Groundwater for Sustainable Development最新文献

{"title":"Explainable deep learning-based simulation for evaluating climate-driven future groundwater level changes in South Korea","authors":"Jimin Hwang ,&nbsp;Kang-Kun Lee","doi":"10.1016/j.gsd.2025.101541","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.gsd.2025.101541","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Simulating groundwater levels (GWL) under future climate scenarios using meteorological inputs enables the evaluation of climate-driven impacts on groundwater systems and informs adaptive management. Although the use of artificial intelligence (AI) for GWL projection has increased, such models are often applied without assessing their plausibility or explainability, which may result in physically implausible outcomes. This study developed explainable deep learning model to simulate GWL variation through the end of the 21st century under the Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSP1–2.6 and SSP5–8.5), and applied them to national groundwater monitoring wells installed in alluvial and bedrock aquifers in South Korea. The framework applied interpretation algorithms to AI models, allowing verification of hydrogeologically plausible relationships before long-term simulations. The models projected more unstable GWL patterns under SSP5–8.5 than under SSP1–2.6, with prolonged low-GWL periods and a long-term decline. Relative reductions in period-mean GWL from the reference to future periods reached −1.41 % under SSP5–8.5, compared to less than −0.56 % under SSP1–2.6. Statistically significant declining trends appeared mainly under SSP5–8.5 and were more pronounced in alluvial aquifers than in bedrock aquifers. As only the direct impacts of climate change were considered, these differences are interpreted as resulting from variations in the climate-driven recharge signal due to altered rainfall patterns and increased evapotranspiration. By applying explainable deep learning models, this study improved the robustness and reliability of AI-based GWL projections. The overall results showing reduced resilience of groundwater systems to climate-induced stress suggest the need for adaptive management strategies in the future to ensure groundwater sustainability.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37879,"journal":{"name":"Groundwater for Sustainable Development","volume":"31 ","pages":"Article 101541"},"PeriodicalIF":4.9,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145465186","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"High-performance nano-ternary composite (Al-Zr-Mn) for enhanced arsenite removal from groundwater: Insights into adsorption dynamics and sustainability analysis","authors":"Roshan Prabhakar,&nbsp;Rima Kumari,&nbsp;Sukha Ranjan Samadder","doi":"10.1016/j.gsd.2025.101524","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.gsd.2025.101524","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The global concern over arsenic contamination is intensified by the co-existence of both arsenic species, As(III) and As(V), making the groundwater treatment challenging. Thus, the present study aimed to address both arsenic species using a trimetal-based nano ternary adsorbent. The material was synthesized by the combustion method, with conditions optimized to maximize removal performance. The relative composition of the trimetal Al, Zr, and Mn (AZM) was varied to obtain a zero-point charge (pHzpc) value &gt; 7. The nano-AZM prepared was also characterized for its morphological and surface characteristics. Performance testing revealed a notably higher removal efficiency for As(III) than for As(V), with only 18 mg of the nano-AZM composite reducing As(III) concentration from 750 ppb to below 10 ppb. Moreover, sequential extraction results revealed distinct interaction mechanisms and molecular speciation patterns responsible for this enhanced uptake. In-depth analysis of adsorption underscores the substitution of –OH group on nAZM surfaces by arsenic ions. The adsorption behavior was well represented by the Freundlich isotherm model, while the kinetics followed a pseudo-second order model. The material also demonstrated strong reusability and maintained high removal efficiency in real groundwater samples. Moreover, Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and cost evaluation further highlighted the environmental and economic viability of the nano AZM-based treatment system.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37879,"journal":{"name":"Groundwater for Sustainable Development","volume":"31 ","pages":"Article 101524"},"PeriodicalIF":4.9,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145266626","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Deciphering groundwater dynamics and recharge sources across India using stable isotopes: Implications for sustainable water management","authors":"Amit Pandey ,&nbsp;Virendra Padhya ,&nbsp;Swagatika Chakra ,&nbsp;Akash Ganguly ,&nbsp;Harsh Oza ,&nbsp;Ruchir Patidar ,&nbsp;R.D. Deshpande","doi":"10.1016/j.gsd.2025.101548","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.gsd.2025.101548","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study presents first ever seasonal isoscape along with groundwater recharge sources and their spatiotemporal variability across India, based on first ever, Pan-India groundwater isotope data (collected from 2527 locations for pre and post-monsoon seasons) collected under the aegis of the National Programme on Isotope fingerprinting of Waters of India (IWIN, 2008–2014). In this study, groundwater isotopic signatures were interpreted in conjunction with rainfall isotopic data from published sources and hydrogeological settings. The results reveal distinct spatial and temporal variations in groundwater isotopic composition, influenced by recharge sources and post-precipitation modifications. Despite monsoonal recharge, the isotopic composition of groundwater remained largely unchanged, suggesting a substantial pre-monsoon groundwater reservoir that dilutes the impact of seasonal recharge. A unique latitudinal pattern was observed, with groundwater becoming enriched from south to north up to ∼20° latitude before depleting northward, opposite to rainfall isotope trends, this anomaly reflects hydrogeological controls, particularly the influence of basaltic terrains and evaporative processes. Seasonal variation in δ¹⁸O of groundwater indicates that ∼45 % of India's area experiences recharge from SWM rainfall, while ∼25 % shows evidence of alternative recharge sources such as Northeast Monsoon rainfall, irrigation return flow, or canal water. The remaining ∼30 % shows little seasonal isotopic change, suggesting limited recharge capacity and vulnerability to overexploitation. Exceptionally depleted isotopic values in the Indo-Gangetic Plain highlight the role of continental moisture recycling (&gt;50 %).</div><div>These findings provide the first baseline isoscape for India, offering critical insights into groundwater recharge processes, base flow estimation, and surface water groundwater interactions. The findings serve as a foundation for identifying regions requiring focused artificial recharge and for developing strategies to ensure sustainable groundwater management.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37879,"journal":{"name":"Groundwater for Sustainable Development","volume":"31 ","pages":"Article 101548"},"PeriodicalIF":4.9,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145519737","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Biochar in constructed wetlands and biofilters: Unveiling its potential for wastewater treatment enhancement and ecological benefits","authors":"Bharti Sadhiyan ,&nbsp;Wiem Mezlini ,&nbsp;Sangeeta Madan ,&nbsp;Monika Kumari","doi":"10.1016/j.gsd.2025.101533","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.gsd.2025.101533","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Constructed wetlands (CWs) and biofilters are sustainable, cost-effective and efficient eco-technologies for wastewater treatment, where substrate selection critically influences performance. Recent studies highlight biochar as a promising substrate owing to its high porosity, surface area and adsorption capacity. Biochar produced from feedstocks such as wood, food waste, sewage sludge and coconut shell, used such as sugar bagasse, marble chips, iron powder, sylhet sand, soil, biochar of rice husk, coco-peat, cupola slag, recycled bricks, stones, lightweight expanded clay aggregate, gravels, sand, sawdust, coal, zero-valent iron, etc) under controlled pyrolysis conditions has shown remarkable potential in pollutant removal. A few factors that influence the quality of the biochar throughout the preparation process include the pyrolysis temperature, heating rate and carbonisation time. What characteristics biochar has for treating wastewater, how well it functions as a CW substrate, and the effectiveness of the treatment have all been investigated. A variety of factors, such as the substrate's physical and chemical properties, affect how well pollutants are removed from CWs. Another crucial component of managing the treatment system's efficacy is choosing the appropriate macrophyte and adding biochar to the filter appropriately. The plant that was used the most in earlier studies was <em>Canna indica</em> because of its many advantages. Using biochar as a filler for wetland areas, evaluated and documented several CW configurations. A review of recent studies further indicates that biochar-amended CWs achieve higher removal efficiencies for TSS (18.96–98.62 %), BOD (56.49–99.10 %), COD (43.11–99.9 %), TN (34.36–98.54 %), TP (33.33–99.6 %) and FCB (97 %) compared to conventional substrates. This review specifically emphasizes the role of CWs and biochar, highlighting the novelty of addressing not only pollutant removal but also limitations such as land demand, seasonal variability, and potential risks of biochar leaching. The significance lies in linking biochar-amended CWs with sustainable wastewater treatment strategies under real-world conditions. An additional concern is the potential leaching of heavy metals and toxic elements from biochar, which can negatively affect soil and downstream water bodies.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37879,"journal":{"name":"Groundwater for Sustainable Development","volume":"31 ","pages":"Article 101533"},"PeriodicalIF":4.9,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145416165","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Comparative study of hydrochemical and machine learning methods for Fe anomaly identification and NBLs estimation in shallow groundwater of representative hydrogeological units in the North China plain","authors":"Nini Li ,&nbsp;Jiangtao He ,&nbsp;Baonan He ,&nbsp;Yanjia Chu ,&nbsp;Zhen Chen","doi":"10.1016/j.gsd.2025.101505","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.gsd.2025.101505","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Iron (Fe) in groundwater results from both natural sedimentation and human activities, impacting biogeochemical cycles and the migration of various components. Increased human activities have disrupted Fe concentrations, causing deviations from the natural state. Thus, identifying Fe anomalies and determining its natural background levels (NBLs) are crucial. In this study, based on subdivided NBLs units, four typical units were selected for anomaly identification using Iterative 2-Sigma method, modified hydrochemical method (MI-OPT), and Isolation Forest model. The results showed that the MI-OPT method showed stable performance and also identified anomalies related to hydrochemical indicators. The Isolation Forest model efficiently detected Fe anomalies through a machine learning-based partitioning approach. In contrast, the Iterative 2-Sigma method exhibited instability due to its dependence on data distribution. Based on the distribution characteristics of the remaining data, the anomaly identification results from the MI-OPT method were selected as the final reference for determining the NBLs of Fe in the four units, with the upper limits being 0.45 mg/L, 2.80 mg/L, 2.58 mg/L, and 1.59 mg/L, progressively transitioning from the recharge area to the runoff and discharge areas. Additionally, an integrated analysis incorporating information entropy, PPI values, and environmental pollution source data explained most of the detected anomalies, validating the reliability of the anomaly identification results. The methods and results presented in this study offer a new perspective on Fe anomaly identification in groundwater.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37879,"journal":{"name":"Groundwater for Sustainable Development","volume":"31 ","pages":"Article 101505"},"PeriodicalIF":4.9,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144864074","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Field in-situ push-pull test for enhancing bioremediation of total petroleum hydrocarbons in coal-tar-contaminated aquifers using dual electron acceptors","authors":"Jonghyun Yoon ,&nbsp;JongBeom Kwon ,&nbsp;Uijeon Hong ,&nbsp;Young Kim ,&nbsp;Kyungjin Han","doi":"10.1016/j.gsd.2025.101521","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.gsd.2025.101521","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study evaluates the effectiveness of in-situ bioremediation in a coal-tar-contaminated aquifer using the simultaneous injection of oxygen and nitrate as electron acceptors (EAs). We assessed the removal of total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH) and total organic carbon (TOC) under varying redox conditions through field single-well push-pull transport tests (SWTT) and a single-well push-pull activity test (SWAT). In SWAT experiments, where microbial activity was emphasized, TPH removal reached 5.7 g in the oxygen-only condition and 44.2 g in the oxygen and nitrate-amended condition, demonstrating a significant enhancement in degradation with nitrate supplementation. Corresponding CO₂ production was 402 mmol and 3,120 mmol, respectively, indicating greater microbial respiration in nitrate-amended conditions. The removal of TPH per mole of electron acceptor was 37 mg TPH/mmol O₂ and 7.9 mg TPH/mmol NO₃⁻-N, highlighting oxygen's superior efficiency per unit but nitrate's advantage in sustaining long-term degradation due to its greater solubility and availability. Microbial community analysis demonstrated a significant shift in dominant species, with Pseudomonas stutzeri prevailing after nitrate injection, indicating its critical role in nitrate reduction and hydrocarbon degradation. These results highlight the advantages of a dual-electron-acceptor approach, where oxygen facilitates rapid aerobic degradation while nitrate sustains long-term contaminant removal in oxygen-limited environments. Integrating both electron acceptors presents an effective in-situ bioremediation strategy for degrading complex organic contaminants in groundwater.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37879,"journal":{"name":"Groundwater for Sustainable Development","volume":"31 ","pages":"Article 101521"},"PeriodicalIF":4.9,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145158095","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Preventing lead (Pb) contamination in rural community water systems in LMICs through analytical screening, policy and standards enforcement, and supply chain interventions","authors":"Siddhartha Roy ,&nbsp;Michael B. Fisher ,&nbsp;Solomon Minyila ,&nbsp;Zakaria Seidu ,&nbsp;Kaida Liang ,&nbsp;Aaron A. Salzberg","doi":"10.1016/j.gsd.2025.101509","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.gsd.2025.101509","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Lead (Pb) is a neurotoxic metal that can leach into potable water from plumbing components. This study investigated Pb contamination in rural community water systems in Ghana to inform strategies for reducing its occurrence in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). We screened 101 systems, including 83 borehole handpumps and 17 mechanized piped systems, installed across seven districts during 2019–22, using a handheld X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) analyzer. Despite manufacturer assurances that components were lead-free, 57 % of tanks in borehole handpumps and 100 % of taps in mechanized systems exceeded the international “lead-free” standard of 0.25 % Pb w/w. Other components like riser pipes, rods, cylinders, and foot valves generally met standards. There were no significant differences in Pb content (p &gt; 0.05) for systems across districts or installation years. Consequently, we engaged original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to source truly lead-free alternatives. Stainless steel taps from one manufacturer replaced leaded brass taps, and a second manufacturer custom-fabricated stainless steel handpump tanks and spouts to replace lead-containing galvanized steel components. These were verified lead-free via XRF before installation. Despite initial claims from multiple OEMs that sourcing lead-free components would be prohibitively difficult or expensive, the switch was logistically feasible and increased overall installation costs by only 2 % or less. Our findings highlight vulnerabilities in global plumbing supply chains and manufacturing practices that can introduce Pb and harm consumers, and illustrate the value of independently verifying OEM assurances and specifications for lead-free components. We offer guidance for implementers to mitigate water Pb contamination, with some measures also limiting iron corrosion-related system failures. This includes adherence to product quality standards, analytical screening considerations, supply chain interventions, water quality monitoring, and progressive remediation of existing systems. This case study suggests that eliminating Pb from rural water systems is feasible and cost-effective in Ghana and other LMIC settings.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37879,"journal":{"name":"Groundwater for Sustainable Development","volume":"31 ","pages":"Article 101509"},"PeriodicalIF":4.9,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144917545","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A review of published documents in the field of drinking water purification in the last decade","authors":"Mohammad Hemmat Esfe ,&nbsp;Sayyid Majid Motallebi ,&nbsp;Soheila Tallebi Mahabadi ,&nbsp;Davood Toghraie","doi":"10.1016/j.gsd.2025.101543","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.gsd.2025.101543","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study reviews published literature on water purification for human use over the last decade (2014–2024). The required data was extracted from the reliable Scopus database. The results indicate that there are 262 sources and 1278 studies. The focus of conducting studies is on groups, and the value of 5.67 for the number of co-authors demonstrates that most of the studies required significant research and experimental work. Most papers belonged to the SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT journal, with 157 papers. Author Zhang X is the most active author, with 28 publications. The countries of America, China, and India rank first, second, and third, respectively, in terms of citations. The superiority and distance of Tongji University from other organizations are significant. The most important documents belong to YANG Y, 2017, SCI TOTAL ENVIRON. The keywords “drinking water,” “water purification,” and “water management” rank first, second, and third, with 2,668, 1,266, and 1252 repetitions, respectively.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37879,"journal":{"name":"Groundwater for Sustainable Development","volume":"31 ","pages":"Article 101543"},"PeriodicalIF":4.9,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145465188","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Chemical attribution and health risk assessment of groundwater in the southern Mongolian Plateau driven by coal mining","authors":"Lijing Fang ,&nbsp;Ruizhong Gao ,&nbsp;Wenfeng Chi ,&nbsp;Xixi Wang ,&nbsp;Tingxi Liu ,&nbsp;Yinlong Wang","doi":"10.1016/j.gsd.2025.101537","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.gsd.2025.101537","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The intensification of coal mining has raised growing concerns about groundwater quality, particularly in ecologically sensitive areas and resource-scarce grassland regions. Assessing groundwater quality, identifying ions sources, and evaluating health risks are crucial for local residents and government in managing and protecting groundwater resources. This study selects the Baiyinhua River Basin as the research area and analyzes 118 shallow groundwater samples collected from 42 locations in June, August, and October 2023 using Piper, Gibbs, Positive matrix factorization (PMF), Self-Organizing Map (SOM), Entropy-Weighted Water Quality Index (EWQI) and health risk assessments. The results indicate that the dominant groundwater chemistry is dominated by HCO₃⁻-Ca²⁺, primarily controlled by carbonate weathering, with localized anthropogenic impacts from urban activity and coal combustion. Natural and human processes jointly influence groundwater, with contributions from geological and mining factors (49.1 %), water–rock interactions (32.6 %), agriculture (11.6 %), and manure (6.7 %). Overall, groundwater quality is relatively high and regions with excellent water quality are concentrated in the southeastern part of the basin. The water quality in upstream is superior to that in downstream areas, and the foothill regions exhibit good quality. However, water quality deteriorates near coal mines and in populated areas such as Baiyinhua Town. NO₃⁻ is identified as the primary factor contributing to non-carcinogenic health risks in the study area. The risk levels for human health, from highest to lowest, are as follows: infants &gt; children &gt; women &gt; men. Notably, there are medium to high risks around coal mines and in Baiyinhua Town. The groundwater in most area is poses no risks to human health. However, attention should be paid to drinking water along the downstream of coal mines. Additionally, the protection of groundwater in the study area should be enhanced, especially during periods of frequent coal mining activities.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37879,"journal":{"name":"Groundwater for Sustainable Development","volume":"31 ","pages":"Article 101537"},"PeriodicalIF":4.9,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145465184","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Elucidating groundwater-surface water interactions in scarcely gauged carbonated systems of semi-arid zones with environmental tracers. The Alcadozo aquifer and Mundo River case (SE Spain)","authors":"Jorge Hornero ,&nbsp;Lucia Ortega ,&nbsp;Marisol Manzano","doi":"10.1016/j.gsd.2025.101555","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.gsd.2025.101555","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Understanding groundwater-surface water interactions is essential for sustainable water management in semi-arid regions, particularly in southern Europe, where water scarcity is increasing. Accurate knowledge of groundwater-river interactions is necessary to developing realistic conceptual models. The study focuses on the Mundo River in southeast Spain and its relationship with the scarcely gauged Alcadozo aquifer, characterized by fractured carbonated formations. To assess flow paths, recharge sources, residence times and groundwater-river interactions, major ions, stable isotopes (δ¹⁸O, δ²H), tritium (³H), strontium isotopes (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr), and radon (²²²Rn) was measured in 143 groundwater and 24 surface water samples in period 2008–2014. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was a paramount tool identifying zones of diffuse and concentrated groundwater discharge to the Mundo River. Findings reveal that groundwater discharge occurs primarily concentrated in the central zone while being more diffuse in the eastern and western parts. Hydrochemical facies and ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr indicate that discharging groundwater in the western part results from water-rock interactions, whereas the central and eastern segments are affected by agricultural influences. Tritium indicates that the discharging groundwater is relatively young and distinguishes between two groups with varying residence times: one representing currently recharged groundwater and the other linked to older groundwater with 1–3 half-life periods. The conceptual model supported by PCA illustrates that the Mundo River is sustained by groundwater contributions from varied flow paths, influenced by precipitation, topography, and rock fractures. The study provides essential insights for future management of water resources in regions with limited groundwater monitoring, especially under climate and land-use pressures.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37879,"journal":{"name":"Groundwater for Sustainable Development","volume":"31 ","pages":"Article 101555"},"PeriodicalIF":4.9,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145614819","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}