Publication Details

Category Text Publication
Reference Category Journals
DOI 10.1016/j.gsd.2024.101169
Licence creative commons licence
Title (Primary) Introducing a tailored site delineation approach to optimize the design of managed aquifer recharge surface spreading infrastructure
Author Sultana, R.; Werban, U. ORCID logo ; Pohle, M. ORCID logo ; Vienken, T.
Source Titel Groundwater for Sustainable Development
Year 2024
Department MET
Volume 25
Page From art. 101169
Language englisch
Topic T5 Future Landscapes
Supplements https://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S2352801X24000924-mmc1.docx
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Keywords Managed aquifer recharge; Infiltration prediction; Site exploration; Cost analysis
UFZ wide themes MOSAIC;
Abstract Managed aquifer recharge (MAR) is an emerging solution to effectively replenish overused groundwater resources, but high associated costs often hinder its uptake. There are several parameters to consider when determining the cost of MAR, including recharge types, MAR schemes scale, land acquisition, operation and maintenance period, and the hydrogeological setting. Hydraulic conductivity and its spatial variability are the most significant hydrogeological parameters for predicting infiltration rates at MAR sites, but limited data availability makes accurate predictions often challenging. Hence, it is essential to increase data availability to optimize MAR efficiency and to better assess its economic performance. Therefore, a novel approach for MAR planning is presented in this article to efficiently enhance the data availability during the conceptual stage of MAR planning by combining site exploration, spatially resolved infiltration rate estimation, and cost analysis. The approach was applied at an actual MAR site in Vincenza, Italy, and incorporated an electromagnetic induction survey and direct push profiling as across-scale investigation methods to enhance site delineation and subsequent parameterization of the identified zones using laboratory analysis of collected samples. This MAR site is particularly suitable for its heterogeneous subsurface structure and potential to counteract groundwater depletion. The performed investigation resulted in an image of the lateral variation of subsurface conditions and allowed the delineation of three zones with different infiltration behavior, with 99.5% of infiltration occurring in just two zones, representing only 22.1% of the site. In this particular scenario, the overall cost per cubic meter of recharged water can be reduced by 59.1% by identifying and eliminating unfavorable zones. This study provides scientists and practitioners with a useful tool for MAR planning that can be applied to a wide range of sites with complex geology, thereby reducing water costs, minimizing the environmental impact of infrastructure construction, and reducing land use conflicts.
Persistent UFZ Identifier https://www.ufz.de/index.php?en=20939&ufzPublicationIdentifier=29024
Sultana, R., Werban, U., Pohle, M., Vienken, T. (2024):
Introducing a tailored site delineation approach to optimize the design of managed aquifer recharge surface spreading infrastructure
Groundwater Sustain. Dev. 25 , art. 101169 10.1016/j.gsd.2024.101169