Sustainable restoration of low-quality groundwater through aquifer storage and recovery

IF 4.9 Q2 ENGINEERING, ENVIRONMENTAL

Groundwater for Sustainable Development Pub Date : 2025-02-01 DOI:10.1016/j.gsd.2024.101396

Vahid Sobhi Gollo , Bentley Bo Schmidt , Carsten Hansen , Nima Shokri

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

The escalating challenges in urban water supply, driven by rapid urbanization, climate change, and water resources pollution, necessitate innovative solutions for sustainable water management. Urban areas frequently encounter spatial constraints for the installation of new production wells, thereby intensifying water scarcity. Shifting climate conditions lead to increased occurrences of extreme weather events, aggravating global water scarcity and impeding sustainable development, particularly impacting human health and exacerbating societal inequalities. To address this issue, our study explores the retrofitting of inactive production wells for aquifer storage and recovery (ASR) in low-quality aquifers, providing a systematic framework. The evaluation focuses on the suitability of inactive wells for ASR operations and utilizes the FEFLOW 8.1 groundwater model to assess the impact of hydrogeological conditions on ASR system recovery efficiency (RE). To validate this framework, we concentrate on the northwest region of the Hamburg metropolitan area, utilizing generalized hydrogeological conditions to yield universally applicable results. This region is characterized by high sulphate concentrations in groundwater, limiting the utility of production wells. Our findings demonstrate that ASR in a low-quality aquifer can constitute a viable strategy to address water scarcity. Under ideal aquifer conditions, ASR can achieve recovery efficiencies exceeding 100%. Our proposed framework emphasizes the necessity of a meticulous assessment of well design, considering construction materials and geological factors to prevent clogging. Key efficiency factors include the hydraulic gradient, injection and ambient concentrations, proximity to production wells, and dispersivity. Furthermore, ASR contributes to cost reduction by enhancing water management infrastructure and optimizing capacity utilization. This research provides a comprehensive perspective, offering valuable insights applicable to diverse locations grappling with water scarcity challenges.

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来源期刊

Groundwater for Sustainable Development Social Sciences-Geography, Planning and Development

CiteScore

11.50

自引率

10.20%

发文量

152

期刊介绍： Groundwater for Sustainable Development is directed to different stakeholders and professionals, including government and non-governmental organizations, international funding agencies, universities, public water institutions, public health and other public/private sector professionals, and other relevant institutions. It is aimed at professionals, academics and students in the fields of disciplines such as: groundwater and its connection to surface hydrology and environment, soil sciences, engineering, ecology, microbiology, atmospheric sciences, analytical chemistry, hydro-engineering, water technology, environmental ethics, economics, public health, policy, as well as social sciences, legal disciplines, or any other area connected with water issues. The objectives of this journal are to facilitate: • The improvement of effective and sustainable management of water resources across the globe. • The improvement of human access to groundwater resources in adequate quantity and good quality. • The meeting of the increasing demand for drinking and irrigation water needed for food security to contribute to a social and economically sound human development. • The creation of a global inter- and multidisciplinary platform and forum to improve our understanding of groundwater resources and to advocate their effective and sustainable management and protection against contamination. • Interdisciplinary information exchange and to stimulate scientific research in the fields of groundwater related sciences and social and health sciences required to achieve the United Nations Millennium Development Goals for sustainable development.