Hydrochemical Analysis of Groundwater in Remah and Al Khatim Regions, United Arab Emirates

Groundwater constitutes an important part of the available water resources in arid areas. Knowledge of the quantitative and qualitative status of groundwater is a key aspect in optimal groundwater management. The purpose of this study was to provide technical information on the groundwater in the sand aquifer of two neighboring areas in the United Arab Emirates to support stakeholders working towards sustainable groundwater development. The chemical characteristics of the groundwater have been used to identify the processes controlling groundwater chemistry and assess the suitability of the groundwater for agricultural purposes. Despite tapping into the same aquifer, considerable differences in groundwater quality were found between the two study areas. The area with a shallower water table showed clear indications of irrigation return flow deteriorating the groundwater quality. Using standard agricultural indices, the groundwater at both study areas is classified as unfit for agricultural purposes. However, considering that groundwater is the only available water source for irrigation, it will continue to be used for agriculture. This indicates the need for improved irrigation management and the development of new strategies for sustainable groundwater development in arid areas in the context of food security.

Electrical Resistivity Tomography for Sustainable Groundwater Development in a Complex Geological Area

Electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) was used for delineating significant subsurface hydrogeological features for sustainable groundwater development in Etioro-Akoko area, Southwestern Nigeria. This study was necessitated by challenges posed on groundwater supplies from wells and boreholes in Etioro-Akoko and the neighbouring fast growing towns and villages. Field data were acquired over the area with ABEM Lund Resistivity Imaging System and were subsequently processed and inverted through RES2DINVx64 software. Results showed four distinct subsurface layers: topsoil, weathered layer, fractured bedrock and fresh bedrock (basal unit). Localised bedrock depressions occasioned by fracturing and deep weathering of less stable bedrock minerals were delineated with resistivity and thickness values ranging from 50 to 650 Ωm and 12 to ---gt--- 25 m, respectively. The localised depressions mirrored uneven bedrock topography and served as the preferential groundwater storage and hydrogeological zones in the area. The two hydrogeological zones significant for groundwater development included overburden-dependent aquifers and fractured dependent bedrock aquifers. It was, therefore, concluded that groundwater storage potential was depended on hydrogeological zones particularly at major localised bedrock depressions where fractures and groundwater recharges/discharges were evident. Wells and boreholes were proposed at bedrock depressions with thickness value not less than 12 and ---gt--- 25 m, respectively, for enhanced groundwater sustainability and quality assurance in the area.

Investigation of sustainable development potential for Ulubey Aquifer System, Turkey

This study investigates sustainable development potential for Ulubey aquifer system which serves as an important water supply for Usak province (Turkey). In recent years, growing population, accelerating industrial activities and decreasing rainfall, as well as contamination of the surface water resources, made groundwater indispensable to meet the freshwater demands of Usak province. Therefore, a sustainable groundwater development plan has to be set up by determining the sustainable yield of the system, which is the aim of this study. To achieve this goal, a mathematical groundwater flow model is constructed in order to test the alternative development scenarios. Results show that the system preserves equilibrium conditions under present stresses. The future effects of possible increases in stresses are also simulated and based on the dynamic responses of the system to changing stresses; sustainable yield and sustainable pumping rate of the aquifer are determined and compared with the safe yield of the system.