Sustainable Groundwater Development Research Articles

Evaluating the productivity of basement rock aquifers for sustainable groundwater development in sub-Sahara Africa using borehole pumping experiments and geophysical data

Ensuring all-year-round groundwater availability in the basement complex regions of sub-Sahara Africa requires careful combinations of strategies for exploration, development, and management of groundwater resources. The productivity of the basement aquifer of sub-Sahara Africa, SSA, was evaluated in terms of the volume of water produced per unit time, the aquifer transmissivity, hydraulic conductivity, specific capacity, and the thickness of the water-bearing zones using a suit of data from borehole pumping experiments, geophysical surveys, and lithologic logs from an area measuring 85.56 square kilometers in sub-Sahara Africa. Findings from the study have been used to classify the basement complex aquifers of sub-Sahara Africa into three categories: marginally productive, low productive, and moderately productive. Weathered and fractured zones were found to be bright spots for groundwater storage, and aquifer productivity correlates with topography and the thickness of the weather zones. Most of the boreholes located on the low topographic heights were found to have the highest groundwater discharge, transmissivity, and hydraulic conductivity. Further, the study showed that the popular models used for estimating aquifer properties are unsuitable for basement complex aquifers. The results of the models are exaggerated when compared to the pumping test results. Cases of dry holes or poorly performing wells in the basement complex terrain may be attributed to the exaggeration. Consequently, two new and novel quantitative models were proposed and tested for evaluating the productivity parameters of basement aquifers of SSA for optimal selection of sites for groundwater development. The aquifer productivity maps computed with the new quantitative models show striking similarities to those computed from the pumping tests results and confirmed the appropriateness of the new quantitative models. The appropriate pumping device, pump operation time, and installation depth were recommended for the boreholes producing groundwater from the three categories of aquifers identified in this study.

Predicting Well Productivity in Cratonic Regions Using Remote Sensing Lineaments and Weathered Cover Thickness: A Case Study from Bobo Dioulasso, Burkina Faso

In western African cratonic regions, fractured crystalline bedrock, Neoproterozoic sedimentary covers, and regolith deposits constitute the most productive aquifer systems. Structural lineaments derived from remote sensing data and weathered cover thickness from borehole interpretations provide cost-effective methods for evaluating well productivity in regions with limited economic resources and hydrogeological knowledge, such as Houet province in Western Burkina Faso. Structural lineaments were interpreted using 1:200,000 Landsat TM images and 1:50,000 aerial photographs, revealing NE and NW as the most significant directions. An analysis of 101 borehole stratigraphic profiles from rural water supply program reports revealed the weathering depth and cover thickness. Borehole productivity exhibited a strong correlation with increased weathered cover thickness. Negative well results were concentrated in areas with less than 5 meters of cover. In contrast, significant differences in specific yield rates were observed with greater thicknesses, ranging from 2.5 m³/d for 20 meters of saturated thickness to 7.6 m³/d when the regolith reached a depth of 40 meters. These preliminary groundwater exploration tools effectively target successful well sites by accounting for differing lithologies, regional tectonics, and regolith development. This approach is particularly relevant for cratonic regions with limited resources and hydrogeological knowledge, aiding in sustainable groundwater development and land-use planning.

Application of surface geophysical investigations and pumping test data analysis for better characterization of aquifer hydraulic parameters, Upper Awash Sub-Basin, Central Ethiopia

Study regionUpper Awash River Sub-basin in central Ethiopia Study focusThe research aimed to estimate aquifer parameters and conduct resistivity modeling in the study area. Data were collected from 890 Schlumberger Vertical Electrical Soundings (VES) points strategically distributed across six selected zones. The VES data were analyzed using computer modeling and curve-matching techniques to interpret the resistivity responses of the geological formations. This analysis provided insights into the subsurface characteristics and identified potential aquifer zones. New insights for the regionThe interpreted curves from the VES data and Root Mean Square (RMS%) values ranging from 0.36 % to 1.67 %, indicating a good fit between observed and modeled data. Resistivity modeling and geoelectrical sections were produced along specific lines, visualizing subsurface structures and confirming the resistivity responses of the geological formations. To determine aquifer parameters, the Dar-Zarrouk parameters were calculated from the interpreted curves, yielding crucial information about hydraulic properties such as hydraulic conductivity (K) and transmissivity (T). Hydraulic conductivity values ranged from 1.1 m/day to 21.7 m/day, while transmissivity values ranged from 144.3 m²/day to 2763.3 m²/day. Validation against borehole pumping test data showed strong correlations: R² = 0.9873 for transmissivity and transverse resistance, and R² = 0.9352 for hydraulic conductivity and resistivity. These findings enhance the understanding of the complex volcanic aquifer characteristics in the Upper Awash River Sub-basin, aiding sustainable groundwater management and development in the area.

Revealing the defluoridation efficacy of a ureolytic bacterium Micrococcus yunnanensis MLN22 through MICP driven biomineralization for sustainable groundwater development

Revealing the defluoridation efficacy of a ureolytic bacterium Micrococcus yunnanensis MLN22 through MICP driven biomineralization for sustainable groundwater development

Evaluation of groundwater quality for drinking and irrigation purposes, ionic sources and land use/land cover impacts in the Kathua region of Jammu and Kashmir, India

Kathua is one of the fast-growing industrial districts of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, northern India. The primary source of water in Kathua is groundwater, which is widely used for industrial, agricultural, drinking, and building purposes. The groundwater system is changing significantly both in terms of quantity and quality in the study area due to recent industrial and infrastructural developments. Thus, 40 groundwater samples were collected from different wells in the pre-monsoon season, May 2022, and analyzed for physicochemical variables to determine the impact of geogenic and anthropogenic activities on the groundwater. The drinking groundwater quality appears to be excellent to good. Of the variables that were examined, two—TH and HCO3—had concentrations higher than the recommended limits of the BIS and WHO guidelines. Groundwater contains alkaline earth metals and weak acids, and its hydrochemistry is controlled by rock‒water interactions (silicate weathering or cation exchange and reverse-ion exchange processes). Several parameters (electrical conductivity, sodium percentage, sodium adsorption ratio, permeability index, magnesium adsorption ratio, residual sodium carbonate, and the Kelly’s ratio) were used to evaluate groundwater suitability for irrigation. The permeability index, magnesium adsorption ratio, and residual sodium carbonate indicate that the groundwater of a few samples is unsuitable for irrigation purposes. Land use/land cover (LULC) change analysis was used to determine the potential impacts of LULC changes on groundwater. Anthropogenic interventions are a major cause of LULC changes that are considerably reducing groundwater recharge zones, increasing surface runoff, and artificially polluting groundwater through domestic and industrial wastes, according to the LULC analysis conducted using satellite data for the year 2017 and 2022. Therefore, to minimize the effects of LULC on groundwater, prompt action must be taken, requiring regular monitoring of groundwater quality and LULC changes. The results of the study may be useful to the general public, farmers, and policy makers in the sustainable development and management of groundwater.

Traceability of Phreatic Groundwater Contaminants and the Threat to Human Health: A Case Study in the Tabu River Basin, North China

Groundwater is the main clean water resource in northern China, and its quality is critical for both human health and social sustainable development. Due to complex anthropogenic and/or geogenic processes, the sources of groundwater contaminants are not easy to determine. The Tabu River Basin, located in northern China, is an agriculture and pasture interlaced area in which phreatic groundwater is the predominant water resource for domestic and agricultural purposes. Groundwater with abnormally high levels of NO3−, F−, and TDS was observed here based on 87 groundwater samples collected from the phreatic aquifer in 2022. In this study, hydrogeochemical and isotopic methods were used to trace groundwater contaminants in the phreatic aquifer, and a risk assessment was conducted to analyze their threat to human health. The results indicated that NO3− in the phreatic groundwater primarily originated from manure, the high concentration of TDS was highly associated with irrigation, and the enrichment of F− was mainly controlled by geogenic factors, including alkaline condition, competitive adsorption, the dissolution of fluorine-bearing minerals, and cation exchange. A principal component analysis (PCA) showed that both anthropogenic (PC1, 50.7%) and geogenic (PC2, 19.9%) factors determined the quality of the phreatic groundwater in the study area. The human health risk assessment demonstrated that 98.9%, 92.0%, and 80.5% of the groundwater samples exceeded the permissible limit of the total noncarcinogenic risk for children, adult females, and adult males, respectively. The monitoring results from 2022 to 2023 suggested that phreatic groundwater contamination could not be mitigated through natural attenuation under the existing external pressures. Measures need to be taken to decrease the contamination of phreatic groundwater and enhance the groundwater sustainability in the Tabu River Basin. The findings of this study can provide a reference for sustainable groundwater development in the Tabu River Basin and other arid and semi-arid regions worldwide.

Investigation of Aquifer Vulnerability under some Protective Measures in Ehime Mbano, South-Eastern Nigeria for Sustainable Groundwater Development

This study focuses on assessing aquifer vulnerability to contamination in Ehime Mbano South-Eastern Nigeria by applying the DRASTIC model. The data was obtained using (VES) vertical electrical sounding technique by applying Schlumberger configurations with AB/2 = 400 m. The VES data were interpreted using state of the art soft wares e.g. IP12WIN and Surfer 12 to obtain the final model for each VES, groundwater vulnerability map was also developed while aquifer media was gotten by taking into account, the depth at which water was struck and correlating those depths with the lithological description of the VES results obtained. The hydraulic conductivity was calculated from apparent resistivity of the aquifer. However, the net recharge, soil media, and topography was obtained from research documentaries. Aquifer vulnerability assessment carried out revealed areas with high, low and moderate vulnerability based on the DRASTIC Index. Locations with high vulnerability rating of 126 -165 includes: Umuokiri Umunumo and Ikperejere. Locations with moderate vulnerability rating of 86-125 includes: Ikpem, Ikweii Nzerem while locations with low vulnerability rating of 70-85 includes: Umuokara Uzinomi and areas close to Umueze II. The findings of the study can be used to identify regions of contamination of groundwater in the study area.

Integration of geospatial-based algorithms for groundwater potential characterization in Keiskamma Catchment of South Africa

Groundwater supports over 2.4 billion people across the globe and is critical to food security. The spatial dynamics of groundwater vary from place to place. The irregularity of groundwater resource exploitation is recognized in drought-prone areas, putting pressure on the resource. Hence, accurate groundwater potential characterization is critical for sustainable development and management of groundwater, particularly in drought-prone environments. Therefore, this study aimed at utilizing remote sensing satellite data and geospatial-based (analytical hierarchy process (AHP) and frequency ratio (FR)) algorithms to characterize groundwater potential zones (GWPZs) in the Keiskamma Catchment of South Africa. Seven (7) selected factors, including geology, soil type, slope, rainfall, drainage density, lineament density, and land use land cover, were assigned weights based on the AHP and FR algorithms. The validation results showed that the FR model performed better than the AHP, with the area under curve (AUC) accuracies of 62% and 50%, respectively. Based on the findings of this study, we infer that FR is more reliable than AHP when characterizing GWPZ. Lastly, GWPZ maps produced will be beneficial for improving efficient planning, management strategies, and decision-making.

A new insight for geophysical and geospatial mapping quaternary alluvium of Indo-Gangetic plains for exploration and assessment of groundwater in Haryana, India

A comprehensive study on groundwater exploration and assessment was conducted, integrating geophysical, geological, lithological, and resistivity logging techniques for a holistic evaluation of groundwater resources in Haryana, India. The primary research objective was to gain insight into the geological composition of alluvial sand and its implications for groundwater occurrence in Haryana's semi-arid region. The study showcases high-resolution electrical resistivity tomography results alongside conceptual cross-sectional models and 3D lithological models, revealing buried channels that serve as groundwater sources and saturated sand as well as recharge conduits within the alluvial region of Haryana. Moreover, borehole drilling at two sites and resistivity logging data demonstrate a strong correlation between various lithologies and resistivity logs. Overall, groundwater prospect zones are delineated at depths ranging from 18 m to over 100 m based on resistivity values of aquifer zones inferred from electrical resistivity tomography models, as well as mapped thick sand layers with significant hydrogeological importance in the study area. This emphasizes the stress on the aquifer system, where groundwater is being extracted from deeper depths. The conceptual litho-sectional model reveals a thick sand signature at intermediate depths, indicating the presence of buried paleochannels extending from Galedwa (Kurukshetra) to Jubbal (Yamunanagar). Additionally, the 3D lithological models, along with the electrical resistivity tomography results, facilitate strategic planning for shallow and deep boreholes for groundwater exploration and prospecting, aiming at sustainable groundwater development and management of resources in both the present and future.

Water Governance in Tanzania – A Synthesis of Legal and Institutional Frameworks for Groundwater Management in the Upper Great Ruaha River Catchment

The importance of groundwater resources in buffering the effects of climate change on water scarcity and security is highly acknowledged worldwide. However, groundwater development and use can only be sustainable with a more robust policy and institutional arrangements related to water governance. The purpose of this study was to analyse the legal framework of water resource development and management in order to contribute in identifying policy constraints to sustainable groundwater resource development and management in Tanzania. The paper used information from literature reviews and data collected through qualitative methods using a case study of Usangu Plains in the Upper Great Ruaha River Catchment in Tanzania. The findings reveal that water governance institutional frameworks are well structured to provide guidelines on how water as a basic human resource can be utilised and properly managed, but most importantly, these institutional arrangements place disproportionate emphasis on groundwater. Attaining sustainable groundwater development and use requires new disclosures and narratives in water policy and law, integrating both surface and groundwater resources. The weaknesses identified in groundwater governance need to be taken on Board once, the existing water institutional frameworks open to perfection for sustainable utilisation of groundwater resources

Sustainable groundwater development using semi-supervised learning and community-led total forestry and pasture approach

Groundwater is a critical resource for billions of people worldwide, providing a vital source of freshwater for agriculture, industry, and domestic use. However, over-extraction and mismanagement of groundwater resources have led to significant environmental and social challenges. This research presents a novel approach to address these issues through the integration of Semi-Supervised Learning (SSL) and the Community-Led Total Forestry and Pasture (CLTFP) approach. Our proposed methodology combines SSL techniques to predict and monitor groundwater levels, enabling more informed decision-making by authorities and stakeholders. By leveraging both labeled and unlabeled data, two different components including SSL and CLTFP are used, where SSL enhances the accuracy of predictions while reducing the need for costly and time-consuming data collection efforts. Furthermore, we advocate for the CLTFP approach, which promotes community engagement and sustainable land management practices. This strategy empowers local communities to actively participate in safeguarding groundwater resources, promoting sustainable farming, and reforestation efforts. The proposed method outperforms existing methods, achieving 98% accuracy, significant cost reduction, strong community engagement, and environmentally sustainable outcomes.

Deep learning models for groundwater level prediction based on delay penalty

Abstract In irrigation agriculture, predicting groundwater level (GWL) using deep learning models can help decision-makers coordinate surface water and groundwater usage, thus aiding in the sustainable development and utilization of groundwater. However, when making a long sequence prediction, prediction sequences often have severe delays affecting the availability of prediction results. In this paper, a new loss function is proposed to minimize the lag and oversmoothing on the prediction of GWLs. GWL, meteorology, and pumping data are collected via an irrigation Internet of Things system in Hutubi County, Xinjiang. Through Pearson's correlation analysis, historical potential evapotranspiration (ET0), groundwater extraction, and GWL were chosen to predict GWLs. Datasets were constructed through the proposed spatiotemporal data fusion method; then, the best model from the six deep learning models was selected by comparing the prediction capability of the datasets. Finally, the mean-squared error (MSE) loss function is replaced by the proposed loss function. Compared to the mean absolute error, MSE, and predicted sequence graphs, the new loss function significantly depresses the time delay with similar prediction accuracy.

Hydrogeological Analysis of Cretaceous and Tertiary Aquifers in Semiarid Sokoto Basin, Northwestern Nigeria: Implications for Sustainable Groundwater Development

Groundwater development in arid and semiarid regions is accelerated by expanded irrigation farming, industrialisation, and municipal water supply. This study provides a detailed hydrogeological analysis of sedimentary aquifers of the Sokoto basin, Northwestern Nigeria, for improved water resource development and management. Hydrogeological data, including static water level (Swl), pumping water level (Pwl), pumping test (Pt), and estimated yield (Ey), were analysed. A total of three hundred (300) observations on Swl, Pt, Pwl, Ey, and Hps were derived from boreholes and analysed using Factor analysis (FA) and Regression analysis (RA). Results showed that Gwandu Formation is the most prolific aquifer. Boreholes can yield more than 24000 litres per hour (L/h). This was followed by The Kalambaina limestone aquifer, which has the potential to yield about 15000 (L/h). However, the Taloka Formation is characterised by very poor aquifers in most of the basin, though along the Jega-Dogon Daji axis, boreholes can yield more than 24000 (L/h). Likewise, boreholes tapping the Wurno Formation can produce a maximum yield of 24000 (L/h). Estimated yields from boreholes were less than 1500 (L/h) from the Gundumi aquifer, and the maximum borehole yields were 17760 (L/h) in the Illo aquifer. Statistical modelling showed that all the analysed variables are significant concerning groundwater potentials and variability of borehole yields in the study area. Therefore, future groundwater resource development in the study area should be based on a proper analysis of the geological configurations of the Sokoto basin. This study provides an outlook on the groundwater potentials of the study area and aquifers that can provide a basis for sustainable groundwater development policy. Thus, the study has shown how multivariate and regression analysis can be used to study the hydrogeological conditions of a particular basin. Therefore, it is hoped that this study's findings will inspire other researchers to take a comparable approach.

DAMPAK EKSPLOITASI AIR TANAH SECARA BERLEBIHAN TERHADAP PEMENUHAN KEBUTUHAN AIR PENDUDUK DI DESA RAENYALE, KECAMATAN SABU BARAT KABUPATEN SABU RAIJUA

This study aims to determine (1) the impact of excessive exploitation of groundwater on the fulfillment of groundwater for residents in Raenyale Village (2) Strategies for overcoming the impact of excessive exploitation of groundwater on meeting the water needs of residents in Raenyale Village.The method used in this study is a quantitative descriptive research method to test hypotheses using statistical data tests. In this study there were 103 people who became the research sample consisting of people who used drilled wells, people who used dug wells and the head of Raenyale Village. Data collection methods used are questionnaires, interviews, observation and documentation. The results showed that (1). The impact of groundwater exploitation in Raenyale Village is that there are 17 dug wells which are experiencing drought due to excessive use of drilled wells which means that the community is forced to incur additional expenses by buying tanked water to meet the population's water needs. (2). The strategy for overcoming the impact of groundwater exploitation is that there are 13 people who make infiltration wells, plant trees around the well area and with community awareness and understanding of the importance of sustainable development and use of groundwater.

Geophysical research on the interplays between soil–rock variability and hydrogeological structures: a case study

Understanding the spatial variations in soil–rock profiles is crucial for identifying weathered rock layers and mapping geological structures, particularly in the complex feldspar-rich granitic terrain of Penang Island, Malaysia. This study employs a combination of electrical resistivity and seismic refraction tomographic techniques, along with borehole lithological data, in three distinct areas on the island. Its goal is to provide insights into surficial and subsurface soil–rock characteristics and water-bearing structures within the North Penang Pluton (including a part of the Sungai Ara axis) for sustainable groundwater development, addressing the needs of the region's growing population. The research identifies three distinct geological units at the near-surface: residual soils, highly to moderately weathered/fractured granitic layers and fresh bedrock, each with its hydrogeological properties. Promisingly, the weathered layers offer significant groundwater development potential, with deep weathered and potentially fractured zones exceeding depths of 30 m in the study area. These findings have substantial implications for sustainable groundwater development, especially in tropical hard-rock terrains. In addition, the study underscores the limitations of small geophysical spacings when probing deeper groundwater resources. This knowledge is essential for informed decision-making in water resource management and infrastructure development, addressing the ongoing global challenge of ensuring access to clean water resources amid population growth.

Hydrochemical Appraisal and Driving Forces of Groundwater Quality and Potential Health Risks of Nitrate in Typical Agricultural Area of Southwestern China

Elucidating the hydrogeochemical processes and quality assessment of groundwater holds significant importance for its sustainable development. In this paper, 53 groundwater samples were collected from a typical agricultural area in the northeastern Chongqing municipality in SW China. The integration of multivariate statistical analysis, ion ratio analysis, geomodelling analysis, the entropy water quality index, health risks assessment, and sensitivity analysis was carried out to explore the hydrochemical processes and quality assessment of groundwater in this study. The statistical results reveal that the cationic concentrations followed the order of Ca2+ > Mg2+ > Na+ > K+, while the anionic components were in the order of HCO3− > SO42− > NO3− > Cl−. Based on the Piper trilinear diagram, the hydrochemical types were shown as Ca-HCO3 and Ca-Mg-HCO3 types. Hierarchical cluster analysis indicated that the groundwater samples could be categorized into three groups. The hydrochemical compositions were primarily influenced by water–rock interactions (e.g., carbonate dissolution and silicate weathering). In terms of irrigation suitability, the sodium adsorption ratios (SARs) ranged from 0.05 to 1.82, and the electrical conductivity (EC) varied from 116 to 1094 μs/cm, indicating that most groundwater samples were suitable for irrigation. The entropy-weighted water quality index ranged from 15 to 94, suggesting that the groundwater samples were suitable for drinking purposes. Non-carcinogenic human health risks followed the order of children > adult females > adult males, within the average values of 0.30, 0.21, and 0.18, respectively. Sensitivity analysis showed that the parameters had the weight order of NO3 > body weight (BW) > ingestion rate (IR) > exposure frequency (EF). Hence, we recommend prioritizing the management of areas with high salinity levels, while avoiding the excessive use of nitrogen fertilizers, raising awareness among local residents about safe groundwater, and providing robust support for the sustainable development of groundwater in typical agricultural areas.

Examining the change in groundwater flow patterns: A case study from the plain area of the Baiyangdian Lake Watershed, North China

Examining the evolution of groundwater flow patterns is critical to understanding the hydrological cycle and plays an important role in the sustainable management of water resources and ecosystems. In this study, the plain area of the Baiyangdian Lake Watershed (PBW) was chosen as a typical area for severe water scarcity and ecological crisis in the North China Plain. We investigated the temporal and spatial variability in groundwater flow patterns from a holistic view of the water cycle in the PBW and explored more sustainable water resources management using multiple methods, including field surveys, historical data review, statistical analysis, and numerical groundwater modelling. The results show that the groundwater storage decreased by 494 × 108 m3 across the PBW from 1965 to 2019, while the groundwater level presented a decreasing trend for most of the period, which resulted in changes of Baiyangdian Lake and groundwater interactions. Human factors, such as groundwater extraction and water transfer projects, significantly influenced the evolution of groundwater flow patterns by generating a greater contribution of human factors to groundwater balance (54.23%) than that of climate change (45.77%). The hydrodynamic simulations imply that the interaction between groundwater and Baiyangdian Lake was dominated by groundwater recharging the river under natural conditions, and the influence depth of the interaction zone was within about 80 m underground; however, under anthropogenic disturbance, their interaction was altered to the lake recharging groundwater, with a maximum influence depth up to 135 m. Furthermore, considering the systematicity and zoning of the water cycle, we proposed a combination of different strategies, including restricted groundwater exploitation, increased water diversion and water use efficiency, and managed aquifer recharge, which could restore groundwater levels and groundwater storage over a 20-year period to realize sustainable groundwater development. This study highlights the spatiotemporal groundwater flow patterns in a changing environment and the associated hydrogeological processes and provides insights towards the development of more effective water management strategies.

Particle Size Distribution and Composition of Soil Sample Analysis in a Single Pumping Well Using a Scanning Electron Microscope Coupled with an Energy Dispersive X-ray (SEM-EDX) and the Laser Diffraction Method (LDM)

Soil is a heterogeneous material, and its properties are vital from an agricultural perspective and for groundwater management. However, limited studies have been performed on the soil characteristics (soil texture, water-holding capacity, and soil compositions) of a single pumping well, especially in Malaysia. This article focuses on the soil characteristics and elemental analysis of a single borehole with 11 samples collected around Labu Kubong, Perak. The soil properties were analyzed in the context of particle size distribution (PSD) using the laser diffraction method (LDM), as well as soil composition for elemental analysis using a scanning electron microscope coupled with an energy dispersive X-ray (SEM-EDX). The LDM results revealed the average percentage of clay, silt, and sand to be 0%, 6%, and 94%, respectively, indicating most particles comprised sand particles which in percentages demonstrated a sandy texture with less silt content. Additionally, the water holding capacity is low because of major coarse sand particles in alluvial formations. Moreover, SEM-EDX outcomes displayed an average percentage of elemental composition reported as follows: C (40.77%), O (34.33%), Si (10.66%), Al (5.82%), Fe (1.10%), K (1.10%), As (0.05%), Na (0.04%), and Be (5.62%). Consequently, SEM-EDX outcomes showed these elements were derived from silicified quartz, feldspar, and iron-bearing minerals that originated from shale formations, and the presence of carbon indicates peat formation. Therefore, this study provides information on a single pumping well from an irrigation practice, and this study also recommends regional to global scale studies for supporting sustainable groundwater development worldwide.

Study on Groundwater Function Zoning and Sustainable Development and Utilization in Jining City Planning Area

The sustainable development and utilization of groundwater resources are of paramount importance for the progress of society, the economy, and the environment. This study focuses on the planning area of Jining City and establishes an evaluation index system for groundwater functional zoning by analyzing key factors such as resource supply function, geo-environmental stability function, and ecological environmental protection function. To evaluate the groundwater functions, this study employs the barrel effect AHP. Through the overlay analysis of different groundwater functions, the planning area of Jining City is categorized into distinct zones based on their groundwater functions. These zones include centralized development and utilization areas (5.69%), decentralized development and utilization areas (65.67%), fragile geo-environmental areas (10.44%), ecological protection areas (8.38%), and unsuitable development and utilization areas (9.82%). The comprehensive zoning map of groundwater functions in the planning area of Jining City is generated. Taking into account the challenges posed by human activities, such as groundwater pollution, this study proposes recommendations for the sustainable development of groundwater in the planning area of Jining City. By systematically examining the functional zoning and sustainable management of groundwater, this study provides a scientific foundation for the responsible development and protection of groundwater resources.

Effects of downstream environmental flow release on enhancing the groundwater recharge and restoring the groundwater/surface-water connectivity in Yongding River, Beijing, China

The Yongding River (Beijing, China) was dry most times of the year, and groundwater storage was severely depleted. To address this issue, a river rehabilitation project was initiated. A downstream environmental flow release (EFR) project from upstream reservoirs has been implemented since 2019. This study evaluated the impact of EFR by constructing transient groundwater-flow and numerical tracer transport models to simulate the hydrogeological responses to the water release events in 2019–2020. The study identified two factors that significantly influence the river leakage rate, which are operational factors (i.e., water release rate and duration) and physical factors (i.e., hydraulic properties of the riverbed, regional hydraulic gradients, and groundwater depth) that determine the maximum water availability for groundwater recharge and maximum infiltration capacity, respectively. Predictive modelling was performed to assess the long-term effects of the proposed EFR scheme from 2021 to 2050, which showed that groundwater levels along the river will increase by 10–20 m by 2050. Groundwater storage is expected to be largely recovered and groundwater/surface-water connectivity in the middle reach of the river will be restored. This restoration will not only maintain the environmental flow for the benefit of ecosystems but also enhance groundwater recharge, promoting sustainable groundwater development in the region. Overall, this study provides valuable insights into the effectiveness of the proposed EFR scheme in achieving sustainable groundwater development in the region.