Lowering Of Groundwater Level Research Articles

Evaluating pile foundation design due to groundwater level lowering

In Viet Nam, ground subsidence has been occurring at an alarming rate, raising concerns for pile foundation design. This issue is primarily caused by excessive groundwater extraction for water supply, irrigation, aquaculture, and other uses. Thus, in this study, the evaluation of pile capacity due to groundwater level (GWL) lowering as a preliminary guideline for structures is proposed. This study analyzed different cases of GWL lowering from 0 m to 2 m, and pile size varied from 18 x 18 cm to 45 x 45 cm, to evaluate the allowable bearing capacities for single piles and pile groups. The results indicated that when lowering the GWL from 0 to 2 m, the allowed bearing capacity varied by 5.75–174.70 tons for single piles and 11.95–808.18 tons for pile groups. Besides, when the pile size increased, the bearing capacity increased in the range of 6.38–41.46 tons (size 18 x 18 cm) to 16.30–174.70 tons (size 45 x 45 cm) for a single pile and 11.95–191.81 tons (size 18 x 18 cm) to 33.49–808.18 tons (size 45 x 45 cm). The result of this study underscores the significance of predicting the bearing capacity of pile foundations due to the variation in groundwater level.

Forecasting the groundwater levels in the Baltic through standardized index analysis

In regions where groundwater forms the primary source of drinking water, comprehending the prospective availability of subsurface water resources due to climate change is of paramount importance.This study evaluates the impact of climate change on groundwater levels in the Baltic States until the end of this century. It employs link between surface and subsurface standardized indices. For forecast it uses various Representative Concentration Pathways (RCP) alongside different Regional Climate Models (RCM).By linking historical groundwater drought episodes with calculated surface drought indices and accumulation periods observed during defined climate Normals, we project groundwater levels for the short, medium, and long-term future. The study incorporates 13 EURO-CORDEX RCMs under three RCP scenarios.Our analysis reveals that, compared to the recent climate Normals, an overall increase in groundwater levels is expected at most study sites. However, lower groundwater levels are estimated in the near future. The projected impacts show no significant seasonal bias or spatial conformity. Although these findings are specific to the Baltic region, the methodologies described can be readily adapted for global application.

Response of dissolved organic carbon in streams draining peatbogs to extreme rainfall-runoff events: a case study from Šumava (Bohemian Forest) National Park, Czech Republic

The presented study investigates the dynamics of DOC concentrations in headwater peatbog areas with respect to the extreme rainfall-runoff (R-R) events hydrometeorological catchment preconditions (23 variables in total). The main data sources were automatic devices for monitoring of groundwater level, discharges and rainfalls providing data in 10 min steps installed in the Vydra River catchment and one automatic water sampler ISCO in sub-catchment of the Rokytka River basin in the Šumava (Bohemian Forest) National Park. The study period was 2018–2021, in which 18 R-R events were analysed. Data of DOC variability and catchment conditions were analysed using Spearman’s correlation coefficient, Principal Component Analysis and DOC/Q hysteresis loops. Changes in groundwater level and discharges had the greatest influence on DOC concentrations. Higher mean and maximum DOC were measured during events after a longer period without an extreme R-R event. The greater lag time of maximum DOC after peak flow and the higher mean DOC during the event were primarily due to hydrometeorological preconditions of the catchment. The highest DOC was in autumn after the previous summer period with low discharges and low groundwater levels. DOC was also positively correlated with air and water temperatures.

Land surface response to groundwater drawdown and recovery in Taiyuan city, Northern China, analyzed with a long-term elevation change measurements from leveling and multi-sensor InSAR

In recent years, a comprehensive program of groundwater management was adopted in Taiyuan city, Northern China, with the aim to prevent the lowering of groundwater level and manage land subsidence due to excessive groundwater pumping in the past decades. Groundwater recovery has been observed in this city following the termination of groundwater pumping. While the link between land subsidence and groundwater pumping is well documented, how the land surface responds to the recovery of groundwater has not been studied in detail. In this study, we analyzed the leveling data from 1956 to 2000 to investigate changes in ground elevation in response to groundwater drawdown prior to the termination of groundwater pumping and combined them with InSAR (Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar) displacement data during 2003–2020 to evaluate the effect of groundwater recharge after the termination of groundwater pumping. A method was proposed to merge InSAR time series of displacement derived from multiple satellites (ENVISAT, COSMO-SkyMed, TerraSAR-X, and Sentinel-1) to achieve a consistent, long-term continuous deformation. We found that previous groundwater depression cones in Taiyuan (Xizhang, Wanbailin, Wujiabao, and Xiayuan) have turned into groundwater recovery and the corresponding subsidence centers have switched to land uplift. The subsidence center of Xizhang, north of Taiyuan city, experienced a total subsidence of 749 mm by Aug 2003; it then turned into uplift with an amount of rebound of 9.2 % of previous subsidence by the end of 2020. In central area of Taiyuan, the cumulated subsidence is 1127 mm in Wanbailin, 1817 mm in Xiayuan, and 3343 mm in Wujiabao. Beginning in Aug 2010, they all turned into land uplift, with a rebound of 7.9 %, 4.8 % and 3.6 % of the previous subsidence in each center, respectively. An analysis of the correlation between groundwater level and ground displacement suggests that the ground uplift is related to the poro-elastic rebound mechanism in the porous aquifer system, which is caused by the rise in pore pressure with groundwater recovery, and the amount of subsidence/uplift is controlled by the stratigraphic properties. The adverse impacts on the built environment due to the rising groundwater level were discussed. The findings improve our understanding of anthropogenic ground deformation in complex urban aquifers influenced by groundwater pumping and recharge and provides essential information that can contribute to future groundwater management and groundwater-related hazard mitigation over the Taiyuan city.

Investigating the impact of irrigation practices on hydrologic fluxes in a highly managed river basin

Irrigation practices and sources can have significant impacts on water resources and the hydrologic fluxes that control these resources. To better manage water resources and future water supply, the influence of irrigation practices and management on these hydrologic fluxes should be quantified in time and space at varying scales, under potential irrigation management practices. To fulfill this objective, a surface-subsurface modeling approach was applied to simulate watershed-scale hydrologic processes in the Cache la Poudre River Basin, Colorado, USA (4824 km2), in which both surface water irrigation and groundwater irrigation are prevalent. The model chosen for this study is the watershed model SWAT+, using the spatially distributed, physically based groundwater module gwflow, in which unconfined groundwater storage, flows, and interaction with land surface features are simulated using a collection of grid cells that represent control volumes of the aquifer. Major groundwater inflows and outflows include pumping, recharge, groundwater-channel exchange, groundwater-lake exchange, and tile drainage outflow. To investigate the impact of irrigation practices, detailed surface and groundwater irrigation routines and canal-aquifer interactions were added to the SWAT+ source code, requiring information of irrigation sources and irrigation canal locations throughout the river basin. Model calibration and testing was performed using monthly stream discharge and groundwater head. The calibrated model is used to quantify the impact of surface water and groundwater irrigation scenarios on water availability and hydrologic fluxes within the river basin. A total of 22 scenarios were conducted and grouped into five main groups: irrigation source, irrigation amount, irrigation type, canal bed thickness, and partial or full sealing of earthen irrigation canals. Using groundwater as the only irrigation source decreases groundwater discharge to streams (by 14 %) due to lowering groundwater levels; converting flood irrigation to sprinkler irrigation throughout the basin decreases surface runoff by 22 %; and sealing earthen canals leads to a lowering of groundwater levels, which decreases groundwater discharge to streams by 9 %, leading to an overall decrease in streamflow in the Cache la Poudre River and changes to temporal patterns in streamflow. Overall, irrigation amount and type and canal sealing have a small impact on total groundwater storage, compared to changes in the percent of fields irrigated by groundwater pumping. Results are helpful for informed decision-making in agriculture water management and can lead to sustainable, efficient, and equitable use of water resources, helping to address the challenges posed by water scarcity and environmental conservation.

Knowledge uptake from lived experience regarding sustainable groundwater management: complementing scientific knowledge in urban policymaking

Urbanization can pose water management challenges in cities while overlooking the possibilities of residents’ lived experience and collaborative action learning. We show how the conceptual model of the Lived Experience of Sustainable Urban Groundwater Level identifies several aspects of local knowledge development through an ex-post case study in Rotterdam’s Flower Neighbourhood (The Netherlands), where too low groundwater levels threaten house foundations. Three types of local knowledge development emerged: (i) performing and monitoring well measurements by residents, (ii) environment-specific insights collected by residents and shared with civil servants, and (iii) collaboration on groundwater management experiments, resulting in empirical groundwater data. Overcoming communication barriers, trust issues, and power dynamics are crucial for effectively retrieving and integrating lived experience into collective learning for urban sustainable development.

Spatio-temporal trends in long-term seasonal groundwater level of South-western Punjab using non-parametric statistical tests.

To manage groundwater resources and develop an action plan, it is crucial to understand the long-term behavior of groundwater level (GWL) fluctuations. In this study, Geographic Information System (GIS) and non-parametric statistical tests were applied for detecting long-term (1973 to 2020) spatio-temporal variations and trends in GWL from 137 observation wells evenly distributed across the south-western part of Punjab. This region has experienced significant changes in GWL over the decades. The non-parametric statistical tests included Mann-Kendall (MK), Sens's SlopeEstimator (SSE), and Innovative Trend Analysis (ITA). The study observed significant trends in GWL fluctuations before and after monsoon. The MK and SSE tests showed a statistically increasing trend in observation wells with about 65.7% and 67.2% increase before and after monsoon, respectively. The innovative trend analysis (ITA) also revealed a statistically increasing trend in observation wells with an increase of about 63.5% and 65.7% pre and post-monsoon season, respectively. The results indicate lowering of GWL in the northern districts of southwestern Punjab, while the southern districts experience rising GWLs. This discrepancy can be attributed to diverse agricultural activities and reduced over-exploitation of groundwater in the southern district due to soil salinity and the presence of brackish groundwater. These findings provide valuable insights into the dynamics of GWL in the studied region, highlighting notable trends associated with seasonal variations.

Deformation mechanism and treatment effect of deeply excavated expansive soil slopes with high groundwater level: Case study of MR-SNWTP, China

Taking a 4 km long deeply excavated expansive soil canal segment of the South–North Water Transfer Project Middle Route (MR-SNWTP) in China as an example, a comprehensive investigation of the deformation mechanism and effect of treatment work on the slope with high groundwater level was carried out. First, the project background and initial behaviour were introduced. Second, a series of site investigation, including visual inspection, exploration pit, and geological penetrating radar, was employed to identify the deformation characteristics, appearance damage, and groundwater distribution. Third, the environmental factors were analyzed, and the spatio-temporal deformation characteristics were identified. Then the zoned numerical model was built to analyze the slope stability. Finally, the deformation mechanism and effect of treatment work were discussed. The results show that although the slope surface was replaced with a cement-treated weak expansive soil layer, the water vapor exchange between the undisturbed expansive soils and atmosphere is not completely isolated. The perched groundwater is also still replenished by precipitation infiltration. Groundwater, perched groundwater, long-large fissure and dense fissure zone induce the lateral creep deformation of the slope, and result in significant trend changes. The stability of the deformed body is in a critical state. The critical sliding surface is a broken line consisting of a gentle dip angle at the leading edge and a steep dip angle at the trailing edge. The depth of the potential sliding surface varies due to the geological condition and arrangement of anti-slide piles. Drainage wells can discharge deeper groundwater, thus can lower groundwater level and discharge perched groundwater. Supporting and unloading measures should also be taken to improve the slope stability.

The Rhine Catchment: A Review of Sediment-Related Knowledge, Monitoring, and a Future Research Perspective

The Rhine River is affected by major human interventions affecting its morphology and sediment regime, which have severely changed its flow and sediment transport. While channelization has increased the sediment transport capacity in the free-flowing sections, the sediment retention behind dams has caused a bedload deficit downstream and has additionally intensified riverbed erosion. The resulting consequences range from the exposure of less erodible sediment layers that pose obstacles for navigation, to the scouring of infrastructure, the lowering of groundwater levels, and multiple negative ecological consequences. To optimize the efficiency of countermeasures, a coherent overview of all sediment-related activities and the state of knowledge on the Rhine catchment is required. That is why the present study aims to give a catchment-wide overview in this regard, identify knowledge gaps and proposing a future research programme. The methodological approach includes a comprehensive literature review and online interviews with experts from six riparian countries working in the fields of sediment research and management. Based on our investigations, we have derived several research topics, each consisting of research questions. Three project ideas were defined that should primarily be realized: (i) the influence of climate change and land use change on the sediment regime; (ii) alteration and improvement of the sediment balance and continuity, sediment transport, and morphology; and (iii) national and bilateral projects on sediment transport processes and management.

Nature-based solution enhances resilience to flooding and catalyzes multi-benefits in coastal cities in the Global South

Coastal cities are facing a rise in groundwater levels induced by sea level rise, further triggering saturation excess flooding where groundwater levels reach the topographic surface or reduce the storage capacity of the soil, thus stressing the existing infrastructure. Lowering groundwater levels is a priority for sustaining the long-term livelihood of coastal cities. In the absence of studies assessing the possibility of using tree-planting as a measure of alleviating saturation excess flooding in the context of rising groundwater levels, the multi-benefit nature of tree-planting programs as sustainable Nature-based solutions (NBSs) in coastal cities in the Global South is discussed. In environments where groundwater is shallow, trees uptake groundwater or reduce groundwater recharge, thereby contributing to lower groundwater levels and increasing the unsaturated zone thickness, further reducing the risk of saturation excess flooding. Tree-planting programs represent long-term solutions sustained by environmental factors that are complementary to conventional engineering solutions. The multi-benefit nature of such NBSs and the expected positive environmental, economic, and social outcomes make them particularly promising. Wide social acceptance was identified as crucial for the long-term success of any tree-planting program, as the social factor plays a major role in addressing most weaknesses and threats of the solution. In the case of Nouakchott City (Mauritania), where a rise in groundwater levels has led to permanent saturation excess flooding, a tree-planting program has the potential to lower the groundwater levels, thereby reducing flooding during the rainy season.

Global analysis of groundwater pumping from increased river capture

In many regions globally, groundwater overuse exceeds natural replenishment, leading to immediate consequences such as reduced river flows and devastating impacts on freshwater ecosystems. In alluvial aquifers in particular, groundwater pumping contributes to river flow reduction in two significant ways: first, by intercepting water that would naturally discharge into the river, and second, by lowering groundwater levels below the riverbed, causing river water to infiltrate. Despite these critical interactions, large-scale water resources assessments often overlook the relationship between groundwater and surface water, hindering a comprehensive understanding of the consequences of groundwater pumping on both the groundwater and surface water systems. Our study, utilizing a coupled global-scale groundwater–surface water model, reveals that approximately 20% of globally pumped groundwater stems from diminished streamflow, while 16% results from reduced storage. Projections for the end of the century, accounting for climate change, suggest potential increases to 30% from reduced streamflow and a decrease to 12% from reduced storage. Notably, our results highlight that the impact on streamflow is more widespread and linked to smaller pumping rates, contrasting with impacts on storage associated with higher pumping rates. This study shows the crucial need to include groundwater–surface water interactions in large-scale water resources assessments, not only for accurate estimates of freshwater availability but also for a comprehensive understanding of the far-reaching impacts of groundwater overuse related to increasing water demands and climate change.

Using stable isotopes in deciphering climate changes from travertine deposits: the case of the Lapis Tiburtinus succession (Acque Albule Basin, Tivoli, Central Italy)

Quaternary stable isotope records of marine and lacustrine carbonate deposits as well as speleothems were extensively studied to reconstruct global and regional climatic evolution. This study demonstrates how stable isotope records of travertine provide fundamental information about climate and the consequences of its evolution on groundwater level fluctuations. The deposition of the Lapis Tiburtinus travertine succession occurred during the Late Pleistocene (150–30 ka), coeval with the last activity of the Colli Albani volcanic complex. Two boreholes (Sn1 and Sn2) were drilled into the Acque Albule Basin (23 km E of Rome), crossing the entire Lapis Tiburtinus succession. The Sn1 borehole in the central part of the basin crosscuts a travertine succession of 62.1 m in thickness, while the Sn2 borehole in the southern part of the basin is characterized by a travertine succession 36.3 m in thickness. Carbon and oxygen stable isotope ratios were analysed on 118 samples (59 samples both for Sn1 and Sn2 boreholes) representative of the entire Lapis Tiburtinus travertine succession crossed by the boreholes. Values, measured and correlated in the two drilled boreholes, permitted determination of the sensitivity of the travertine depositional system to glacial and interglacial cycles, unravelling the complex oxygen and carbon cycle dynamic recorded in such sedimentary succession. Moreover, the results obtained correlated with available pollen curves of the Mediterranean area (from the Castiglione crater, 25 km E of Rome). Regional and global oxygen isotope continental and marine curves, calibrated with the stratigraphy of the Acque Albule Basin, and available U/Th dating allow the identification of at least three phases of the last interglacial (Marine Isotope Stage 5-MIS5). The carbon isotope record, compared with CO2 flux reconstructed and associated with the volcanic activity of the Colli Albani volcanic complex, instead shows an influence from groundwater level changes. In particular, positive shifts that occurred during arid phases are associated with a lower groundwater level and increased CO2 degassing, inducing a major fractionation effect on carbon isotopes. Instead, the negative shifts occurring during more humid periods indicate the inhibition of CO2 degassing and increase in pressure, attesting to a rise in groundwater level. In this view, travertine deposits, frequently studied to define the tectonic setting and activity of the area where they develop, can thus also be used as a tool to understand climate changes and groundwater variations apparent in their stable oxygen and carbon isotope signature.

The estimation of infiltration and inflow in a sewage network by combining continuous monitoring of hydrological parameters, flow and temperature with stable isotopes of oxygen and hydrogen

The failure of sewage network systems can lead to the introduction of external water, impacting the capacity, performance, and environmental sustainability of urban infrastructures. This study examined methods for identifying and quantifying external water in a sewage system in cold climate conditions through the analysis of stable isotope of oxygen (δ18O) and hydrogen (δ2H) from samples, and continuous temperature monitoring, followed by the simulation of the network's hydraulics and temperature profile. The assessment was conducted during periods of low and high groundwater levels, specifically during dry weather flow. In comparison, the yearly trends of infiltration and inflow rates were assessed utilizing the moving minimum method. Using δ18O as a tracer, daily infiltration rates of 5.8 % and 35 % were estimated for periods of low and high groundwater levels, respectively. Using the outputs of the thermodynamic model, temperature was used as a tracer and the daily infiltration rates were found to be 1.5 % and 21.9 % for the same periods. The infiltration and inflow rate for the year in question was estimated to be 23 % using the moving minimum method. The findings of this study demonstrate the temporal variability of infiltration in networks and highlight the need for, as well as the potential of, a multi-faceted approach and continuous monitoring for the accurate estimation of external water before sewage network renovations are carried out.

A multi-scenario multi-model analysis of regional climate projections in a Central–Eastern European agricultural region: assessing shallow groundwater table responses using an aggregated vertical hydrological model

The 2022 drought highlighted Hungary's vulnerability to climate change, especially the Great Hungarian Plain. Soil moisture, which is crucial for agriculture, depends on the position of the shallow groundwater table. This study investigated the effects of climate change on groundwater table fluctuations in more than 500 wells on the plain. An integrated vertical hydrological model, assuming negligible horizontal subsurface flows, employed the Dunay–Varga-Haszonits methodology for evaporation and Kovács approach for the water retention curve. Verified with two meteorological databases, the model was accepted for 463 wells based on NSE > 0.4 and RMSE < 0.5 m criteria. The FORESEE HUN v1.0 dataset proved suitable after spatial consistency tests. Examining 28 bias- and discontinuity-corrected climate model projections on these wells revealed a general decline in the groundwater table. Differences between trends to 2050 and 2100 suggested lower groundwater levels by mid-century. This research highlights climate change impacts in a crucial Central-European agricultural region in the Carpathian Basin and emphasizes the importance of modeling climate change-induced changes in shallow groundwater levels in water resources management.

Divergent future drought projections in UK river flows and groundwater levels

Abstract. Hydrological drought is a serious issue globally, which is likely to be amplified by 21st century climate change. In the UK, the impacts of changes in river flow and groundwater drought severity in a future of climate change and higher water demand are potentially severe. Recent publication of a new nationally consistent set of river flow and groundwater level projections (the eFLaG dataset), based on state-of-the-art UKCP18 climate projections, offers a unique opportunity to quantitatively assess future UK hydrological drought susceptibility. The dataset includes a transient, multi-model ensemble of hydrological projections driven by a single regional climate model (RCM), with a 12-member perturbed-parameter ensemble, for 200 catchments and 54 boreholes spanning a period from 1961 to 2080. Assessment of a baseline period (1989–2018) shows that the RCM-driven projections adequately reproduce observed river flow and groundwater level regimes, improving our confidence in using these models for assessment of future drought. Across all hydrological models and most catchments, future low river flows are projected to decline consistently out to 2080. Drought durations, intensities and severities are all projected to increase in most (over 90 %, pooling across different drought characteristics) UK catchments. However, the trajectory of low groundwater levels and groundwater drought characteristics diverges from that of river flows. Whilst groundwater levels at most (&gt; 85 %) boreholes are projected to decline (consistent with river flows), these declines are relatively modest (&lt; 10 % reduction) in transient low groundwater levels by 2080, and, in fact, six show moderate increases. Groundwater drought characteristics in the far future (2050–2079) are often similar to those of the baseline (1989–2018), with only 33 % of boreholes showing an increase (towards worsening drought) of more than 10 % for drought severity (48 % of boreholes for drought intensity). Interestingly, for some boreholes, droughts are projected to be more prolonged and severe in the near future (2020–2049) before returning to shorter durations and lower severity in the far future. A number of explanatory factors for this divergence between river flow and groundwater are discussed. The sensitivity to seasonal changes in precipitation and potential evapotranspiration is proposed as a principal driver of divergence because low river flows are more influenced by shorter-term rainfall deficits in the summer half-year, whilst groundwater drought appears to be offset somewhat by the wetter winter signal in the RCM projections. Our results have important implications for water management, demonstrating a widespread increase in river flow drought severity and diminishing low flows that could have profound societal and environmental impacts unless mitigated. Furthermore, the divergence in projections of drought in river flows and groundwater levels brings into question the balance between surface and subsurface water resources. The projected contrast in fortunes of surface and subsurface water resources identified for the UK may be replicated in other parts of the world where climate projections suggest a shift towards drier summers and wetter winters.

ASSESSMENT OF FOREST VEGETATION POTENTIAL OF RECLAIMED AREAS AFTER ILMENITE MINING USING THE REMOTE EARTH SENSING METHOD

The mining of ilmenite has irreversible negative environmental impacts on the ecosystem of the area where mining companies operate. First of all, it leads to disturbance of the soil and vegetation layer, changes in the natural landscape, formation of depression sinkholes, which causes changes in water flow and water distribution in the mining area, lowering of groundwater levels, pollution of the atmosphere, soil and water bodies, and loss of species diversity of flora and fauna. In general, the mining process lasts for decades, during which time the territory is subject to irreversible changes and disturbances and requires high-quality restoration after the completion of ilmenite mining. The article suggests a methodology for assessing the forest vegetation potential of soils in areas disturbed by ilmenite mining using remote earth sensing (RES). Based on satellite images and spectral characteristics, we determined the parameters of soil type and moisture, as well as the vegetation and moisture index of the forest vegetation layer The results of the remote earth sensing were compared with the results of laboratory analyzes of soil samples from the territory operated by the branch of the Irshansk Mining and Processing Plant of PJSC UMCC. Normalized Difference Vegetation Index, Normalized Difference Moisture Index, soil type and moisture were calculated and identified using QGIS software from data obtained from free-access satellite images. The results showed that a combination of laboratory and remote sensing methods can be quite effective for studying areas disturbed by mining activities and the state of their recovery after reclamation.

Why Rivers Disappear—Remote Sensing Analysis of Postmining Factors Using the Example of the Sztoła River, Poland

The impact of mining effects is undoubtedly an important research topic, especially in the case of assessing the effects of postmining factors. This study examines the drought in the Olkusz region using satellite imagery (Sentinel-2) and remote sensing indices. The analysis reveals that the region experienced multiple types of drought, including hydrogeological drought due to groundwater level lowering caused by mining activities, agricultural drought resulting from insufficient soil moisture, hydrological drought characterized by reduced water flow in rivers, and meteorological drought linked to decreased precipitation and high temperatures. This study demonstrates the usefulness of optical imaging and remote sensing indices in monitoring and assessing drought conditions. The results indicate significant changes in vegetation health and water content, as well as alterations to the natural environment within the region. This research highlights the importance of considering both human-induced and natural factors when evaluating drought phenomena. Continued monitoring and expansion of the study area would provide valuable insights into the long-term effects of weather conditions and the broader impacts on the ecosystem.

Fee for Reducing Natural Field Retention as an Instrument of Sustainable Public Finance

Theoretical background: Active national fiscal policy is an important determinant of sustainable development. Poland falls below the water security level, which is why natural retention is a particularly important issue, as the poverty of societies begins with a lack of access to water. This also poses a challenge for public finance, which should encourage specific behaviors. As of 1 January 2018, a fee for the reduction of natural land retention is levied in Poland. Purpose of the article: The aim of the article is to analyze and evaluate the fee for reducing natural field retention as an instrument of sustainable public finance and to assess its fiscal efficiency in terms of its ability to raise public revenue, in particular the revenue of municipalities on the example of cities with county rights in the Silesian Voivodeship. Research methods: The paper draws on literature reviews and the conducted empirical research. Data were collected using the direct method via access to public information. First, an analysis was carried out on the amount of revenue generated from the fee for reducing natural field retention, constituting the income of the State Water Holding – Polish Waters. Subsequently, an analysis was made on the amount of revenue generated from the fee for reducing natural field retention in municipalities with county rights in the Silesian Voivodeship. The study covered the years 2018–2022, i.e. from the introduction of the fee until the last year for which the data are available. Main findings: The fee for reducing natural field retention is a sustainable public finance instrument designed to shape attitudes and influence behavior. Although levying a fee for reducing natural field retention does not solve the problem of insufficient retention, it encourages discussion and implementation of measures to improve it. The mandatory fee is intended to discourage the construction of impervious surfaces and, at the same time, encourage property owners to incorporate retention systems into their construction plans to counteract the lowering of groundwater levels. It is of great importance, not in an economic or fiscal sense (public revenue), but rather in a social sense, by raising public awareness of the problem of natural retention.

Mechanism of denitrification in subsurface-dammed Ryukyu limestone aquifer, southern Okinawa Island, Japan

Denitrification crucially regulates the attenuation of groundwater nitrate and is unlikely to occur in a fast-flowing aquifer such as the Ryukyu limestone aquifer in southern Okinawa Island, Japan. However, evidences of denitrification have been observed in several wells within this region. This study analyzed environmental isotopes (δ15NNO3 and ẟ18ONO3) to derive the rationale for denitrification at this site. Additionally, the presence of two subsurface dams in the study area may influence the processes involved in nitrate attenuation. Herein, we analyzed 150 groundwater samples collected spatially and seasonally to characterize the variations in the groundwater chemistry and stable isotopes during denitrification. The values of δ15NNO3 and δ18ONO3 displayed a progressive trend up to +59.7 ‰ and + 21 ‰, respectively, whereas the concentrations of NO3−–N decreased to 0.1 mg L−1. In several wells, the enrichment factors of δ15NNO3 ranged from −6.6 to −2.1, indicating rapid denitrification, and the δ15NNO3 to δ18ONO3 ratios varied from 1.3:1 to 2:1, confirming the occurrence of denitrification. Denitrification intensively proceeds under conditions of depleted dissolved oxygen concentrations (<2 mg L−1), sluggish groundwater flow with longer residence times, high concentrations of dissolved organic carbon (>1.2 mg L−1), and low groundwater levels during the dry season with precipitation rates of <100 mm per month (Jun–Sep). SF6 analysis indicated the exclusive occurrence of denitrification in specific wells with groundwater residence times exceeding 30 years. These wells are located in close proximity to the major NE–SW fault system in the Komesu area, where the hydraulic gradient was below 0.005. Detailed geological and lithological investigations based on borehole data revealed that subsurface dams did not cause denitrification while the major NE–SW fault system uplifted the impermeable basement rock of the Shimajiri Group, creating a lithological gap at an equivalent depth that ultimately formed a sluggish groundwater area, promoting denitrification.

Determination of groundwater pumpage for dewatering construction site of Happy complex in Tay Ho district, Hanoi

Groundwater is unfavorable for construction activities, so groundwater dewatering or freezing needs to be carried out. The Happy complex is located in Tay Ho District, Hanoi city. The complex is to be constructed with 47 stations which are evenly distributed over a construction area of 10,000 m2 in the depth from 12.1 to 18.25 m below the ground surface. It is required to dewater groundwater to have the groundwater level to be 1.5 m lower the bottom of the stations. Vertical groundwater wells have been selected for the. The determination of groundwater pumping rates for the dewatering had been carried out by numerical modeling. GMS10.3.2 software had been used to model the groundwater flow using the MODFLOW modul. The modeling area is expanded to cover the construction site with dimensions of 370m x 420m. The grid cells are 4m x 4m. The groundwater pumping rates were determined by solving forward analysis of different options to select the optimal solution, which includes 29 pumping wells with the same well pumping rate of 1,040 m3/day. The lowered groundwater levels at all the construction stations have met the requirement.