Philosophiae Doctor - PhD / The study addressed the groundwater assessment and sustainable management of the coastal alluvial aquifers in Namib Desert, the Omaruru River Delta Aquifer (Omdel Aquifer) was used as a case study. Sustainable utilization of groundwater in parts of hyper-arid Sub-Saharan Africa, like the Namib Desert, is always a challenge due to lack of resources and data. Understanding of hydrogeological characteristics of the Omaruru Delta Aquifer System is a pre-requisite for the management of groundwater supply in the Central Namib area (Namib Desert). For the Omdel Aquifer in the Omaruru catchment, Namibia, issues to investigate include the lack of information on the geology and hydrogeological setting, the hydraulic properties and geometry of the aquifer at the inflow and outflow sections, groundwater recharge conditions upstream of the aquifer, and the impact of artificial recharge.

Philosophiae Doctor - PhD / The study addressed the groundwater assessment and sustainable management of the coastal alluvial aquifers in Namib Desert, the Omaruru River Delta Aquifer (Omdel Aquifer) was used as a case study. Sustainable utilization of groundwater in parts of hyper-arid Sub-Saharan Africa, like the Namib Desert, is always a challenge due to lack of resources and data. Understanding of hydrogeological characteristics of the Omaruru Delta Aquifer System is a pre-requisite for the management of groundwater supply in the Central Namib area (Namib Desert). For the Omdel Aquifer in the Omaruru catchment, Namibia, issues to investigate include the lack of information on the geology and hydrogeological setting, the hydraulic properties and geometry of the aquifer at the inflow and outflow sections, groundwater recharge conditions upstream of the aquifer, and the impact of artificial recharge. Omdel Aquifer occurs in a desert environment with less than 20 mm of rainfall per annum, it’s regarded to receive no direct groundwater recharge from rainfall, only from occasional (inconsistent) flooding of the Omaruru River, due to periodic thunderstorms in the upstream catchment. Since the Omdel Aquifer does not receive direct recharge from rainfall, an artificial recharge scheme was implemented to augment the water supply. One of the objectives of the study is to integrate artificial recharge with hydrogeological understanding of the Omdel Aquifer to establish a conceptual framework for assessment of groundwater recharge and discharge, water chemistry and balanced water supply.

No description available.

This aim of this study was to improve the understanding and functioning of the Table Mountain Group aquifer system and contribute to the sustainable development of this potential source for water supply in the Montagu area.

The main objective of the thesis is to study artificial wastewater recharge in the area of Řevničov and reassessment of related problems such as groundwater chemical changes, colmatage, and unfavorable legislation in the Czech Republic. Individual chapters describe the experience with the above mentioned topic in the Czech Republic, but classifies it into the global context. The major part of the thesis focuses on the assessment of the qualitative and quantitative impacts of wastewater artificial recharge in the geological environment. These conclusions are drawn from monitoring changes of groundwater quality, which are controlled on the network of monitoring boreholes in the Řevničov experimental catchment. The natural attenuation of geological environment has considerable impact to final composition of contaminated water, which is compared to legal limits of underground and potable water in Czech Republic. In the research area several tracing tests were also applied, with the aim of proving the expected flow of wastewater into monitoring borehole. The obtained data specify the situation in the area of interest, or may serve as a source of information for future studies dealing with similar topics. Powered by TCPDF (www.tcpdf.org)

Seawater intrusion (SWI) is a widespread environmental problem, particularly in arid and semi-arid coastal areas. Unplanned prolonged over-pumping of groundwater is the most important factor in SWI that could result in severe deterioration of groundwater quality. Therefore, appropriate management strategies should be implemented in coastal aquifers to control SWI with acceptable limits of economic and environmental costs. This PhD project presents the development and application of a simulation-optimization (S/O) model to assess different management methods of controlling saltwater intrusion while satisfying water demands, and with acceptable limits of economic and environmental costs, in confined and unconfined coastal aquifers. The first S/O model (FE-GA) is developed by direct linking of an FE simulation model with a multi-objective Genetic Algorithm (GA) to optimize the efficiency of a wide range of SWI management scenarios. However, in this S/O framework, several multiple calls of the simulation model by the population-based optimization model, evaluating best individual candidate solutions resulted in a considerable computational burden. To solve this problem the numerical simulation model is replaced by an Evolutionary Polynomial Regression (EPR)-based surrogate model in the next S/O model (EPR-GA). Through these S/O approaches (FE-GA and EPR-GA) the optimal coordinates and rates of the both abstraction and recharge barriers are determined in the studied management scenarios. As a result, a new combined methodology, so far called ADRTWW, is proposed to control SWI. The ADRTWW model consists of deep Abstraction of saline water near the coast followed by Desalination of the abstracted water to a potable level for public uses and simultaneously Recharging the aquifer using a more economic source of water such as treated wastewater (TWW). In accordance to the available recharge options (injection through well or infiltration from surface pond), the general performance of ADRTWW is evaluated in different hydro-geological settings of the aquifers indicating that it offers the least cost and least salinity in comparison with other scenarios. The great capabilities of both developed S/O models in identification of the best management solutions and the optimal coordinates and rates of the abstraction well and recharge well/pond are discussed. Both FE-GA and EPR-GA can be successfully employed by a robust decision support system. In the next phase of the study, the general impacts of sea level rise (SLR), associated with its transgression nature along the coastline surface on the saltwater intrusion mechanism are investigated in different hypothetical and real case studies of coastal aquifer systems. The results show that the rate and the amount of SWI are considerably greater in aquifers with flat shoreline slopes compared with those with steep slopes. The SWI process is followed by a significant depletion in quantity of freshwater resources at the end of the century. The situation is exacerbated with combined action of SLR and groundwater withdrawals. This finding is also confirmed by 3D simulation of SWI in a regional coastal aquifer (Wadi Ham aquifer) in the UAE subjected to the coupled actions of SLR and pumping.

K&uuml / &ccedil / &uuml / k Menderes River Basin located in western Turkey has been facing continuous groundwater level decreases for the past 30 years. In dry periods, irrigation demand is completely met by pumping from groundwater system, which reduces water levels significantly. This provides enough storage to be recharged in wet seasons when streams are running. However, increased runoff in wet season are not utilized neither for irrigation nor for recharge and lost to the Aegean Sea without being infiltrated. Hence, surface artificial recharge methods can be useful to collect excess water in recharge basins, thus allowing infiltration to increase groundwater storage in wet seasons to be later utilized in dry seasons. A 2-D groundwater model is set up by using SEEP/W software. The material functions and parameters used in the model for saturated/ unsaturated conditions are taken from previous studies. Calibration was done to check the accuracy of input data and to control the validity of model. The amount of excess water that will be collected in recharge basins was estimated from flood frequency analysis. Concerning different probabilities, different scenarios were simulated to observe the increase in groundwater levels. Simulation results suggest that significant increase in groundwater storage could be achieved by applying artificial recharge methods. In addition to recharge basins, to reinforce the effect of artificial recharge, simulations were repeated with the addition of an underground dam at downstream side of the basin. Simulation results indicate that the increase in groundwater storage is not sufficient to warrant construction of the underground dam.

This aim of this study was to improve the understanding and functioning of the Table Mountain Group aquifer system and contribute to the sustainable development of this potential source for water supply in the Montagu area.

Die vorliegende Arbeit umfasst im ersten Teil eine Literaturrecherche zu Aquifer Storage and Recovery (ASR) im Allgemeinen und den Einfluss physikalisch-chemischer Prozesse auf ASR. Aus dieser konnte abgeleitet werden, dass durch standortbedingte Untergrundeigenschaften stark unterschiedliche physikalische und chemische Prozesse ablaufen und eine eindeutige Vorhersage zum Verhalten und zur Effizienz von ASR an einem neuen oder bereits genutzten Standort ohne spezifische Informationen nicht möglich ist. Des Weiteren wurde eine Literaturstudie zum Einfluss der transversalen Dispersivität, als Maß für die Vermischung von transportierten Stoffen quer zu einer (natürlichen) Fließrichtung, auf den (reaktiven) Transport durchgeführt. Letztlich wurde im Rahmen einer betreuten Masterarbeit (M. Sc. Chang Liu) eine Bewertung aus der Literatur entnommener transversaler Dispersivitäten durchgeführt. In den weiteren Teilen der Arbeit wurden Fallstudien mit unterschiedlichen Fragestellungen für die Planung und den Betrieb von künstlichen Grundwasseranreicherungen und speziell ASR numerisch modelliert und bewertet. Zuerst wurden numerische Simulationen zum konservativen Transport am Testfeld „Lauswiesen“, Tübingen, Baden-Württemberg durchgeführt. Diese beinhalteten über Direct-Push(DP)-Erkundungsmethoden gewonnene Informationen zur Untergrundstruktur. Die Ergebnisse zeigen, dass zur Vorhersage des standortspezifischen Transports in den „Lauswiesen“ und für vergleichbare hydraulische Situationen, auch in Hinsicht auf ASR, deterministische hydrogeologische Einheiten und ihre situationsgerechte Berücksichtigung in numerischen Modellen höchst relevant sind. Aufbauend auf den genannten Ergebnissen wurde eine Masterarbeit durch Herrn M. Sc. Tsegaye Abera Sereche durchgeführt. Diese Masterarbeit zeigte für diesen Fall erneut die hohe Relevanz deterministischer Strukturen gegenüber kleinskaligen, dreidimensionalen Heterogenitäten für ASR. Weiterführende numerische Simulationen zu einem möglichen ASR-Feldtest am Standort „Lauswiesen“ ergaben, dass dieser unter den gegebenen Untergrundbedingungen nur bei Abweichungen von einem vertretbaren Konzept für einen Ein-Brunnen-Test, z. B. bei sehr großen Infiltrationsmengen, oder durch Umwandlung in einen Zwei-Brunnen-Test durchführbar ist. Während dieser Arbeit wurden gemeinsame Forschungsarbeiten mit dem Kansas Geological Survey, Kansas, USA durchgeführt, welche die Bewertung der Verwendbarkeit von DP-Brunnen als alternative Infiltrationsmethode zu Oberflächenmethoden beinhalteten. Als Teil der gemeinsamen Arbeiten wurde im Rahmen der vorliegenden Arbeit eine synthetisierte, numerische Bewertung der neuen DP-Infiltrationsbrunnen sowie einen Vergleich mit einer herkömmlichen Oberflächeninfiltrationsmethode übernommen. Im Einklang mit der Zielstellung der Arbeit wurde ebenfalls eine numerische Bewertung natürlicher und anthropogener Heterogenitäten auf die Infiltration durchgeführt. Aus den Ergebnissen konnten für die neue Infiltrationsmethode signifikante Vorteile abgeleitet werden. Weitere numerische Modellierungen wurden durchgeführt, um die wesentlichen Ergebnisse auf einen Feldstandort in der Südlichen Steiermark, Österreich, anzuwenden, welcher: a) bereits ein horizontales Versickerungssystem besitzt, b) weitere Systeme erhalten soll und c) letztlich eine besondere Herausforderung für vertikale Versickerungssysteme darstellt. Die Modellierung des vorhandenen Systems zeigt die hohe Komplexität der Infiltrationsprozesse. Jedoch konnten hydraulische Parameter bestätigt und in weitere planerische Simulationen zu Verwendung von DP-basierten Infiltrationsbrunnen eingefügt werden. Diese zeigen, dass ein Brunnenfeld am Standort auf relativ geringem Raum installiert werden kann. Zusätzlich zeigt ein Feldversuch an einem weiteren Standort (Pirna, Sachsen), dass hohe Infiltrationsraten unter Nutzung von DP-Brunnen möglich sind. / The works presented in the thesis include in the first part a literature research on Aquifer Storage and Recovery (ASR) in general and the impacts of different physico-chemical processes on ASR. This research concludes that site-specific subsurface conditions lead to varying physical and chemical processes and that a conclusive prediction of function and efficiency of ASR at any site, in-operation or new site design, is not possible without site-specific information. Additionally, a literature study was conducted that focused on the impacts of transverse dispersivity, as a measure for mixing of transported species perpendicular to the (natural) flow direction, on (reactive) transport. Finally, evaluation of transverse dispersivity data available in the literature was performed, which included a supervision of a master thesis (of M. Sc. Chang Liu). Numerical simulations of case studies for different questions of planning and operation of artificial recharge systems and more specifically ASR were realized for the other parts of the thesis. The first evaluated case was the “Lauswiesen” test site, Tübingen, Baden-Wuerttemberg. This study used new insights into the subsurface structure gained by Direct-Push(DP) exploration methods. The results obtained show that for further works at the site and for comparable hydraulic conditions, also in the view of ASR, deterministic hydrogeological subunits and their consideration in numerical models are critical for prediction of site-specific transport. Based on the previous findings, a master thesis was conducted by M. Sc. Tsegaye Abera Sereche. The master thesis yet again revealed for this case the high relevance of deterministic subunits compared to small-scale, three-dimensional heterogeneities for ASR. Further, numerical simulations of a possible ASR field test at “Lauswiesen” site showed that under the prevailing subsurface conditions, a field test can only be realized when the set-up of a single-well-test is impracticably changed, by e.g. very high infiltration volumes, or by transformation into a two-well-test. During the thesis joint research works were performed with the Kansas Geological Survey, Kansas, USA, which contained the evaluation of the applicability of DP wells as an alternative to surface infiltration methods. As part of the joint work, this thesis presents a synthesized numerical evaluation of the new DP well infiltration as well as a comparison to a common surface infiltration system. Furthermore, in accordance with the main objective of the work, numerical evaluation of natural and anthropogenic heterogeneities was performed. The results concluded the advantages for the DP wells for infiltration process. Further numerical models were implemented to convey the important results to a field site at Southern Styria, Austria, where: a) an existing infiltration system is already in operation, b) further infiltration systems are planned and c) the subsurface conditions are rather challenging for vertical infiltration systems. Modeling of the existent system revealed the high complexity of the infiltration processes. However, hydraulic parameters could be verified and included into planning simulations for DP-based infiltration wells. The findings show, that a well field can be installed at a comparably small land. Additionally, a field test at a further test site (Pirna, Sachsen) indicates that high infiltrations rates are possible when DP wells are used.

Subsurface constructions, such as tunnels, create hydrogeological challenges in mitigating risk of subsidence due to groundwater drawdown. Presenting readily made precautionary mitigation plans, such as strategically planned artificial recharge applications, can help effectivise the mitigation process. The Bypass Stockholm project comprises of several subsurface constructions which may lower the surrounding groundwater level through tunnel leakage. Risk of land subsidence persists in the nearby urban area of Vinsta, Stockholm, where a groundwater drawdown may cause the clays in the area to experience land subsidence. A hydrogeological modelling approach was used in the area to create strategic artificial infiltration plans that could be employed as a mitigative response to the drop in groundwater head. In order to simulate the potential tunnel drainage, a steady state hydrogeological model was built using MODFLOW. A 220 l/s tunnel leakage was then simulated. Four different artificial groundwater infiltration scenarios were then conceptualized and simulated to observe effects on groundwater heads. The groundwater levels of the baseline model of the area fit the calibration targets with average absolute deviation of 0.18 m. The tunnel drainage scenario lowered the groundwater level in the till aquifer and bedrock by 0 - 1.5 m and 0.5 - 5 m respectively, with higher drawdowns observed closer to the tunnel. The infiltration scenarios mitigate the groundwater drawdown with different efficacies; proximity to the recharge point, and discharge into the till aquifer were observed to have the highest effect on groundwater recharge in the model. The model could have been improved by improving the data quality surrounding the hydraulic conductivity of the bedrock, as it had the highest effect according to the parameter sensitivity analysis. / Konstruktioner under mark kan skapa hydrogeologiska utmaningar, såsom sättningsrisk orsakade av grundvattenavsänkning. Ett sätt att effektivisera åtgärdsprocessen är att förbereda för eventuell artificiell grundvatteninfiltration. Vägprojektet Förbifart Stockholm innefattar konstruktioner under mark och riskerar, genom inläckage, att sänka grundvattennivån i omgivningen. Ett potentiellt problemområde är stadsdelen Vinsta, delar av vars är byggd på sättningskänslig lera som kan påverkas av en grundvattenavsänkning. För att kunna motverka en grundvattensänkning i Vinsta har hydrogeologisk modellering utförts för att strategiskt planera artificiell grundvatteninfiltration. Ett tunnelläckage på 220 l/s har simulerats genom en hydrogeologisk steady state-modell i MODFLOW. Fyra olika scenarier för grundvatteninfiltration har konceptualiserats och simulerats för att observera påverkan på grundvattennivån. Den spatialt variabla grundvattennivån i grundmodellen nådde kalibreringsmålen med en genomsnittlig absolutavvikelse på 0,18 m. Modellen för tunnelläckage resulterade i att grundvattennivån i moränakvifären och berget sjönk med 0 – 1,5 resp. 0,5 – 5 m, med större grundvattensänkning närmare tunneln. Scenarierna för infiltration motverkade grundvattensänkningen i olika grad. Närhet tilltunneln, eller platsen för inläckage, samt den hydrauliska konduktiviteten mellan infiltrationen och akvifären visade störst påverkan på resultatet för att motverka grundvattensänkningen. Känslighetsanalysen för parametrarna i modellen visade att berget och dess hydrauliska konduktivitet hade störst påverkan på resultatet. Tillgång till bättre data för berget möjliggör förbättrat modelleringsresultat.