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Author (up) Abadi, B.; Sadeghfam, S.; Ehsanitabar, A.; Nadiri, A.A.
Title Investigating socio-economic and hydrological sustainability of ancient Qanat water systems in arid regions of central Iran Type Journal Article
Year 2023 Publication Groundwater for Sustainable Development Abbreviated Journal
Volume 23 Issue Pages 100988
Keywords Ancient irrigation, QWSs, GIS, Indigenous knowledge, Maintenance, Distribution
Abstract The Qanat water systems (QWSs), the ancient water engineering systems in Iran belonging to the very distant past, have harvested groundwater from drainages to convey it toward the surface with no use of energy. The present article highlights the socio-economic aspects of the sustainability of the QWSs and gives a satisfactory explanation of why the QWSs should be restored. In doing so, we subscribe to the view that indigenous and scientific knowledge should be incorporated. The former serves to tackle the restoration of the QWSs, the latter contributes to the distribution of water into the farmlands as efficiently as possible. Measured by (a) resilience, (b) reliability, (c) vulnerability, and (d) sustainability, the GIS technique made clear the performance of the QWSs has, therefore, the worst condition observed in terms of resiliency; the best condition observed concerning the vulnerability. Moreover, the QWSs have intermediate performance in terms of reliability. Finally, the sustainability index (SI) classifies the QWSs into different bands, which provide explicit support to take priority of the selection of the QWSs for restoration. In conclusion, a theoretical framework has been drawn to keep the QWSs sustainable.
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ISSN 2352-801x ISBN Medium
Area Expedition Conference
Notes Approved no
Call Number THL @ christoph.kuells @ Abadi2023100988 Serial 268
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Author (up) Aderemi, B.A.; Olwal, T.O.; Ndambuki, J.M.; Rwanga, S.S.
Title Groundwater levels forecasting using machine learning models: A case study of the groundwater region 10 at Karst Belt, South Africa Type Journal Article
Year 2023 Publication Systems and Soft Computing Abbreviated Journal
Volume 5 Issue Pages 200049
Keywords Artificial intelligence, Forecasting model, Groundwater levels, Machine learning, Neural networks, Rainfall, Regression, Temperature, Time series
Abstract The crucial role which groundwater resource plays in our environment and the overall well-being of all living things can not be underestimated. Nonetheless, mismanagement of resources, over-exploitation, inadequate supply of surface water and pollution have led to severe drought and an overall drop in groundwater resources’ levels over the past decades. To address this, a groundwater flow model and several mathematical data-driven models have been developed for forecasting groundwater levels. However, there is a problem of unavailability and scarcity of the on-site input data needed by the data-driven models to forecast the groundwater level. Furthermore, as a result of the dynamics and stochastic characteristics of groundwater, there is a need for an appropriate, accurate and reliable forecasting model to solve these challenges. Over the years, the broad application of Machine Learning (ML) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) models are gaining attraction as an alternative solution for forecasting groundwater levels. Against this background, this article provides an overview of forecasting methods for predicting groundwater levels. Also, this article uses ML models such as Regressions Models, Deep Auto-Regressive models, and Nonlinear Autoregressive Neural Networks with External Input (NARX) to forecast groundwater levels using the groundwater region 10 at Karst belt in South Africa as a case study. This was done using Python Mx. Version 1.9.1., and MATLAB R2022a machine learning toolboxes. Moreover, the Coefficient of Determination (R2);, Root Mean Square Error (RMSE), Mutual Information gain, Mean Absolute Percentage Error (MAPE), Mean Squared Error (MSE), Mean Absolute Error (MAE), and the Mean Absolute Scaled Error (MASE)) models were the forecasting statistical performance metrics used to assess the predictive performance of these models. The results obtained showed that NARX and Support Vector Machine (SVM) have higher performance metrics and accuracy compared to other models used in this study.
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Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2772-9419 ISBN Medium
Area Expedition Conference
Notes Approved no
Call Number THL @ christoph.kuells @ Aderemi2023200049 Serial 219
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Author (up) Alexander, A.C.; Ndambuki, J.M.
Title Impact of mine closure on groundwater resource: Experience from Westrand Basin-South Africa Type Journal Article
Year 2023 Publication Physics and Chemistry of the Earth, Parts A/B/C Abbreviated Journal
Volume 131 Issue Pages 103432
Keywords Acid mine drainage, Groundwater quality, Mine closure, Spatio-temporal variation, Westrand Basin
Abstract The mining sector is at the edge of expanding to cater for natural resources that are much needed for technological development and manufacturing. Mushrooming of mines will consequently increase the number of mines closure. Moreover, mines closure have adverse impact on the environment at large and specifically on water resources. This study analyses historical groundwater quality parameters in mine intensive basin of Westrand Basin (WRB) to understand the status of groundwater quality in relation to mining activities and mine closure. Geographic information system (GIS) was used to map the spatio-temporal variation of groundwater quality in the basin and groundwater quality index (GQI) to evaluate its status. The coefficient of variation (CV) was applied to understand the stability of groundwater quality after the mine closure. Results indicated unstable and altered trend with increasing levels of acidity and salts concentration around the mines vicinity following the mine closure. The resultant maps indicated a significant deterioration of groundwater quality around the WRB with concentrations decreasing downstream. Obtained average GQI for the study period of 1996–2015 suggested a moderate groundwater quality at a range of GQI = 64–73. The CV indicated varying water quality at CV \textgreater 30% suggesting presence of source of contamination. Observed groundwater quality trends in Westrand basin suggested that mines closure present potential threat on groundwater quality and thus, a need for a robust mine closure plan and implementation.
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Language Summary Language Original Title
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1474-7065 ISBN Medium
Area Expedition Conference
Notes Approved no
Call Number THL @ christoph.kuells @ alexander_impact_2023 Serial 134
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Author (up) Arya, S.; Kumar, A.
Title Evaluation of stormwater management approaches and challenges in urban flood control Type Journal Article
Year 2023 Publication Urban Climate Abbreviated Journal
Volume 51 Issue Pages 101643
Keywords Flood risk, Green infrastructure (GI), Stormwater management, Stormwater modelling, Vulnerability assessment, Urban floods
Abstract Across the globe, the damage caused by urban floods has increased manifold. The unchecked development has encroached the natural drainage, and the conventional drainage systems are inadequate in handling the augmented hydrological response. To counter this, a variety of approaches with the ability to adjust within the constraints of complex environments by managing surface runoff are being widely investigated and applied worldwide. These can put the flood water to better use, and the ecological balance may get restored. This review discusses recent progress made in the area of Green Infrastructure (GI), modelling tools that help in stormwater management, vulnerability analysis and flood risk assessment. Different ways of handling the problem are summarized through an extensive literature survey. The gaps and barriers that impede the implementation of stormwater management solutions and strategies for further improvement have also been presented. A case study of Gurugram city, India depicting the challenges being faced by urban flooding and the possible solutions through an expert survey is also presented.
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Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2212-0955 ISBN Medium
Area Expedition Conference
Notes Approved no
Call Number THL @ christoph.kuells @ Arya2023101643 Serial 224
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Author (up) Asare, P.; Atun, F.; Pfeffer, K.
Title Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) in spatial planning for urban flood mitigation: The perspective of flood management experts in Accra Type Journal Article
Year 2023 Publication Land Use Policy Abbreviated Journal
Volume 133 Issue Pages 106865
Keywords Naure-Based Solutions, Urban expansion, Urban floods, Urban flood management, Spatial planning, NBS integration
Abstract The rapid rate of urban expansion with its associated physical development in recent years conflicts with the urban ecosystem and the services it provides. In most Sub-Saharan African cities, rapid urban expansion often does not conform to existing spatial plans. Physical developments are sometimes carried out in unauthorized areas, contributing to urban floods. The Sub-Saharan African regions’ flood management strategies mainly focus on engineering solutions but have not been fully functional in mitigating urban floods. There is a scarcity of knowledge on how urban flood-related NBS measures can be part of the spatial development in Sub-Saharan African cities for effective flood management. In order to address this gap, this study employed content and text analysis of policy documents and interviews to understand how current spatial and flood mitigation schemes in Accra, Ghana reflect possible NBS applicability and identify possible approaches to integrating NBS into existing planning schemes to prevent urban floods. The study found that Accra’s spatial plans and flood mitigation schemes reflect a possibility of NBS integration. Additionally, the study unveiled techniques for integrating NBS measures and possible implementation barriers and facilitation in the Ghanaian context, which can be linked to combating the challenges that the Ghanaian spatial planning and flood management authorities face. The research, therefore, contributes to knowledge of how NBS can be integrated into spatial planning systems and flood mitigation schemes in Sub-Saharan African regions.
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Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0264-8377 ISBN Medium
Area Expedition Conference
Notes Approved no
Call Number THL @ christoph.kuells @ Asare2023106865 Serial 236
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Author (up) Baptista, V.S.G.; Coelho, V.H.R.; Bertrand, G.F.; Silva, G.B.L. da; Caicedo, N.O.L.; Montenegro, S.M.G.L.; Stefan, C.; Glass, J.; Heim, R.; Conrad, A.; Almeida, C. das N.
Title Rooftop water harvesting for managed aquifer recharge and flood mitigation in tropical cities: Towards a strategy of co-benefit evaluations in João Pessoa, northeast Brazil Type Journal Article
Year 2023 Publication Journal of Environmental Management Abbreviated Journal
Volume 342 Issue Pages 118034
Keywords Flood control, Groundwater, Injection well, Stormwater management, Urban drainage, Aquifer storage and recovery
Abstract Intense urbanisation in many coastal areas has led to intensification of groundwater consumption, while reducing permeable areas and increasing the frequency and magnitude of flooding. Among the potential strategies to compensate for these adverse effects, which are expected to become worse as a result of climate change, rooftop rainwater harvesting (RWH) in combination with managed aquifer recharge (MAR), may be indicated. This work investigated the performance of different configurations of such a system, tested as a twofold sustainable stormwater and domestic water management tool in a tropical metropole (João Pessoa, Brazil). This area located over a sedimentary aquifer system illustrates the water security challenges of densely urbanised areas in southern cities. To that end, several configurations of rooftop catchments and storage volumes were evaluated, by simulating a MAR-RWH system connected to the regional unconfined aquifer (Barreiras Formation) through a 6″ diameter injection well. Rainfall-runoff-recharge processes and water balances were simulated using monitored high-temporal resolution rainfall data. The results showed that catchments ranging from 180 to 810 m2, connected to tanks from 0.5 to 30.0 m³, are the optimal solutions in terms of efficient rainwater retention and peak flow reduction. These solutions provided mean annual estimates of aquifer recharge between 57 and 255 m³/yr from 2004 to 2019. The results of this study highlight the opportunity for MAR schemes to reconcile stormwater management and water supply goals.
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Language Summary Language Original Title
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0301-4797 ISBN Medium
Area Expedition Conference
Notes Approved no
Call Number THL @ christoph.kuells @ Baptista2023118034 Serial 237
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Author (up) Borrego-Alonso, D.; Quintana-Arnés, B.; Lozano, J.C.
Title Natural radionuclides behaviour in drinking groundwaters from Castilla y León (Spain); radiological implications Type Journal Article
Year 2023 Publication Water Research Abbreviated Journal
Volume 245 Issue Pages 120616
Keywords Drinking water, Environmental monitoring, Natural radioactivity, Public health, Radiological characterisation
Abstract Since the coming into force of the European Council Directive 51/2013 EURATOM and its transposition into the Spanish legislation, the presence of radioactive substances in drinking waters must be kept under surveillance to ensure that the health protection requirements are met. Driven by this regulatory framework, in an attempt to know the starting point from which to design surveillance plans, the groundwaters intended for human consumption of Castilla y León (Spain) have been radiologically characterised by using both low-level γ-ray and α-particle spectrometry to determine the activity concentration of the natural radionuclides needed to account for the indicative dose estimation. This extensive research has comprised the radiological characterisation of more than 400 drinking water samples from one of the European Union’s largest regions. Furthermore, the gross α and gross β activities have been analysed. Results showed a high geographical variability that can be related to the hydrogeological formations where the groundwaters come from. The uranium isotopes, 234U and 238U, are the main radionuclides present in the analysed drinking waters reaching values up to 2000 mBq/L, in the southwestern and western of Castilla y León, where U-rich minerals are part of the host rock. High 210Pb and 226,228Ra occurrences are found in the low permeability igneous and metasedimentary hydrogeological formations of Salamanca province. From a public health protection point of view, 4.4% of the total drinking water samples from intakes exceeded the Indicative Dose parametric value of 0.1 mSv, which is a not negligible number of samples, being very likely related to granitic and metamorphosed host rock under specific local conditions. This fact highlights the need for research and consideration of special surveillance of the groundwaters from these areas.
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ISSN 0043-1354 ISBN Medium
Area Expedition Conference
Notes Approved no
Call Number THL @ christoph.kuells @ borrego-alonso_natural_2023 Serial 157
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Author (up) Boumaiza, L.; Ammar, S.B.; Chesnaux, R.; Stotler, R.L.; Mayer, B.; Huneau, F.; Johannesson, K.H.; Levison, J.; Knöller, K.; Stumpp, C.
Title Nitrate sources and transformation processes in groundwater of a coastal area experiencing various environmental stressors Type Journal Article
Year 2023 Publication Journal of Environmental Management Abbreviated Journal
Volume 345 Issue Pages 118803
Keywords Aquifer, Denitrification, MixSIAR, Nitrate, Nitrification, Stable isotopes
Abstract In coastal salinized groundwater systems, contamination from various nitrate (NO3) inputs combined with complex hydrogeochemical processes make it difficult to distinguish NO3 sources and identify potential NO3 transformtation processes. Effective field-based NO3 studies in coastal areas are needed to improve the understanding of NO3 contamination dynamics in groundwater of such complex coastal systems. This study focuses on a typical Mediterranean coastal agricultural area, located in Tunisia, experiencing substantial NO3 contamination from multiple anthropogenic sources. Here, multiple isotopic tracers (δ18OH2O, δ2HH2O, δ15NNO3, δ18ONO3, and δ11B) combined with a Bayesian isotope MixSIAR model are used (i) to identify the major NO3 sources and their contributions, and (ii) to describe the potential NO3 transformation processes. The measured NO3 concentrations in groundwater are above the natural baseline threshold, suggesting anthropogenic influence. The measured isotopic composition of NO3 indicates that manure, soil organic matter, and sewage are the potential sources of NO3, while δ11B values constrain the NO3 contamination to manure; a finding that is supported by the results of MixSIAR model revealing that manure-derived NO3 dominates over other likely sources. Nitrate derived from manure in the study area is attributed to organic fertilizers used to promote crop growth, and livestock that deposit manure directly on the ground surface. Evidence for ongoing denitrification in groundwaters of the study area is supported by an enrichment in both 15N and 18O in the remaining NO3, although isotopic mass balances between the measured and the theoretical δ18ONO3 values also suggest the occurrence of nitrification. The simultaneous occurrence of these biogeochemical processes with heterogeneous distribution across the study area reflect the complexity of interactions within the investigated coastal aquifer. The multiple isotopic tracer approach used here can identify the effect of multiple NO3 anthropogenic activities in coastal environments, which is fundamental for sustainable groundwater resources management.
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Language Summary Language Original Title
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0301-4797 ISBN Medium
Area Expedition Conference
Notes Approved no
Call Number THL @ christoph.kuells @ boumaiza_nitrate_2023 Serial 170
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Author (up) Bresinsky, L.; Kordilla, J.; Hector, T.; Engelhardt, I.; Livshitz, Y.; Sauter, M.
Title Managing climate change impacts on the Western Mountain Aquifer: Implications for Mediterranean karst groundwater resources Type Journal Article
Year 2023 Publication Journal of Hydrology X Abbreviated Journal
Volume 20 Issue Pages 100153
Keywords Groundwater recharge, Storage, Hydrogeological droughts, Climate change effects, Groundwater management, Mitigation of climate change effects
Abstract Many studies highlight the decrease in precipitation due to climate change in the Mediterranean region, making it a prominent hotspot. This study examines the combined impacts of climate change and three groundwater demand scenarios on the water resources of the Western Mountain Aquifer (WMA) in Israel and the West Bank. While commonly used methods for quantifying groundwater recharge and water resources rely on regression models, it is important to acknowledge their limitations when assessing climate change impacts. Regression models and other data-driven approaches are effective within observed variability but may lack predictive power when extrapolated to conditions beyond historical fluctuations. A comprehensive assessment requires distributed process-based numerical models incorporating a broader range of relevant physical flow processes and, ideally, ensemble model projections. In this study, we simulate the dynamics of dual-domain infiltration and precipitation partitioning using a HydroGeoSphere (HGS) model for variably saturated water flow coupled to a soil-epikarst water balance model in the WMA. The model input includes downscaled high-resolution climate projections until 2070 based on the IPCC RCP4.5 scenario. The results reveal a 5% to 10% decrease in long-term average groundwater recharge compared to a 30% reduction in average precipitation. The heterogeneity of karstic flow and increased intensity of individual rainfall events contribute to this mitigated impact on groundwater recharge, underscoring the importance of spatiotemporally resolved climate models with daily precipitation data. However, despite the moderate decrease in recharge, the study highlights the increasing length and severity of consecutive drought years with low recharge values. It emphasizes the need to adjust current management practices to climate change, as freshwater demand is expected to rise during these periods. Additionally, the study examines the emergence of hydrogeological droughts and their propagation from the surface to the groundwater. The results suggest that the 48-month standardized precipitation index (SPI-48) is a suitable indicator for hydrogeological drought emergence due to reduced groundwater recharge.
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ISSN 2589-9155 ISBN Medium
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Notes Approved no
Call Number THL @ christoph.kuells @ Bresinsky2023100153 Serial 223
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Author (up) Custódio, D.A.; Ghisi, E.
Title Impact of residential rainwater harvesting on stormwater runoff Type Journal Article
Year 2023 Publication Journal of Environmental Management Abbreviated Journal
Volume 326 Issue Pages 116814
Keywords Rainwater harvesting, Residential buildings, Stormwater runoff, Floods, Computer simulation
Abstract Population increase, climate change and soil impermeability are factors causing floods in large urban centres. Such places also always have water shortage problems. This research aims to evaluate the influence of rainwater harvesting in residential buildings on stormwater in a basin located in southern Brazil (Rio Cachoeira Basin). Urbanised and non-urbanised areas, soil types, curve numbers and time of concentration of each sub-basin were taken into account. Through the HEC-HMS programme, it was possible to calculate hydrographs for the base scenario (when there is no rainwater harvesting). Then, rainwater tanks for the residential buildings were sized using the computer programme Netuno. In the second scenario, there is rainwater harvesting in all residential buildings. Thus, the hydrographs for the second scenario were also calculated. The peak flow reduction potentials for the sub-basins ranged from 2.7% to 14.3%. The highest percentage (14.3%) did not occur in the sub-basin with the most extensive roof area; such highest peak flow reduction occurred in Bom Retiro sub-basin. In Bom Retiro sub-basin, there are more houses than multi-storey residential buildings. Even when considering the full potential of rainwater harvesting for roof areas of all existing buildings in the Rio Cachoeira Basin, the average potential reduction in peak flow was 7.2%. The conclusion is that rainwater tanks in residential buildings have little influence on stormwater runoff, and the stormwater runoff will be less affected when the area of the hydrographic basin is larger. Thus, the reduction in peak flows is insignificant when considering the flooding in the region.
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Language Summary Language Original Title
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
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ISSN 0301-4797 ISBN Medium
Area Expedition Conference
Notes Approved no
Call Number THL @ christoph.kuells @ Custodio2023116814 Serial 231
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