Management Of Groundwater Resources Research Articles

GIS-based groundwater potential zonation and assessment of groundwater quality and suitability for drinking and irrigation purposes in the Shanmughanadhi river basin, south India

To develop a specific watershed scenario, the quantity and quality of groundwater resources must be assessed and monitored locally. In the present study, an attempt has been made to identify possible groundwater potential zones, determine the quality of groundwater resources in this region, and evaluate their suitability for drinking and irrigation purposes. This goal has been achieved with the combined use of the weighted index overlay analysis (WIOA), groundwater quality index (GWQI), Remote Sensing (RS), and Geographic Information System (GIS) techniques. The proposed study area, Shanmuganadhi, is marked with superior rainfall, oscillating temperature, and runoff with litho-units encompassing charnockite (CHK) and hornblende biotite gneiss (HBG). Over-abstraction of groundwater and intensive agricultural practices have resulted in declining and degrading water quantity and quality in this area. The resulting integrated thematic map has been classified into five groundwater potential zones, namely poor, low, moderate, high, and very high, covering 3.2, 45.49, 15.3, 27.9, and 8.1% area, respectively. Sixty groundwater samples were collected during the pre-monsoon (PRM) and analyzed for major Physico-chemical parameters. From the water quality index assessment, over 28.0% of the samples fall within the “excellent,” 8.0% “good” and 4.0% “poor” in CHK, followed by 5.71% “excellent,” 48.57% “good,” 37.14% “poor,” 5.71% “very poor” and 2.87% “unsuitable” for drinking purposes in HBG terrain of this region. Irrigation indices also demonstrated that most of the groundwater samples in the CHK and HBG exposed zones exhibited good classes for irrigation purposes, as evidenced by the SAR and %Na+. The outcome, which shows the research area's groundwater potential zones, is beneficial for improved groundwater resource planning and management. It is concluded that for larger-scale groundwater-quality investigation and assessment, the groundwater quality index-making approach (GWQI) is more practical and dependable. Water planners and decision-makers may find it helpful in effectively controlling and monitoring groundwater quality at the basin or watershed scale. Reducing urban land use and natural runoff from farms can help prevent water contamination in some regions. To ensure the safe use of groundwater, long-term monitoring of these groundwater was suggested.

Groundwater recharge potential zone modeling in the Wadi Al-Lith Basin, Saudi Arabia

The management of groundwater resources is crucial in arid and semi-arid regions such as Al-Lith Basin, and therefore, the identification of suitable areas for groundwater recharge is important in solving the problem of water scarcity and ensuring the long-term sustainability of aquifers. In this study, the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) technique, in conjunction with GIS, was applied to locate potential zones for groundwater recharge in the Al-Lith basin. The research methodology includes collecting the essential data, including lineament density, slope, rainfall, drainage density, LU/LC, soil, elevation, and TWI. AHP is used to assign relative weights to different qualities, considering their significance in influencing groundwater recharge. The ArcGIS was employed to process and analyze the weighted layers, which resulted in the creation of a comprehensive map illustrating the potential for groundwater recharge. The study results suggested that the Al-Lith Subbasin has several zones that exhibit different levels of groundwater recharge capability. The results obtained from this study indicated that 12.83% of the basin area has significant groundwater recharge potential zones (GWPZ), ranging from high to very high levels. The groundwater recharge potential zones in the basin are categorized as very poor to poor, covering 19.4% of the area, while the moderate groundwater recharge potential zones represent 67.77% of the basin area. The groundwater protection zones were validated using 19 wells distributed across the basin. The validation findings indicate there is an overlap between the GWPZ classes and the wells in the specified location. Overall, the findings of this study can enhance groundwater resource management and inform policy development for targeted interventions aimed at enhancing groundwater recharge.

Priorities and potential challenges of sustainable management of ultra-deep groundwater resources in Iran

The water crisis in Iran, and the large share of water allocated to the agricultural sector from groundwater resources has led to access to ultra-deep groundwater (UDGW) resources. Exploration projects have confirmed the presence of UDGW sources of fault origin in Iran. Deciding on the sustainable extraction of UDGW resources is very challenging. In order to better understand the scope and nature of the UDGW literature, our research combines a methodological framework of systematic literature review with an approach to synthesize manifest and latent content. Additionally, we describe expert predictors for and against inductive content analysis, which extracts necessary concepts, priorities, organization, and coding from the data. MFA tool has analyzed sustainability indices, compositions, correlations perceptual behavior of sustainability dimensions of groups in the variables predicting the exploitation of UDGW. In the proposed model, the synthetic index has determined weighting commensurate with the variability of data, to balance the effect of groups of variables. The most important dimensions of sustainability are Proxy/flexibility measures (69.4), Fund (63.3), Safety (63.2) and Extent and possibility of access and exploitation (63.06) of UDGW resources from engineering, social and environmental groups, respectively. However, the performance of Evaluation of quantity and quality of UDGW resources (39.8) and Fairness (42.3) groups were the lowest due to the environmental and social sustainability, respectively. In fact, a fair and sustainable expedient strategy and a restructuring of hydro-social networks that clearly acknowledge the political aspect of resource management and its intricacies are required. The ministry and the UDGW decision-makers themselves must solve these shortcomings.

Groundwater potential zone mapping of middle Andaman using multi-criteria decision-making and support vector machine

Groundwater is a vital resource crucial to human survival worldwide and plays a significant role in addressing climate change. The multi-criteria decision method and support vector machine technique were used to demarcate the groundwater potential zones (GWPZ) of Middle Andaman. A total of 11 factors including geology, geomorphology, LULC map, lineament density, distance from Active Fault, groundwater level, distance from the sea, slope, drainage density, distance from major earthquakes, and distance from epicenter hotspots were used to calculate GWPZ. Spatially distributed maps/thematic layers of all of the above factors were generated using remotely sensed data as well as ground data. Each factor was assigned weights based on preceding global and regional research and the influence of each layer on groundwater. Finally, all thematic layers were used for multi-criteria decision analysis to create a map depicting the GWPZ of Middle Andaman. A support vector machine (SVM) tool was used to demarcate the potential zone based on the signature obtained from overlay analysis. The resulting map was divided into four categories: very high, high, low, and very low groundwater potential zones. SVM classification result showed that most of Middle Andaman's areas come under the low to very low GWPZ (63.4%), followed by high GWPZ (27%), and 10.6% of very high GWPZ. SVM classification resulted in overall accuracy, kappa coefficient, and the area in the ROC curve of 91.66%, 0.87, and 0.64 respectively. The analysis revealed a correlation between each factor and the Multi-Criteria Decision Method (MCDM) and Support Vector Machine (SVM), indicating that the majority of geological and geomorphological features are linked to lower groundwater potential. Further, the result was compared with groundwater fluctuation data of the middle Andaman. Finally, this study provides an expedient approach to delineating the GWPZ for practical management and use of the area's groundwater resources to maintain the island's sustainability.

Delineating suitable zones for solar-based groundwater exploitation using multi-criteria analysis: A techno-economic assessment for meeting sustainable development goals (SDGs)

While several articles have focused on determining a suitability map for groundwater exploitation by assigning weights to different thematic layers, this technique suffers from a lack of worldwide application because it focuses on the features of a specific region (terrain features, vegetation, and climate) during the investigation. To overcome this drawback, we expanded the evaluation method of groundwater exploitation by integrating the region characteristics and topography with the three pillars of sustainability outlined by the SDGs agenda. Seven thematic layers, reflecting the economic and technical characteristics of El-Saloum depression, Egypt, were prepared to develop a solar energy-based groundwater suitability map. It was depicted that about 11.5%, 29.3%, and 44.0% of the total depression were classified into “Most’, “Moderate”, and “Marginal” suitable locations, respectively. Based on the sensitivity analysis, the southeastern zone of the depression emerged as the most suitable site for solar-groundwater utilization due to its low salinity (<5000 ppm), reasonable groundwater depths (less than 50 m), and land availability (undeveloped regions). Substituting a diesel power system (DPS) with a photovoltaic system (PVS) in groundwater pumping and/or reverse osmosis (RO) desalination would reduce 1.2 kg CO2/kWh and maintain a payback period of 6.4 years with a cost of energy (COE) of ∼0.25 US$/kWh. Applying PVS for groundwater management could fulfill about 25.0%, 37.5%, 40.0%, and 20.0% of sustainable development goals (SDGs) 2 “Zero hunger”, 6 “Clean water and sanitation”, 7 “Affordable and clean energy”, 13 “Climate action”. The achievement of these SDGs was equivalent to 22.7%, 15.4%, and 13.2% of the environmental, economic, and social pillars of sustainability, respectively. Consequently, the study's findings are crucial for stakeholders and policymakers involved in the sustainable management of groundwater resources within the SDGs umbrella.

Assessing groundwater quality in semi-arid conditions: a geographic information systems-integrated approach using water quality index

Meeting freshwater demands in water-scarce regions is imperative, given challenges like hydric stress, urbanization, aridity, and population growth. This study focuses on the Tebessa aquifer system, a critical water source facing escalating demands. A primary objective is to identify actionable management strategies to improve groundwater quality dynamics in semi-arid regions. The methodology involves a comprehensive assessment of groundwater health using the Water Quality Index (WQI) approach. This method integrates diverse parameters influenced by intensive agricultural and industrial activities. Additionally, spatial relationship analysis, facilitated by Geographic Information System (GIS) technology, is employed to gain insights into complex hydrogeological processes. The multi-parameter strategy implemented results in water quality maps that highlight various ions, revealing spatial disparities and assigning quality priority classes from 'Good' to 'Poor' across the groundwater. The research, conducted in the semi-arid Tebessa-Morsott Plain, encompasses field and laboratory investigations to delineate hydrochemical traits, including alkalinity, salinity, and heightened ion concentrations. The results of the study contribute to scientific understanding by uncovering interrelationships and spatial intricacies, offering valuable insights for water resource governance. The effectiveness of the methodology, incorporating WQI and GIS, is demonstrated in the comprehensive evaluation of groundwater quality. Ultimately, this research provides a foundation for informed decision-making and sustainable management of groundwater resources in semi-arid regions.

Assessment of Groundwater Quality Using the Pollution Index of Groundwater (PIG), Nitrate Pollution Index (NPI), Water Quality Index (WQI), Multivariate Statistical Analysis (MSA), and GIS Approaches: A Case Study of the Mnasra Region, Gharb Plain, Morocco

Groundwater, an invaluable resource crucial for irrigation and drinking purposes, significantly impacts human health and societal advancement. This study aims to evaluate the groundwater quality in the Mnasra region of the Gharb Plain, employing a comprehensive analysis of thirty samples collected from various locations, based on thirty-three physicochemical parameters. Utilizing tools like the Pollution Index of Groundwater (PIG), Nitrate Pollution Index (NPI), Water Quality Index (WQI), Irrigation Water Quality Index (IWQI), as well as Multivariate Statistical Approaches (MSA), and the Geographic Information System (GIS), this research identifies the sources of groundwater pollution. The results revealed Ca2+ dominance among cations and Cl− as the primary anion. The Piper and Gibbs diagrams illustrated the prevalent Ca2+-Cl− water type and the significance of water–rock interactions, respectively. The PIG values indicated that 86.66% of samples exhibited “Insignificant pollution”. NPI showed notable nitrate pollution (1.48 to 7.06), with 83.33% of samples rated “Good” for drinking based on the WQI. The IWQI revealed that 80% of samples were classified as “Excellent” and 16.66% as “Good”. Spatial analysis identified the eastern and southern sections as highly contaminated due to agricultural activities. These findings provide valuable insights for decision-makers to manage groundwater resources and promote sustainable water management in the Gharb region.

Hybrid modeling of karstic springs: Error correction of conceptual reservoir models with machine learning

Abstract The simulation of spring discharge is of high interest for water supply management. Accurate modeling and prediction of spring discharge can help water authorities and managers optimize water use, face seasonal variability, and prepare for possible drought conditions. Therefore, developing reliable simulation models and forecasting tools for spring discharge is essential for the effective management of groundwater resources relying on karstic springs. While the use of complementary modeling approaches has been explored in various hydrological contexts, its application to spring discharge modeling remains relatively unexplored. Previous studies on spring discharge modeling have predominantly focused on either conceptual/distributed models or data-driven models separately, without fully investigating the potential advantages of combining these two approaches. Consequently, there is a research gap in understanding the potential benefits and effectiveness of integrating these models for spring discharge modeling. This study developed and evaluated a hybrid modeling approach integrating a conceptual hydrological model with a machine learning technique to simulate spring discharge from the largest karst aquifer supplying the city of Bordeaux, France. Specifically, the study combined the five-parameter GR5J reservoir model with a random forests data-driven model in a hybrid framework. Model performance was assessed through comparison with….

Anthropogenic processes drive spatiotemporal variability of sulfate in groundwater from a multi-aquifer system: Dilution caused by mine drainage

The water quality evolution of surface and groundwater caused by mining activities and mine drainage is a grave public concern worldwide. To explore the effect of mine drainage on sulfate evolution, a multi-aquifer system in a typical coal mine in Northwest China was investigated using multi-isotopes (δ34SSO4, δ18OSO4, δD, and δ18Owater) and Positive Matrix Factorization (PMF) model. Before mining, the Jurassic aquifer was dominated by gypsum dissolution, accompanied by cation exchange and bacterial sulfate reduction, and the phreatic aquifers and surface water were dominated by carbonate dissolution. Significant increase in sulfate in phreatic aquifers due to mine drainage during the early stages of coal mining. However, in contrast to common mining activities that result in sulfate contamination from pyrite oxidation, mine drainage in this mining area resulted in accelerated groundwater flow and enhanced hydraulic connections between the phreatic and confined aquifers. Dilution caused by the altered groundwater flow system controlled the evolution of sulphate, leading to different degrees of sulfate decrease in all aquifers and surface water. As the hydrogeochemical characteristic of Jurassic aquifer evolved toward phreatic aquifer, this factor should be considered to avoid misjudgment in determining the source of mine water intrusion. The study reveals the hydrogeochemical evolution induced by mine drainage, which could benefit to the management of groundwater resources in mining areas.

Stream and aquifer water exchange in Mississippi Embayment under intensive pumping and extreme climate: A century‐long assessment

AbstractThe Mississippi Embayment (ME) is one of the fastest groundwater depletion zones in the world. This study investigated stream‐aquifer water exchange in the ME over a 115‐year period (1900 to 2014) under normal and extreme climates (i.e., precipitation increased and decreased by 20%) with and without agricultural pumping for crop irrigation. The average daily water flow from the aquifer to the streams was always greater than vice versa under all climate scenarios. Under normal climate, the average daily water flow from the aquifer to the streams was 2.52 times larger without pumping than with pumping. While the extreme climate had discernable impacts, the groundwater pumping, but not extreme climate, was the major factor for low flows and drying streams in the ME. These findings are essential to groundwater resource management in the region and provide a critical reference for other parts of the world with similar conditions.

Innovative mapping of groundwater redox status and cation exchange conditions in a GIS environment

Understanding the complexities of regional groundwater quality is crucial for managing groundwater resources. Groundwater quality assessment involves investigating specific dissolved groundwater components, for example, comparing them to established standards. To fully understand all aspects of groundwater quality, one should assess composite properties, one being the redox status and another being the cation exchange condition. The first may, for example, impose a control on the degradation of organic micropollutants. While groundwater numerical indices can be easily interpolated and visualised using various GIS applications, consistently mapping the redox status and cation exchange conditions as non-numerical indices remains challenging. Furthermore, no study has yet conducted a regional-scale mapping of cation exchange classes in a GIS environment using extensive groundwater samples. To deepen our understanding of these groundwater components, we employed ArcGIS in this study to map the redox and cation exchange conditions in two stages. First, we mapped the groundwater components of interest, including Cl, SO4, SO4/Cl, Fe, NO3 and base exchanges of Na and Mg, by the most appropriate interpolation method identified by a geostatistical analysis. Then, variables were combined, and the conditional functions were used in ArcMap's Math toolbox to determine redox status or cation exchange classes. Our innovative GIS method for mapping regional redox status and cation exchange conditions was developed for 3350 groundwater sampling locations in the coastal lowlands of the Western Netherlands. The method was successful, with generally 75%–95% similarity between predicted and observed situations for most classes. The introduced method is more straightforward than others and can map other non-numerical linguistic indices like Wilcox groundwater and irrigation water classifications, as well.

Spatial modeling of the water table and its historical variations in Northeastern Italy via a geostatistical approach

Groundwater resources are the most important freshwater source for any human use and its preservation in the context of climatic variability is of crucial importance. So far, no systematic spatial estimation of the water table in Northeastern Italy has ever been made available, whereas the Veneto Region (North-Eastern Italy) provides a free database with recorded water table measurements between 1999 and 2022. These starting data have been cleaned, leading to a final database of 53 yearly water table data. The lack of knowledge about the spatial estimation of the water table within the historical period is overcome through the well-known geostatistical technique of cokriging. The latter is the most suitable approach for reproducing water table elevations upon local terrain elevation as an auxiliary variable. Results underline modest decrements between 1999 and 2022, which are more pronounced in the Prealps area and in general in sedimentary soils, and less in the Fontanili belt, a crucial freshwater source area. Moreover, the estimated water table change is highly non-linear in time from year to year and highly varying in space. The results seem particularly interesting in the plain areas and within the Fontanili belt, where the management of groundwater resources is becoming crucial. However, the spatial estimation in the Prealps area needs to be improved for a better assessment and future reliable predictions.

Site-specific condition evaluation for managed aquifer recharge (MAR) site selection in granitic aquifers, Ghana

Abstract Water has prominence over all the usable natural resources to humankind due to its very significance to human life. Approximately, 70% of Ghana's populace relies on groundwater exploitation for freshwater consumption. Managed aquifer recharge is capable of sustaining water resources for all livelihood activities. Underperformance of MAR systems is often due to site-specific hydrogeological conditions turning out to be less favorable than anticipated. This study evaluates the site-specific conditions for MAR sites identification in granitic aquifers, integrating in situ hydrogeological factors and GIS-MCDA. One hundred and twenty-one datasets from different boreholes comprising hydro geophysics, borehole drilling and pump test reports were used. The constraint mapping results indicate 92% suitable for MAR application within the study area, implying available enormous bare lands for flooding recharge technique. The suitability analysis discloses that 48 and 51% of the studied area fall within very high and high suitable zones, respectively, showing convincing and great potential to support infiltration ponds for MAR technology application. The valuable information provided through this study can serve as a guide for MAR implementation and for sustainable groundwater resources management within the Upper East region of Ghana.

Conjunctive management of groundwater and surface water resources using a hybrid simulation–optimization method

Abstract This study aimed to determine the optimal conjunctive utilization of groundwater and surface water resources in the Halil River basin, one of the most significant study regions in Kerman Province (Iran). Multi-verse optimizer (MVO) and the ANFIS (adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference systems) simulation model, known as the MVO–ANFIS simulation–optimization model, were used for this purpose. Moreover, the optimal exploitation policy for the studied basin was presented. The ANFIS model yielded a coefficient of determination greater than 0.99 in Baft, Rabor, and Jiroft.This model had a high capability to simulate groundwater levels in these three regions. Therefore, the ANFIS model was adopted as the simulation model to predict the aquifer water table in these regions. Regarding the conjunctive utilization of groundwater and surface water resources, the exploitation policy resulting from the MVO–ANFIS simulation–optimization model had a desirable performance by supplying 91.70, 87.75, and 97.58% of the total demands of Baft, Rabor, and Jiroft, respectively. Moreover, results of water system performance indicators, including reliability (82.96, 72.65, 95.07), resiliency (70, 53.47, 80), vulnerability (29.54, 25.64, 17.02), and sustainability (74.24%, 66.10%, 85.78%) in the mentioned regions, respectively, showed the appropriate performance of the proposed model for the simulation–optimization problem.

Analysis on the spatiotemporal evolutions of groundwater hydrochemistry and water quality caused by over-extraction and seawater intrusion in eastern coastal China

The over-extraction of groundwater has resulted in seawater intrusion and the southward migration of the saltwater interface, gradually deteriorating the groundwater quality in the Weibei Plain. In this research, groundwater samples were gathered from 46 monitoring wells for shallow groundwater during the years 2006, 2011, 2016, and 2021. The hydrochemical features of regional groundwater and the factors influencing the issue were subjected to statistical analysis. Additionally, the assessment of spatiotemporal variations in groundwater quality was conducted using the customized entropy-weighted water quality index (EWQI) method. The relationship between groundwater over-extraction and the southward intrusion of the saltwater interface was compared and analyzed. The results of this paper revealed that the Weibei Plain has been in a state of long-term over-extraction of groundwater from 2000 to 2021, with an average annual over-extraction of 118.49 million m3. The groundwater depression cone areas in the northern part of the study area increased from 3,247.37 to 4,581.34 km2 from 2006 to 2021, with the center of the cone experiencing a drop in groundwater level from −22 to −85 m. The saltwater interface shifted southward by 711.71 km2 from 2006 to 2021. In groundwater, the high concentrations of TH, TDS, and Cl− were primarily related to the seawater intrusion, while higher concentrations of NO3− were mainly determined by frequent agricultural production, industrial wastewater, and domestic sewage discharges. The groundwater hydrochemical types in the study area transitioned from predominantly HCO3·Ca-Mg type in 2006 to HCO3-Na type and SO4·Cl-Ca·Mg type in 2021 due to seawater intrusion. The results of PCA and HCA show the effects of seawater intrusion, human activities, and rock weathering on groundwater hydrochemistry. The evaluation results based on the EWQI revealed that the average value of the samples in 2021 was 101.36, which belonged to Class IV water quality standards, representing the poorest water quality among the 4 years. The southward migration of the saltwater interface led to the deterioration of groundwater quality in the groundwater depression cone areas, which gradually worsened from 2006 to 2021. The maximum increase in EWQI value was 174.68 during the period, shifting from Class III water quality to Class V water quality. Groundwater quality remained relatively better in the western and southern regions which were less affected or unaffected by seawater intrusion. The results of the study can provide a certain reference value for the sustainable management of groundwater resources and the management of groundwater pollution and seawater intrusion in the Weifang City area in the future.

Groundwater Study Using Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES) Data Based on Resistivity and Porosity of Rocks in Kampung Melayu, Bengkulu City

This research aims to identify groundwater based on the value of resistivity and porosity of rocks, which are important parameters in the management of groundwater resources and Development Planning in the region. This groundwater research using Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES) data based on the value of resistivity and porosity of rocks was carried out by measuring resistivity using the (VES) method at 20 sounding points located in Kampung Melayu District, Bengkulu City. The VES method is one of the approaches in the geoelectric method to determine the lithological characteristics of subsurface rocks. Resistivity Data obtained were then inverted and analyzed and interpreted to obtain lithology of subsurface rocks and groundwater level distribution in Kampung Melayu, Bengkulu City. The results showed the presence of groundwater based on low resistivity anomaly values with a range of values from 5 to 30 meters in the West and 10 to 50 meters in the East, with resistivity values ranging between 5 Ω.m up to 45 Ω.m. This research is expected to make a significant contribution to the management of groundwater resources in the District of Kampung Melayu, Bengkulu City and can be the basis for development planning in the area. In addition, it is hoped that the results of this research can be a reference for further research in the field of hydrogeology and groundwater modeling. Keywords: Aquifer; geoelectricity; groundwater; porosity; resistivity

Assessing the influence of seasonal precipitation patterns on groundwater quality in the coal rich environment of Enugu, Nigeria

As the impacts of climate change continue to be felt around the world, understanding the effects on groundwater quality and quantity has become an important area of investigation. As a global source of water that contributes to preserving the environment, a better understanding of the effect of precipitation seasonal pattern on these systems is crucial; though studies connected to groundwater quality in this era of environmental crisis are at infancy. This study aims to evaluate the effect of precipitation seasonal pattern on groundwater quality in a coal enriched environment of developing city of west African sub-region with particular reference to Enugu, a coal city in Nigeria. Three residential areas (Abakpa, Achara, and Independence Layout) were randomly selected from high, medium, and low neighbourhood densities in the metropolis. Within the period spanning from April 2018 to March 2019, a physiochemical analysis was conducted on twelve deep wells utilizing weighted arithmetic index method. This technique was implemented in order to facilitate the assessment of the degree of water quality by translating a number of variables to just one metric value. The results of the investigation showed that the groundwater resources in the study region are mildly acidic, presumably as a result of the presence of pyrite, which is a byproduct of coal weathering, and chloride-ion-charged rains. Additionally, noticeable distinctions in the properties of water samples were observed between the dry and rainy seasons. Specifically, just 1% of the sampled water had excellent ratings, while 58.3% were considered good, 29.1% were deemed poor, and 8.3% of samples were categorized as very poor. The study concluded that coupled with climate crisis, seasonal precipitation patterns affect groundwater resources by reducing recharge, discharge, and the overall quality of water. These results have important implications for the management of groundwater resources in the region and highlight the need for continued monitoring and assessment of water quality in the face of ongoing environmental changes.

Assessing groundwater quality dynamics in Madhya Pradesh: Chemical contaminants and their temporal patterns

Groundwater is essential for maintaining ecosystem health and overall well-being as a pivotal resource for plants and animals. The increasing public consciousness of the deterioration of groundwater quality has emphasized the significance of undertaking extended evaluations of groundwater water quality, particularly in regions undergoing substantial hydrological alterations. This study primarily aims to investigate the spatio-temporal variations in groundwater quality and evaluate its suitability for potable purposes in the region of Madhya Pradesh. The study combines the Mann-Kendall (MK) test and Sen's Slope (SS) to analyze the changes in groundwater quality of all 51 districts of Madhya Pradesh, India, utilizing 12 water quality indices using MATLAB. Data was sourced from the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) in India from the year 2001–2021. The data was then tested for homogeneity at all 1154 sampling stations using the software XLSTAT. Piper plot clustering characterized the state's groundwater as bicarbonate-calcium-magnesium (HCO3−-Ca2+-Mg2+) type. The study found that the groundwater in the area is heavily impacted by high levels of nitrate and hardness, which is caused by an increase in multivalent cations. The water was classified as ranging from hard to extremely hard, and approximately 25.49% of the state's groundwater has nitrate levels that exceed the acceptable limits. The MK test showed a significant increasing correlation in trends for parameters such as nitrate, sulfate, fluoride, chloride, bicarbonate, total hardness, and electrical conductivity. It also showed a significant decreasing correlation for calcium, magnesium, potassium, and sodium. These results were observed at a confidence level of 95%. The analysis of trends has shown that human-related factors have a considerable effect on the characteristics of groundwater quality. It is therefore recommended that such human-related factors be taken into consideration when developing policies for managing groundwater resources. Consequently, these policies should emphasize the strict enforcement of rules and standards that limit the overuse of fertilizers, ensure the appropriate disposal of municipal solid and liquid wastes, and regulate industrial pollutants.

Delineation of Groundwater Potential Zones for Sustainable Development and Planning using AHP and GIS Techniques in the Coal Mining Province of Mahan River Catchment Area

The present research aims to address the drinking water crisis in the Mahan River catchment area resulting from the disruption of groundwater availability due to extensive coal mining. The study uses GIS-based Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) to map the groundwater potential of the area by analysing several factors that affect groundwater availability, including rainfall, water depth, geomorphology, geology, soil, land-cover/land-use, and topographic characteristics derived from DEM. The groundwater potential map created using the MCDA technique classified the area into low, moderate, and high groundwater potential zones. The map was validated and verified using water table depth and electrical conductivity values available in the region, indicating that it can be used to identify groundwater recharging sites. The study’s results show that about 30% of the area has high groundwater potential, and more than 45% of the area has moderate groundwater potential. The information derived from the study can be used for sustainable management and proper planning of groundwater resources in the Mahan River catchment area. Overall, the study presents a useful approach to address the groundwater depletion problem resulting from coal mining activities in the Mahan River catchment area.

Evaluation of the Offsets of Artificial Recharge on the Extra Run-Off Induced by Urbanization and Extreme Storms Based on an Enhanced Semi-Distributed Hydrologic Model with an Infiltration Basin Module

Urbanization and climate change exacerbate groundwater overexploitation and urban flooding. The infiltration basin plays a significant role in protecting groundwater resources because it is a prevalent technology of managed aquifer recharge. It could also be utilized as a retention pond to mitigate city waterlogging. The goal of this study was to explore the offsets of artificial recharge on the extra runoff induced by urbanization and extreme storms via infiltration basins. To achieve this objective, a lumped infiltration basin module was developed and integrated into a semi-distributed hydrologic model. Then, the enhanced model was applied to an agriculture watershed with urban areas. Finally, the functionalities of the infiltration basins were evaluated under the scenarios of the predicted urbanization and extreme storms. The results demonstrated the capability of the infiltration basins to influence both artificial recharge and flood mitigation. To mitigate floods, especially peak flows, larger areas are needed for infiltration basins than for artificial recharge purposes only. Based on different demands, the intermittent regulation of infiltration basins according to different hydrologic periods is recommended. The offsets of artificial recharge on the extra surface runoff provide insight into the comprehensive preservation and management of surface water resources and groundwater resources.