shallow or even deeper groundwater layers. In our study, we use a method that allows us to analyze the evolution of both the precipitation and groundwater levels together. With cross-correlation and cross-spectral analyses, we can quantify the relationship between the two hydrological parameters for a given sample area, and the periods found in the relationship can also be detected. During our calculations, we were able to determine such delay times for a sample area in Debrecen using monthly and daily data series, so an 8-10 month and a shorter 3-4 day linear relationship between precipitation and groundwater was detected. Based on our results, several periodic components can also be found in this relation.

Hydrological Modeling of Large River Basin Using Soil Moisture Accounting Model and Monte Carlo Simulation

This description outlines a Geographic Information System (GIS)-based rainfall-runoff model that simulates the flow of water in a river basin. The model operates on a daily time step and consists of four non-linear storage components: interception, soil moisture, channel, and groundwater. It employs (SCS) Unit Hydrograph model to determine unit hydrograph ordinates. The model replicates the movement and storage of water in various parts of the basin, including vegetation, the soil surface, the soil profile, and groundwater layers. To address uncertainty, a Monte Carlo simulation feature is integrated into the model. This feature generates required number of sample sets with random parameter values. The model is run for all these realizations during a calibration period, and performance metrics like NSE are calculated for each calibration yearTo assess prediction uncertainty, model parameter weights are computed by normalizing the corresponding likelihood values. These weights sum up to one and represent the probabilistic distribution of predicted variables, illustrating the impact of structural and parameter errors on model predictions. A sensitivity analysis reveals that the Muskingum constants K and X have the greatest influence on model performance, while parameters ?GW, ?SW, ?fc, and ?pc have a minimal effect on the model's performance.

Remedial Measures to Protect Transmission Tower from Excessive Soil Movement : A Case Study

The research background focused on investigating deformation in the T.73 Nonohonis-Kefamenanu transmission tower structure that was suspected to be caused by soil movement due to the tower’s location on a sloped area. To analyze this, various tests were conducted to examine the soil properties and slope stability considered the impact of intense rainfall. The Cone Penetration Test (CPT) results revealed hard soil at depths of 6.8 meters (S1), 8.4 meters (S2), and 7.4 meters (S3), falling within the Silty Sand to Sandy Silt - Sand zone, with qc > 200 kg/cm2. Boring & N-SPT tests indicated hard soil with N-SPT values > 50 at depths of 18 meters (BH-1) and 8 meters (BH-2). The geoelectrical survey using the Wenner-Schlumberger configuration found a groundwater layer at 3-5 meters and suggested the presence of a slip plane. Janbu’s method was used to analyze slope stability, taking into account the complex profiles, layers, and soil characteristics. Modeling results showed minimum safety factors after rainfall (SF 1 = 1.827) and after 30 days (SF 3 = 3.302) following the installation of a 15-meter bored pile foundation with a 50-ton load at the chimney.

Multidiscipline, a basic component of innovation in the biological control of plant pathogens

The control of biotic diseases in agriculture — particularly of those caused by fungi and bacteria— has produced an excessive use of chemically-synthesized products (agrochemicals), which, despite their important contribution to the increase of agricultural productivity, have considerable disadvantages, especially regarding the health of the people who apply these products and in environmental terms, since they contaminate soils and groundwater layers. On the other hand, the use of pesticide-free agricultural products has increased in recent years, requiring quality foods, free of toxic components. Alongside this, legislation (especially in developed nations) increasingly limits the use of pesticides on products for human consumption. A more sustainable alternative is the biological control of phytopathogenic fungi and bacteria with the use of their enemies/antagonists, which are considered biological control agents (BCA). In this field, I highlight the recent review by Lahlali et al. (2022) which describes extensively diverse aspects referring to the biological control of phytopathogens, including an analysis of the action mechanisms used by beneficial microorganisms for controlling the phytopathogens and the reduction of the losses caused by them, as well as the potential and limitations of this technology.

Identification of the Groundwater Layer using the Resistivity Method of the Schlumberger Configuration in the Bumi Harapan Village Area

This research applied the geoelectric method to determine the presence of aquifer layers in Bumi Harapan village. This method can determine the value of subsurface resistivity, and from this value, will know the lithology based on the distribution of subsurface resistivity. The lithology results will be described in the form of resistivity logs to make it easier to find the groundwater layer and its depth. Subsurface lithology obtained structures in the form of topsoil, clayey sand, sandy clay and clay. The layers suspected as groundwater layers are sandy clay and clayey sand. The results of the presence of average groundwater at a depth of 4 - 9 meters with sandy clay and clayey sand in the fourth and fifth layers were also found at a depth of 90 - 100 meters below the ground surface. The results of the resistivity values that are thought to be the groundwater layer are found to be 125 – 317 Ωm. Formation factor in determining the type of soil layer as an estimate of groundwater potential Below the surface. The formation factor in this study was found to be in the range of 1.7-8 with a type of aquifer layer to a medium aquifer.

Monitoring Mining-Induced Geo-Hazards in a Contaminated Mountainous Region of Indonesia Using Satellite Imagery

Mining-induced or enhanced geo-hazards (MGHs) pose significant risks in rural mountainous regions with underground mining operations by harming groundwater layers, water circulation systems, and mountain stability. MGHs occurring in naturally contaminated environments can severely amplify socio-environmental risks. A high correlation was found among undermining development, precipitation, and hazards; however, details of MGHs have yet to be adequately characterized. This study investigated multiple mining-induced/enhanced geo-hazards in a naturally contaminated mountain region in Bone Bolango Regency, Gorontalo Province, Indonesia, in 2020, where a rapidly developing coexisting mining sector was present. We utilized PlanetScope’s CubeSat constellations and Sentinel-1 dataset to assess the volume, distribution, pace, and pattern of MGHs. The findings reveal that severe landslides and floods accelerated the mobilization of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) via the river water system, thus considerably exacerbating socio-environmental risks. These results indicate potential dangers of enhanced PTE contamination for marine ecosystems and humans at a regional level. The study design and data used facilitated a comprehensive assessment of the MGHs and associated risks, providing important information for decision-makers and stakeholders. However, limitations in the methodology should be considered when interpreting the findings. The societal benefits of this study include informing policies and practices that aim to mitigate the negative impacts of mining activities on the environment and society at the local and regional levels.

Stable isotopic analysis of water utilization characteristics of four xerophytic shrubs in the Hobq Desert, Northern China.

Quantitative identification of water utilization characteristics of xerophytic shrubs is an important prerequisite for the selection and optimization of a regional artificial sand-fixing vegetation system. In this study, a hydrogen (δD) stable isotope technique was used to study the changes in water use characteristics of four typical xerophytic shrubs, Caragana korshinskii, Salix psammophila, Artemisia ordosica, and Sabina vulgaris in the Hobq Desert under light (4.8mm after 1 and 5 days) and heavy (22.4mm after 1 and 8 days) rainfall events. Under light rainfall, C. korshinskii and S. psammophila primarily used the 80-140 cm layer of soil water (37-70%) and groundwater (13-29%), and the water use characteristics did not change significantly after the light rainfall event. However, the utilization ratio of A. ordosica to soil water in the 0-40 cm layer increased from less than 10% on the first day after rain to more than 97% on the fifth day after rain, whereas the utilization ratio of S. vulgaris to soil water in the 0-40 cm layer also increased from 43% to nearly 60%. Under heavy rainfall, C. korshinskii and S. psammophila still used the 60-140 cm layer (56-99%) and groundwater (~15%), while the main water utilization depth of A. ordosica and S. vulgaris expanded to 0-100 cm. Based on the above results, C. korshinskii and S. psammophila primarily use the soil moisture of the 80-140 cm layer and groundwater, while A. ordosica and S. vulgaris use the soil moisture of the 0-100 cm layer. Therefore, the co-existence of A. ordosica and S. vulgaris will increase the competition between artificial sand-fixing plants, while the combination of the two plants with C. korshinskii and S. psammophila will avoid competition between artificial sand-fixing plants to some extent. This study provides important guidance for regional vegetation construction and sustainable management of an artificial vegetation system.

Determination of Seawater Intrusion Zones Using the Resistivity Method in Kelurahan Soreang, Maros District, South Sulawesi Province

The seawater intrusion into the groundwater layer is one of the factors that can disrupt groundwater quality in Soreang Village, Maros Regency. This is a serious problem for the community in the area, so it is necessary to identify the seawater intrusion zone. Previous study using the resistivity method is in regional scale. In this study, two intersecting lines with a length of 470 meters each were acquired using the Wenner-Schlumberger array with a spacing of 10 meters to get local scale. Based on the resistivity value of the study area, there are three layers interpreted as a layer of fill (1 - 1000 Ωm), alluvium layer (1 - 6 Ωm) and limestone layer (≥ 7 Ωm). The seawater intrusion zone in the study area is in the alluvium layer with varying depths up to 40 meters subsurface. The results of this study can be a reference for the community or government in the search for fresh water.

A COMBINED METHOD OF 1D AND 2D RESISTIVITY FOR GROUNDWATER LAYER ESTIMATION AT A FARMING AREA IN REJOMULYO VILLAGE

The groundwater depends on when it is available, more in the rainy and less in the dry seasons. Fluctuation in water availability is a significant problem in activities continuously requiring large amounts of water, such as agriculture. Hence, it is necessary to increase the number of water resources to meet the community's needs. Therefore, the groundwater layer zone was estimated as an initial study at the dry farmland in Rejomulyo village, Jati Agung district, South Lampung, using a combined method between the 1D resistivity method of the Schlumberger array and the 2D form of the Wenner configuration. Each sounding point and the 2D line have a maximum stretch length of 300 m. The 1D outcome correlates to the 2D data processing result to produce a subsurface lithology model. As a result, the research area has three primary layers with three rock types. The first layer has a resistivity value of less than 20 Ωm and is identified as tuffaceous clay. Then the second layer with a resistivity range of 60–66 Ωm is tuffaceous sand, this rock which is referred to as the groundwater layer with a depth of 11-40 m. The last layer has a high resistivity value of 120–141 Ωm as tuff. Based on the results of 3D visualization, the groundwater layer in the study area spreads to the southeast with a confined aquifer type. This targeted rock layer can be utilized for groundwater production.

Appraisal of multilayer aquifer system for sustainable groundwater management in Wadi Araba, Eastern desert, Egypt

Wadi Araba is an important economic area in Egypt due to the presence of numerous species of flora and fauna. The problem is the lack of information on the aquifer system. This study aims to investigate the characteristics of the aquifer system within the scope of the groundwater potentiality, types of the aquifer system, types of groundwater interface, and groundwater layers interaction in the study area. Six wells were drilled at three depths (±300 m, 600 m, and 1200 m) to identify the different characteristics of the aquifer. The results showed that there are three groundwater layers separated by shale sheets that are not interacting together. The higher extraction potentiality of groundwater from the aquifer is from the upstream (340–400 m2 day−1). While the lower extraction potentiality is from midstream (10–50 m2 day−1) followed by the downstream (20 m2 day−1) with significant differences compared to upstream. The water quality analysis showed that higher salinity was recorded downstream side, where the Wadi encounters the lower units of the Gulf of Suez. Eventually, there is a limitation on the exploitation of groundwater in the aquifer for intensive agricultural development. This is because the aquifer potentiality ranges from weak to medium.