No description available.

Thesis (MApSc(EnvironmentManagement))--University of South Australia, 2002.

Thesis (Ph. D. - Mining and Geological Engineering)--University of Arizona, 1969. / Part of folded illustrative matter in pocket. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 139-141).

Thesis (Ph.D.)--Brigham Young University. Dept. of Biology, 2007. / Includes bibliographical references (p. 31-41).

No description available.

16S rRNA gene analysis has shown that bacterial diversity in the GAB bores studied was limited to the genera Hydrogenobacter in the phylum Aquificae, Thermus in the phylum Deinococcus-Thermus, Desulfotomaculum in the phylum Firmicutes, the alpha-, beta- and gamma-classes of the phylum Proteobacteria and the phylum Nitrospirae. There was no clone closely related to members of the delta-proteobacteria and epsilon-proteobacteria classes detected. The number of bacterial strains directly isolated from the Fairlea and the Cooinda bores were far less than the numbers of distinctive phylotypes detected by the 16S rRNA gene characterisation. In addition none of the bacterial strains directly isolated from the water samples were represented in the 16S rRNA gene clone libraries. Similar discrepancies between the bacterial populations obtained from the 16S rRNA gene analysis and those obtained from direct isolation have been reported in the literature (Dunbar et al., 1999; Kampfer et al., 1996; Suzuki et al., 1997; Ward et al., 1998; Ward et al., 1997). However, in general, the phyla with which the isolates were affiliated were the same as those phyla to which the clones belonged. The environmental changes introduced (by bringing the artesian water up to the surface and exposing it to four types of metal coupons made of carbon steels identified by codes ASTM-A53B, ASTM-A53, AS-1074 and AS-1396 and commonly used in bore casings) led to changes in the bacterial community structures. In general, the species which proliferated in the communities before and after the changes were different. The diversity of the bacterial species in the community decreased following the environmental changes. Clones dominating the clone libraries constructed from newly established bacterial communities also differed from the clones dominating the libraries constructed from the bacterial communities which had existed naturally in the bores. These trends toward change in the bacterial communities were observed at both the Fairlea and the Cooinda bore sites. All four metal types incubated in the Fairlea bore water lost between 3.4 and 4.7% of their original weight. In contrast none of the metals incubated in Cooinda bore water lost weight. Clone library A1 showed that the natural population of the Fairlea bore was dominated by clone A1-3, which represented a novel species related to the isolate boom-7m-04. But after metal incubation (and recording of the metal weight loss), the bacterial community was dominated by clone PKA34B, which has a 95% similarity in its 16S rRNA gene sequence with Desulfotomaculum putei. Desulfotomaculum species are known to cause metal corrosion due to their byproduct H2S. But the low level of phylogenetic relatedness found does not provide enough information to speculate on whether the species represented by clone PKA34B is a member of the genus Desulfotomaculum or not. However, the fact that clone PKA34B dominated the PKA clone library by 50% makes the species it represents a suspected candidate likely to be involved with the metal weight loss at the Fairlea bore. In contrast, clone library 4381 showed that the natural population of the Cooinda bore was dominated by clone 4381-15 representing a species distantly related to a hydrogen oxidiser Hydrogenophaga flava (95% similarity). The dominating clone of the new community formed after metal incubation was clone COO25, which has 99% similarity with Thermus species that have not been reported to be involved with metal corrosion to my knowledge. In this project detection, identification and comparative quantification by 16S rRNA gene-targeted PCR probing with probes 23B and 34B were successfully developed for a Leptothrix-like species and for a Desulfotomaculum-like species represented by clones PKA23B and PKA34B respectively. This method of probing permits a fast, sensitive and reproducible detection, identification and at least a comparative quantification of the bacteria in the environment without the need for culturing. Therefore it is extremely suitable for use in bacterial population monitoring. PCR probing with the 34B probe has a potential commercial use as a means of screening for bores with a potential high risk of corrosion due to this Desulfotomaculum-like species. Direct isolation of bacteria from the GAB water has resulted in the isolation of seven strains from the Fairlea bore and eight from the Cooinda bore. Among these isolates, three novel strains were studied in detail. Reports on the characterisation of strain FaiI4T (T=Type strain) from the Fairlea bore (Kanso & Patel, 2003) and strain CooI3BT from the Cooinda bore have been published (Kanso et al., 2002). The data generated during this project add to our current information and extend our knowledge about the bacterial communities of the GAB's sub-surface environment. This information will provide a basis for further ecological studies of the GAB. Studies on involvement of certain groups of bacteria with the corrosion of metals used in bore casings could provide a foundation for further studies to develop maintenance and managing strategies for the GAB bores.

The sustainability of groundwater resources is important for the environment, the economy and communities where surface water is scarce. It is a hidden resource, but additional information can be extracted by combining groundwater measurements and lithological information with groundwater flow equations in groundwater models. The models convert data and knowledge about the groundwater systems into information, such as relative inflow and outflow rates and water-level predictions that can be readily understood by groundwater managers. ¶ The development of models to effectively inform groundwater management policies is, however, a complex task that presents a fundamental scientific challenge. This thesis presents methods and results for water balances calculated using groundwater flow models. Groundwater flow modelling methods and approaches are discussed, and their capabilities and limitations are reviewed. Two groundwater systems are studied for the Great Artesian Basin (GAB) and for the irrigation area near Bowen, Queensland. Three approaches to water balance modelling are applied in comprehensive model-development frameworks that take into account model objectives, data and knowledge availability and sensitivity analysis techniques. The three models show numerical methods of increasing complexity. The Bowen study area is well-suited to the least-complex method because data collection has been a priority there. As a contrast, the GAB is a large, poorly-monitored basin for which more knowledge of the groundwater system can be gained from its simulation by the steady state and transient groundwater flow models. The Bowen impact assessment model calculates dynamic historical water balances. The GAB aquifer models are high-complexity representations of the groundwater system that include predicted responses of the system to changes in hydrological conditions. These are comprehensive and well-documented attempts to model these systems. They provide a platform for scenario investigation and future improvements. ¶ Darcy’s Law was used in a GIS (Geographic Information System) to calculate dynamic water balances for an aquifer near the Queensland town of Bowen. This is the first time this approach has been applied to generate a complete groundwater balance. Over the period 1989-1997 the model estimates average total inflows to be 87 % groundwater recharge by rainfall and irrigation return flow, 12 % river recharge and 1 % inflow across the study area boundary. Outflows are estimated to be 66 % evapotranspiration, 28 % water bore discharge, 4 % discharge to the ocean and 2 % groundwater loss to rivers. Analyses show that evapotranspiration is the most uncertain parameter value. The GIS method was found to be useful for calculating water balances more accurately than analytical methods, because of their simplifying assumptions, and less time consuming than the more complex numerical models developed for the GAB aquifer. ¶ For the GAB, a steady state numerical model was developed and tested and predictive scenarios were run. The purpose of this modelling was both to gain a better understanding of the water balance of the GAB and to provide a tool that could predict water level recoveries under different bore rehabilitation scenarios. The model complexity is greater than in any previous numerical groundwater model of the GAB. In particular, the model uses more data, extends over a larger area and uses a generally finer discretisation than previous models. For the nearest surface artesian aquifer in 1960 the model estimates total inflows to be 60 % groundwater recharge and 40 % diffuse vertical inter-aquifer leakage. The model estimates outflows to be 53 % diffuse vertical leakage, 43 % water bore discharge, 3 % spring discharge and 1 % discharge to the ocean. Analyses show that the model is most sensitive to changes in horizontal hydraulic conductivity and recharge. The model-predicted heads match field measurements with a Scaled RMS error of 0.8 %, which is well within the guideline error of 5 %. The predictive scenarios show net vertical leakage into the aquifer decreasing and net vertical leakage out of the aquifer increasing, as bore flows are reduced. These estimates of inflows and outflows complement other studies of the Basin and add to our understanding of its hydrodynamics. In this way the water balance helps provide a sound basis for the development of GAB groundwater management plans and policies. Through its water level recovery predictions, the model has also been used to support the GAB Sustainability Initiative. ¶ A transient numerical model of the GAB was also developed and tested, and predictive scenarios were run. This model builds on the steady state model, and is more complex, with a calibration period (1965-1999) that is longer than in any previous GAB model. During calibration the model observations were expressed and weighted so that the minimisation of the objective function reflected the relative importance of the model’s potential uses, these being respectively: to simulate the impact of changing bore flows, to more generally inform water management plans and to provide an estimate of the water balance. It was found that the 1960 steady state assumption was not correct. Discluding anthropogenic discharge, the model is most sensitive to recharge and hydraulic conductivity. The model-predicted heads match field measurements with a Scaled RMS error of 2.7 %, which is well within the guideline error of 5 %, but the increased data requirements of the transient model highlighted deficiencies in the data available for the modelling. In particular, the uneven spread of the groundwater measurements over both time and space, the questionable accuracy of measurements from both high temperature and pressure bores, and corroded bores, and the type of discharge measured (for example, maximum yield or flow-as-found), became evident during the calibration of the model. Insights and the value of this work indicates for the first time that at the start of 2005 outflows were estimated to exceed inflows by 266 GL/year, or 62 % of total inflows, and, assuming that inflows through the aquifer’s boundary will not be reduced due to climate change, it will be possible to recover some of the lost groundwater pressure if all stock and domestic bores are rehabilitated and new extractions are limited. In this case the modelling estimates that inflows could exceed outflows by up to 40 % of total outflows.

Nesta pesquisa, obteve-se o levantamento e a análise de oito obras de edifícios verticais comerciais e residenciais, com características construtivas semelhantes. O resultado foi a determinação de um índice médio de consumo de 0,4886 metros cúbicos de água para cada metro quadrado de construção. Paralelamente, estudou-se o mercado de Palmas/TO quanto à execução de poços com profundidade superior a 70 metros. Assim, obtiveram-se os dados de oito poços, gerando uma vazão média de 11.200 litros por hora, uma profundidade média de 123 metros, nível estático médio de 16 metros e nível dinâmico médio de 52 metros. Dessa forma, calculou-se o índice mensal de consumo para o mês de pico das obras, resultando em 0,055 metros cúbicos por metro quadrado de obra construída. Com a somatória do custo de construção do poço teórico, seu consumo de energia elétrica e taxas de licenciamento ambiental, foi obtido o valor de R$ 34.850,52. Ao cruzar os dados coletados e calculados, gerou-se uma delimitação em metros quadrados de área construída de 2.248,42 metros quadrados para obras verticais, ou seja, concluiu-se que, no caso de obras com áreas construídas maiores do que a apresentada, torna-se economicamente viável a execução de poços artesianos profundos como alternativa à rede pública de abastecimento de água. / In this research, it was obtained the survey and the analysis of eight works of vertical commercial and residential buildings, with similar constructive characteristics. The result was the determination of an average consumption index of 0.4886 cubic meters of water for each square meter of construction. At the same time, the Palmas / TO market was studied for the execution of wells with a depth of more than 70 meters. Thus, data were obtained from eight wells, generating an average flow of 11,200 liters per hour, an average depth of 123 meters, an average static level of 16 meters and an average dynamic level of 52 meters. In this way, the monthly consumption index was calculated for the peak month of the works, resulting in 0.055 cubic meters per square meter of constructed work. With the sum of the cost of construction of the theoretical well, its consumption of electric energy and environmental licensing fees, the amount of R $ 34,850.52 was obtained. When crossing the data collected and calculated, a delimitation in square meters of constructed area of 2,248.42 square meters was generated for vertical works, that is, it was concluded that, in the case of works with larger built-up areas than the one presented, it becomes economically viable the execution of deep artesian wells as an alternative to the public water supply network.

Philosophiae Doctor - PhD / The Table Mountain Group (TMG) Aquifer is a huge aquifer system which may provide large bulk water supplies for local municipalities and irrigation water for agriculture in the Western Cape and Eastern Cape Provinces in South Africa. In many locations, water pressure in an aquifer may force groundwater out of ground surface so that the borehole drilled into the aquifer would produce overflow without a pump. Appropriate testing and evaluation of such artesian aquifers is very critical for sound evaluation and sustainable utilization of groundwater resources in the TMG area. However, study on this aspect of hydrogeology in TMG is limited. Although the flow and storage of TMG aquifer was conceptualised in previous studies, no specific study on artesian aquifer in TMG was made available. There are dozens of flowing artesian boreholes in TMG in which the pressure heads in the boreholes are above ground surface locally. A common approach to estimate hydraulic properties of the aquifers underneath is to make use of free-flowing and recovery tests conducted on a flowing artesian borehole. However, such testing approach was seldom carried out in TMG due to lack of an appropriate device readily available for data collection. A special hydraulic test device was developed for data collection in this context. The test device was successfully tested at a flowing artesian borehole in TMG. The device can not only be used to measure simultaneous flow rate and pressure head at the test borehole, but also be portable and flexible for capturing the data during aquifer tests in similar conditions like artesian holes in Karoo, dolomite or other sites in which pressure head is above ground surface. The straight-line method proposed by Jacob-Lohman is often adopted for data interpretation. However, the approach may not be able to analyse the test data from flowing artesian holes in TMG. The reason is that the TMG aquifers are often bounded by impermeable faults or folds at local or intermediate scale, which implies that some assumptions of infinite aquifer required for the straight-line method cannot be fulfilled. Boundary conditions based on the Jacob-Lohman method need to be considered during the simulation. In addition, the diagnostic plot analysis method using reciprocal rate derivative is adapted to cross-check the results from the straight-line method. The approach could help identify the flow regimes and discern the boundary conditions, of which results further provide useful information to conceptualize the aquifer and facilitate an appropriate analytical method to evaluate the aquifer properties. Two case studies in TMG were selected to evaluate the hydraulic properties of artesian aquifers using the above methods. The transmissivities of the artesian aquifer in TMG range from 0.6 to 46.7 m2/d based on calculations with recovery test data. Storativities range from 10-4 to 10-3 derived from free-flowing test data analysis. For the aquifer at each specific site, the transmissivity value of the artesian aquifer in Rawsonville is estimated to be 7.5–23 m2/d, with storativity value ranging from 2.0×10-4 to 5.5×10-4. The transmissivity value of the artesian aquifer in Oudtshoorn is approximately 37 m2/d, with S value of 1.16×10-3. The simulation results by straight-line and diagnostic plot analysis methods, not only imply the existence of negative skin zone in the vicinity of the test boreholes, but also highlight the fact that the TMG aquifers are often bounded by impermeable faults or folds at local or intermediate scale. With the storativity values of artesian aquifers derived from data interpretation, total groundwater storage capacity of aquifers at two case studies was calculated. The figures will provide valuable information for decision-makers to plan and develop sustainable groundwater utilization of artesian aquifers in local or intermediate scales. With the hydraulic test device readily available for data collection, more aquifer tests can be carried out in other overflow artesian boreholes in TMG. It becomes feasible to determine the hydraulic properties of artesian aquifers for the entire TMG. Thereof quantification of groundwater resources of artesian aquifers in TMG at a mega-scale becomes achievable. This would also contribute towards global research initiative for quantification of groundwater resources at a mega-scale.

The purpose of this study was to determine the chemical content of Denton County's (Texas) water. Based on the analysis of the three samples, the water of Denton County is classed as poor for irrigation.