In this study the saltwater intrusion in coastal aquifers is briefly described and the prevention techniques are discussed. By using two computer models SWI and SHARP, the movement of freshwater and saltwater is analyzed on hypothetical cases and on one real aquifer in Marmaris in the coast of Mediterranean Region. Artificial recharge and subsurface barrier techniques are applied to hypothetical cases as means of controling the saltwater intrusion. The performance of strip recharge and subsurface barrier in reducing the salt water intrusion is analyzed by simulation of the groundwater flow with the codes mentioned above. The results obtained are compared with each other. The results of hypothetical cases are relatively in good agreement. For the real aquifer the results show discrepancy that cannot be ignored.

Coastal regions are the most densely populated regions of the world. The populations of these regions continue to grow which has created a high demand for water that stresses existing water resources. Coastal aquifers provide a source of water for coastal populations and are generally part of a larger system where freshwater aquifers are hydraulically connected with a saline surface-water body. They are characterized by salinity variations in space and time, sharp freshwater/saltwater interfaces which can lead to dramatic density differences, and complex groundwater chemistry. Mismanagement of coastal aquifers can lead to saltwater intrusion, the displacement of fresh water by saline water in the freshwater regions of the aquifers, making them unusable as a freshwater source. Saltwater intrusion is of significant interest to water resource managers and efficient simulators are needed to assist them. Numerical simulation of saltwater intrusion requires solving a system of flow and transport equations coupled through a density equation of state. The scale of the problem domain, irregular geometry and heterogeneity can require significant computational resources. Also, modeling sharp transition zones and accurate flow velocities pose numerical challenges. Discontinuous Galerkin (DG) finite element methods (FEM) have been shown to be well suited for modeling flow and transport in porous media but a fully coupled DG formulation has not been applied to the variable density flow and transport model. DG methods have many desirable characteristics in the areas of numerical stability, mesh and polynomial approximation adaptivity and the use of non-conforming meshes. These properties are especially desirable when working with complex geometries over large scales and when coupling multi-physics models (e.g. surface water and groundwater flow models). In this dissertation, we investigate a new combined local discontinuous Galerkin (LDG) and non-symmetric, interior penalty Galerkin (NIPG) formulation for the non-linear coupled flow and solute transport equations that model saltwater intrusion. Our main goal is the formulation and numerical implementation of a robust, efficient, tightly-coupled combined LDG/NIPG formulation within the Department of Defense (DoD) Proteus Computational Mechanics Toolkit modeling framework. We conduct an extensive and systematic code and model verification (using established benchmark problems and proven convergence rates) and model validation (using experimental data) to verify accomplishment of this goal. Lastly, we analyze the accuracy and conservation properties of the numerical model. More specifically, we derive an a priori error estimate for the coupled system and conduct a flow/transport model compatibility analysis to prove conservation properties. / text

Saltwater intrusion due to global change is expected to have a detrimental effect on the biogeochemistry of tidal freshwater wetlands. Of particular concern is that fact that salinization can alter the role of these ecosystems in the global carbon cycling by causing shifts in microbial metabolism that alter greenhouse gas emissions and increase carbon mineralization rates. However, our understanding of how wetland microbial community dynamics will respond to saltwater intrusion is limited. To address this knowledge gap and increase our understanding of how microbial communities in tidal freshwater wetlands change over time (1, 3, 12, and 49 weeks) under elevated salinity conditions, an in situ soil transplant was conducted. Throughout the 49 weeks of saltwater exposure, salinity had no effect on soil quality (organic matter content and C:N ratio). In contrast, the concentration of porewater ion species (SO4-2, NO3-, and NH4+) considerably increased. The activity of hydrolytic enzymes, (ß-1,4-glucosidase and 1,4-ß-cellobiohydrolase) gradually decreased with prolonged exposure to saline conditions; by the final sampling event (49 weeks), activity was reduced by ~70% in comparison to the freshwater controls. Short term exposure to salinity (3 and 12 weeks) had a greater effect on phenol oxidase, decreasing activity by 10-20%. Saltwater exposure had an immediate (1 week) effect on potential rates of carbon mineralization; overall, carbon dioxide production doubled and methane production decreased by ~20-fold. These changes in gas production were correlated to increased salinity and to changes in the abundance of methanogens and sulfate reducing bacteria, suggesting a shift in the terminal step in organic matter degradation from methanogenesis to sulfate reduction. Principal component analysis revealed distinct changes in soil environmental conditions and carbon metabolism within weeks, but the response of the microbial community was slower (months to a year). Taken together, results from this study indicate that the response of tidal freshwater wetlands to salinization is driven by complex interactions of microbial related processes and environmental changes that are dependent on the duration of exposure. Assessing the impact of environmental perturbation on ecosystem function may be better achieved by complementary analysis of both microbial community structure and function.

Saltwater intrusion alters the natural salinity and phosphorus (P) gradients in the oligotrophic, freshwater wetlands located near coastlines of the Caribbean Basin with important consequences to the structure and function of key ecosystem components, including plants, soil microbes, and periphyton. Periphyton communities, particularly diatoms, are extremely sensitive to water quality changes and can serve as excellent bioindicators; however, little is known about their use in detecting novel rates of saltwater intrusion into coastal, freshwater wetlands. I examined the individual and combined effects of elevated salinity and P on periphyton functional processes and diatom composition by conducting transect surveys along salinity and P gradients in the southern Everglades, as well as through mesocosm studies in which salinity and P were experimental manipulated. I demonstrated that conductivity (a proxy for salinity) and P gradients drive spatial patterns in diatom assemblage structure in the southern Everglades and that these assemblages have relatively low conductivity (2 mS cm-1) and total P thresholds (82 µg g-1). These findings were supported by the experimental work which showed that monthly pulses of elevated salinity only ~1 ppt above ambient was sufficient to cause significant shifts in periphytic diatom assemblages along with reduced periphyton productivity, total carbon, and nutrient content. The addition of P to freshwater and salt-treated periphyton significantly elevated mat total P, underscoring the P-uptake efficiency of periphyton. Surprisingly, addition of P to freshwater periphyton did not elicit significant functional or compositional responses, although chlorophyll-aconcentrations and accumulation rates tended to be higher with P. Similar chlorophyll-atrends were observed for salt-treated mats with added P, but these mats also exhibited significantly higher gross primary productivity and net ecosystem productivity compared to all other treatments and a diatom assemblage distinct from any other treatment. This research provides new and valuable information regarding periphyton dynamics in response to changing water sources that will allow us to extend the use of periphyton, and their diatom assemblages, as tools for environmental assessments related to saltwater intrusion in the southern Everglades and other karstic, freshwater wetlands.

In 2011, Texas experienced the worst drought in recorded history. This has escalated concerns regarding environmental flows needed to sustain freshwater and estuarine systems as human needs are addressed during drought periods. In this thesis, I analyze fish assemblages and water quality variables in order to observe the effects of drought in the lower Neches River below the saltwater barrier located upstream from Beaumont, Texas. Fish and water quality samples were taken during drought conditions during fall 2011 and summer 2012, after a season of rain. During fall 2011, sites surveyed above the barrier had lower salinity but similarly low dissolved oxygen (DO) levels compared with sites surveyed below the barrier. Salinity levels during fall 2011 were relatively high (reaching up to 15 ppt), whereas salinity during summer 2012 never rose above 1.5 ppt. For gillnet samples obtained during fall 2011, fish species richness was higher in December following a series of rain events than during drought conditions in October and November. Although fish species richness was similar between fall 2011 and summer 2012, species composition varied greatly. For seine samples obtained during summer 2012, species richness was higher during May and July (when the barrier was open) than during June and August (when the barrier was closed). Species richness was lowest for sites in closest proximity to a paper mill effluent discharge pipe located below the barrier. Also, species richness was higher at sites above the barrier than at sites below the barrier regardless of whether or not the barrier was closed. Multivariate statistical analyses of gillnet samples revealed a large amount of compositional overlap among fish assemblages, regardless of time period and location; however, analyses of seine samples revealed that fish assemblages above the barrier were different than those from samples obtained below the barrier and that fish assemblages varied based on time period. Results indicate that, during periods of low flow, water quality deteriorates in the Lower Neches River below the saltwater barrier. During these periods of environmental degradation, fish assemblages have reduced diversity and sensitive freshwater species decline in abundance, with some absent from survey samples.

For this dissertation I studied phosphorus (P) sorption dynamics in the shallow groundwater of the southern Everglades. In particular, I examined how the ambient water type governs soluble reactive P (SRP) availability through adsorption/desorption reactions with the aquifer matrix. Chapter 2 investigated how P sorption dynamics of the mangrove root zone sediment are affected by high bicarbonate brackish groundwater compared to both fresh groundwater and saltwater. The results from chapter 2 show that the sediment exhibited exceptionally low sorption efficiency in the high bicarbonate brackish water, which would allow ambient water SRP concentration to be maintained at a higher level. Chapter 3 is a detailed analysis of how P sorption dynamics in two bedrock samples are affected by incremental increases in saltwater content in a freshwater-saltwater transition zone. The results of chapter 3 indicate that a sorption edge occurs at 3 mM Cl- concentration. In water exceeding this Cl- concentration, SRP would be expected to desorb from the bedrock due to a sharp decrease in sorption efficiency between the freshwater saltwater. These results suggest that SRP is active in the ion exchange front of saltwater intrusion, with a rapid increase in SRP availability expected at the leading edge of saltwater intrusion. A landward incursion of 3 mM Cl- concentration water would be expected to raise ambient SRP concentration along the affected aquifer zone, in turn increasing SRP availability in the ecosystem where the transitional waters discharge to the surface. Chapter 4 investigates the kinetics SRP release accompanying saltwater intrusion using a column of carbonate aquifer solids and alternating inflow between fresh groundwater and saltwater. The results show an immediate and high magnitude increase in SRP concentration when saltwater flows into the column. The combined results of this dissertation show that, in the southern Everglades and possibly other carbonate coastlines as well, water type strongly controls P sorption behavior of the sediment and bedrock, and may have a direct influence on the local ecology through increased P availability. A fundamental understanding of the abiotic exchange mechanisms between SRP and the aquifer solids can aid in the successful management and protection of this unique and important ecosystem.

京都大学 / 0048 / 新制・課程博士 / 博士(工学) / 甲第22421号 / 工博第4682号 / 新制||工||1731(附属図書館) / 京都大学大学院工学研究科都市社会工学専攻 / (主査)教授 大津 宏康, 教授 三村 衛, 准教授 PIPATPONGSA Thirapong / 学位規則第4条第1項該当 / Doctor of Philosophy (Engineering) / Kyoto University / DFAM

Tidal freshwater wetland soils contain large amounts of organic carbon, some of which is mineralized to carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4) by a diverse consortium of anaerobic microorganisms that includes fermenters, syntrophs, and methanogens (MG). These microbial groups are tightly linked and often rely on cooperative interspecies metabolisms (i.e., syntrophy) to survive. Environmental perturbations can disrupt these interactions and thus alter the rates and pathways of carbon cycling. One environmental change of particular concern in coastal wetlands is sea level rise, which can result in increased episodic saltwater intrusion events into these ecosystems. These events cause an influx of sulfate (SO4-2) to the soils and may stimulate sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB), which can directly compete with syntrophs for energy sources (e.g., fermentation products such as butyrate). Since syntroph metabolism generates byproducts that serve as the energy source for many MG, this competition can have indirect negative effects on methanogenesis. In addition, SRB can directly compete with MG for these byproducts, particularly formate, H2, and/or acetate. The goal of this study was to understand how both MG and syntroph-MG consortia respond to and recover from SRB competition during an episodic saltwater intrusion event. To achieve this, microcosms containing soil slurry from a freshwater wetland were subjected to simulated saltwater intrusion, and metabolic inhibitors were used to isolate the activity of the various functional groups. This study focused on the breakdown of butyrate, which is a key energy source in syntroph‑MG consortia metabolisms. The observed changes in butyrate breakdown rates and byproduct accumulation during butyrate degradation assays confirmed that butyrate breakdown was mediated through syntroph-MG consortia, and that formate, rather than H2, was likely used as an electron carrier during syntrophic activity. Additions of SO4‑2 (as Na2SO4) to the freshwater microcosms stimulated SRB activity and shifted the MG community to favor acetoclastic members. These changes were accompanied by a 24% increase in CO2 production and an 80% decrease in CH4 production. Interestingly, when NaCl was added to achieve similar ionic strength, CH4 production decreased by ~32%, suggesting SRB competition is not the only factor affecting methanogenesis. Butyrate degradation rates demonstrated that while SRB were strong competitors for butyrate, concurrent syntrophic metabolism was possible. Further, data show that SRB were poor competitors for acetate, which could explain the increase in acetoclastic MG. Following removal of SRB competition, CH4 production recovered but only by ~50% after 28 days, which suggests that some MG communities in tidal freshwater wetlands may not be resilient to saltwater intrusion events. Over this same time, rates of syntrophic butyrate breakdown largely recovered, but butyrate breakdown resulted in the production of less CH4 and acetate and more CO2 and formate, indicating saltwater intrusion events may lead to persistent changes in the byproducts and pathways of carbon breakdown in tidal freshwater wetlands.

Small Island Developing States (SIDS) are amongst the most vulnerable states in the world. They are subject to a number of stresses including economical, climatic and spatial restraints. This thesis investigates the effects that certain critical ‘stresses’ will have on the groundwater reserves of SIDS. Mauritius was chosen as the case study for this project because of three main reasons, which were that 1) islands of the Indian Ocean are the least studied compared to the pacific and Caribbean islands, 2) there is no actual groundwater model for the aquifers of Mauritius and finally 3) information and background knowledge was more accessible to the author.  Two critical aquifers of Mauritius were chosen according to their respective vulnerability (extraction rates of groundwater, geological features, and rainfall patterns), Aquifers II and V. The aquifers were calibrated using data that was published by the Mauritian local authorities and through an extensive literature review. Aquifer II and Aquifer V were modelled using the software ModelMUSE and a steady state model (with a time series of 100 years) was used to calibrate the models using limited data that was obtained through the literature review. Aquifer V was successfully modelled while Aquifer II gave inconsistent results. A transient model using four scenarios inspired by the IPCC scenario analysis was used to investigate the salt water intrusion as well as the piezometric levels in both aquifers. The scenarios (run for a period of 100 years, i.e. until 2100) were of varying degrees of severity and included the main drivers of change that were believed to affect the groundwater consumption of Mauritius. The attributes that were targeted in this thesis were: economy, demography, technology and climate. These were then converted into quantifies inputs that were used in the model to assess the migration of the saltwater/freshwater interface in the aquifers. Scenario 4 which involved low recharge rate of the aquifer, high sea level rise, low GDP growth and increasing population subjected the aquifer to a reduced water table, and consequential sea water intrusion of the order 1.5 km across the cross section analysed. Scenario 3, which consisted of investment in green technology, increase in recharge of the aquifers on the other hand gave the more optimistic results with the salt water - fresh water interface moving seawards. Scenario 4 rendered unusable around 50 % of the wells in the aquifer while Scenario 3 on the other had the effects of increasing the freshwater lens of the Aquifer V. Measures such as sustainable urban drainage systems, managed aquifer recharge and Seepcat (a method which involves placing a series of pipes around coastal aquifers to prevent the intrusion of salt water) were recommended to decrease the salt water intrusion risk and eventually increase the fresh water lens of the island on various spatial and time scales. It is suggested that the coarse groundwater model developed for Aquifer V of Mauritius be refined and applied to different aquifers of the island. Moreover it is also recommended for future work that discontinuities in the geology be integrated in the groundwater model. A more detailed and nuanced water balance is also recommended to get more accurate initial conditions for the model. This thesis, by providing a coarse model to tackle the impending challenges that await Mauritius, can support a more sustainable water management of the country. / Small Island Developing States (SIDS), små önationer under utveckling, är bland de mest sårbara staterna i världen. De är utsatta för ett antal stressfaktorer inklusive ekonomiska, klimatrelaterade och rumsliga restriktioner. Detta examensarbete undersöker effekterna av några kritiska stressfaktorer på grundvattenreserverna i dessa önationer. Mauritius valdes som fallstudie för detta projekt på grund av tre huvudsakliga orsaker. Dessa var att öar i Indiska Oceanen är de minst studerade jämfört med atlantiska och karibiska öar, att det inte finns någon riktig grundvattenmodell för akvifererna på Mauritius och slutligen att information och bakgrundskunskap var mer lättåtkomligt för författaren. Två kritiska akviferer på Mauritius valdes utifrån deras respektive sårbarheter (uttagshastighet av grundvatten, geologiska egenskaper och nederbördsmönster). Baserat på detta valdes Akvifer II och Akvifer V. Akvifererna kalibrerades med hjälp av data publicerat av mauritiska lokala myndigheter och genom en omfattande litteraturstudie. Akvifer II och Akvifer V modellerades i programmet ModelMUSE och en steady state-modell (med en tidsserie på 100 år) användes för att kalibrera modellerna med hjälp av begränsad data som erhölls under litteraturstudien. Inmatningsvärdena erhölls från vattenresursenheten på Mauritius, från vilka genomsnittliga värden över en tidsperiod om 15 år togs fram och användes som begynnelsevillkor för steady state-modellen. Akvifer V kalibrerades med framgång medan Akvifer II gav inkonsekventa resultat. Detta hänfördes till de stora skillnaderna i topografin i Akvifer II, vilka bidrog till att fel uppstod under uträkningen. En tidsberoende modell med fyra scenarios inspirerade av FN:s klimatpanels scenarioanalys användes för att undersöka saltvatteninträngningen samt grundvattennivån i båda akvifererna. Scenarierna (körda över en period om 100 år, d.v.s. till 2100) var av varierande viktighetsgrad och inkluderade de främsta drivkrafterna som ansågs påverka Mauritius grundvattenförbrukning. De attribut som fokuserades på i denna avhandling var: ekonomi, demografi, teknik och klimat. Dessa omvandlades sedan till indata som användes i modellen för att bedöma migrationen av saltvatten/sötvattengränsen i akvifererna. Scenario 4 som innebar liten grundvattenbildning i akviferen, hög havsnivåstigning, låg BNP-tillväxt och ökande befolkning utsatte akviferen för en reducerad vattennivå, och påföljande havsvatteninträngning av ordningen 1,5 km över den analyserade tvärsektionen. Scenario 3 gav å andra sidan mer optimistiska resultat då saltvatten/sötvattengränsen rörde sig mot havet. Scenario 4 medförde att ungefär 50 % av brunnarna i akviferen blev oanvändbara. Åtgärder såsom hållbara stadsdräneringssystem, kontrollerad grundvattenbildning och Seepcat (en metod som innebär att man placerar en serie rör runt kustområden för att förhindra saltvattenintrång) rekommenderas för att minska saltvatteninträngningen och så småningom öka öns färskvattenlins på olika rumsliga och tidsrelaterade skalor. Det föreslås att den grova grundvattenmodellen som utvecklats för Akvifer V i Mauritius förfinas och appliceras på olika akviferer på ön. Därtill rekommenderas att diskontinuiteter i geologin integreras i grundvattenmodellen i framtida arbete. Genom att applicera modellen kan viktig information användas för en hållbar vattenförvaltning på Mauritius i framtiden.

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