Editorial Board Members’ Collection Series: Integrated Surface Water and Groundwater Resources Management

A special issue of Hydrology (ISSN 2306-5338). This special issue belongs to the section "Surface Waters and Groundwaters".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 December 2024 | Viewed by 14937

Special Issue Editors


E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Laboratory for Applied Geology and Hydrogeology, Department of Geology, Ghent University, 9000 Gent, Belgium
Interests: hydrogeology; hydrogeochemistry; EIA; applied geophysics
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Institute of Atmospheric Sciences and Climate, National Research Council of Italy, 73100 Lecce, Italy
Interests: hydrology; hydrogeology; climate changes; hydrometeorology; geomorphology
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

We are pleased to announce a new Special Issue entitled “Editorial Board Members’ Collection Series: Integrated Surface Water and Groundwater Resources Management”, which will collect papers invited by the Editorial Board Members.

The aim of this Special Issue is to provide a venue for networking and communication between Hydrology and scholars in the field of surface water and groundwater resources management. All papers will be published in an open access format following peer review.

Prof. Dr. Kristine Walraevens
Dr. Marco Delle Rose
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Hydrology is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 1800 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

  • Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
  • Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
  • Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
  • External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
  • e-Book format: Special Issues with more than 10 articles can be published as dedicated e-books, ensuring wide and rapid dissemination.

Further information on MDPI's Special Issue polices can be found here.

Published Papers (7 papers)

Order results
Result details
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

Jump to: Review

28 pages, 9045 KiB  
Article
Estimation of Groundwater Recharge in a Volcanic Aquifer System Using Soil Moisture Balance and Baseflow Separation Methods: The Case of Gilgel Gibe Catchment, Ethiopia
by Fayera Gudu Tufa, Fekadu Fufa Feyissa, Adisu Befekadu Kebede, Beekan Gurmessa Gudeta, Wagari Mosisa Kitessa, Seifu Kebede Debela, Bekan Chelkeba Tumsa, Alemu Yenehun, Marc Van Camp and Kristine Walraevens
Hydrology 2024, 11(7), 109; https://doi.org/10.3390/hydrology11070109 - 22 Jul 2024
Viewed by 1349
Abstract
Understanding the recharge–discharge system of a catchment is key to the efficient use and effective management of groundwater resources. The present study focused on the estimation of groundwater recharge using Soil Moisture Balance (SMB) and Baseflow Separation (BFS) methods in the Gilgel Gibe [...] Read more.
Understanding the recharge–discharge system of a catchment is key to the efficient use and effective management of groundwater resources. The present study focused on the estimation of groundwater recharge using Soil Moisture Balance (SMB) and Baseflow Separation (BFS) methods in the Gilgel Gibe catchment where water demand for irrigation, domestic, and industrial purposes is dramatically increasing. The demand for groundwater and the existing ambitious plans to respond to this demand will put a strain on the groundwater resource in the catchment unless prompt intervention is undertaken to ensure its sustainability. Ground-based hydrometeorological 36-years data (1985 to 2020) from 17 stations and satellite products from CHIRPS and NASA/POWER were used for the SMB method. Six BFS methods were applied through the Web-based Hydrograph Analysis Tool (WHAT), SepHydro, BFLOW, and Automated Computer Programming (PART) to sub-catchments and the main catchment to estimate the groundwater recharge. The streamflow data (discharge) obtained from the Ministry of Water and Energy were the main input data for the BFS methods. The average annual recharge of groundwater was estimated to be 313 mm using SMB for the years 1985 to 2020 and 314 mm using BFS for the years 1986 to 2003. The results from the SMB method revealed geographical heterogeneity in annual groundwater recharge, varying from 209 to 442 mm. Significant spatial variation is also observed in the estimated annual groundwater recharge using the BFS methods, which varies from 181 to 411 mm for sub-catchments. Hydrogeological conditions of the catchment were observed, and the yielding capacity of existing wells was assessed to evaluate the validity of the results. The recharge values estimated using SMB and BFS methods are comparable and hydrologically reasonable. The findings remarkably provide insightful information for decision-makers to develop effective groundwater management strategies and to prioritize the sub-catchments for immediate intervention to ensure the sustainability of groundwater. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 3759 KiB  
Article
Integrated Exploitation of Rainwater and Groundwater: A Strategy for Water Self-Sufficiency in Ca Mau Province of the Mekong Delta
by Dang Hoa Vinh, Dung Duc Tran, Dao Dinh Cham, Phan Thi Thanh Hang, Duong Ba Man, Danh Mon, Luu Hai Tung, Le Van Kiem, Thien Duc Nguyen and Duong Thi Ngoc Tuyen
Hydrology 2024, 11(4), 55; https://doi.org/10.3390/hydrology11040055 - 12 Apr 2024
Viewed by 2555
Abstract
Groundwater sources have been exploited excessively for numerous purposes worldwide, leading to increasingly severe depletion. However, the replenishment of groundwater sources has not usually been a focus in economically and socially underdeveloped countries and regions. In coastal provinces of the Vietnamese Mekong Delta [...] Read more.
Groundwater sources have been exploited excessively for numerous purposes worldwide, leading to increasingly severe depletion. However, the replenishment of groundwater sources has not usually been a focus in economically and socially underdeveloped countries and regions. In coastal provinces of the Vietnamese Mekong Delta (VMD), rural areas are facing difficulties in accessing fresh water due to shortages from the water supply plant and excessive use of groundwater, highlighting an urgent need for sustainable development solutions. Our study first conducted interviews with 200 households in Ca Mau Province of the VMD to identify the current situation and the challenges and obstacles of rainwater harvesting and to find sustainable and proactive solutions. We then analyzed daily rainfall data from 10 meteorological stations to construct four scenarios of the water balance method: (i) potential rainwater harvesting based on existing roof area; (ii) optimal scale of storage tank and catchments for different levels of water usage; (iii) tank scale utilizing rainwater entirely during the rainy season and basic needs during the dry season; and (iv) integrated water supply between rain and groundwater. The results showed that using rainwater entirely for domestic water supply requires large storage tank capacities, making these scenarios difficult to achieve in the near future. Our research introduces a novel integrated water supply approach to storing rain and groundwater that has demonstrated high effectiveness and sustainability. With existing tank capacities (0.8 m3 per person), rainwater could only meet over 48% (14 m3 per year) of the water demand while requiring 14.8 m3 of additional groundwater extraction. With a tank capacity of 2.4 m3 per person, ensuring rainwater harvesting meets basic demand, harvested rainwater could satisfy 64% of the demand, with artificial groundwater supplementation exceeding 1.79 times the required extraction, while excess rainwater discharge into the environment would be minimal. Our research results not only provide potential solutions for rainwater and groundwater collection to supplement sustainable domestic water sources for Ca Mau but also serve as an example for similar regions globally. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 4545 KiB  
Article
Groundwater Bodies Subdivision in Corsica: A Critical Approach Based on Multivariate Water Quality Criteria Using Large Database
by Hajar Lazar, Meryem Ayach, Abdoul-Azize Barry, Ismail Mohsine, Abdessamad Touiouine, Frédéric Huneau, Christophe Mori, Émilie Garel, Ilias Kacimi, Vincent Valles and Laurent Barbiero
Hydrology 2023, 10(11), 213; https://doi.org/10.3390/hydrology10110213 - 15 Nov 2023
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1937
Abstract
The cross-referencing of two databases, namely the compartmentalization into groundwater bodies (GWB) and the quality monitoring (2830 observations including 15 physico-chemical and bacteriological parameters, on 662 collection points and over a period of 27 years) is applied to better understand the diversity of [...] Read more.
The cross-referencing of two databases, namely the compartmentalization into groundwater bodies (GWB) and the quality monitoring (2830 observations including 15 physico-chemical and bacteriological parameters, on 662 collection points and over a period of 27 years) is applied to better understand the diversity of the waters of the island of Corsica (France) and to facilitate the surveillance and quality monitoring of the groundwater resource. Data conditioning (log-transformation), dimensional reduction (PCA), classification (AHC) and then quantification of the information lost during grouping (ANOVA), highlight the need to sub-divide the groundwater bodies in the crystalline part of the island in order to take better account of lithological diversity and other environmental factors (slope, altitude, soil thickness, etc.). The compartmentalization into 15 units, mainly based on structural geology, provides less information than the grouping into 12 units after subdivision of the crystalline region. The diversity of the waters in terms of chemical and bacteriological composition is discussed, and the results encourage a review of the compartmentalization of the island’s GWBs, with a view to more targeted monitoring based on this diversity. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

19 pages, 3306 KiB  
Article
ANN-Based Predictors of ASR Well Recovery Effectiveness in Unconfined Aquifers
by Saeid Masoudiashtiani and Richard C. Peralta
Hydrology 2023, 10(7), 151; https://doi.org/10.3390/hydrology10070151 - 19 Jul 2023
Viewed by 1665
Abstract
In this study, we present artificial neural networks (ANNs) to aid in a reconnaissance evaluation of an aquifer storage and recovery (ASR) well. Recovery effectiveness (REN) is the proportion of ASR-injected water recovered during subsequent extraction from the same well. ANN-based predictors allow [...] Read more.
In this study, we present artificial neural networks (ANNs) to aid in a reconnaissance evaluation of an aquifer storage and recovery (ASR) well. Recovery effectiveness (REN) is the proportion of ASR-injected water recovered during subsequent extraction from the same well. ANN-based predictors allow rapid REN prediction without requiring preparation for and execution of solute transport simulations. REN helps estimate blended water quality resulting from a conservative solute in an aquifer, extraction for environmental protection, and other uses, respectively. Assume that into an isotropic homogenous portion of an unconfined, one-layer aquifer, extra surface water is injected at a steady rate during two wet months (61 days) through a fully penetrating ASR well. And then, water is extracted from the well at the same steady rate during three dry months (91-day period of high demand). The presented dimensionless input parameters were designed to be calibrated within the ANNs to match REN values. The values result from groundwater flow and solute transport simulations for ranges of impact factors of unconfined aquifers. The ANNs calibrated the weighting coefficients associated with the input parameters to predict the achievable REN of an ASR well. The ASR steadily injects extra surface water during periods of water availability and, subsequently, steadily extracts groundwater for use. The total extraction volume equaled the total injection volume at the end of extraction day 61. Subsequently, continuing extraction presumes a pre-existing groundwater right. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

13 pages, 3674 KiB  
Article
Effects of a Gravel Pit Lake on Groundwater Hydrodynamic
by Janja Vrzel, Hans Kupfersberger, Carlos Andres Rivera Villarreyes, Johann Fank and Leander Wieser
Hydrology 2023, 10(7), 140; https://doi.org/10.3390/hydrology10070140 - 30 Jun 2023
Viewed by 2354
Abstract
In Europe, 1132 Mt of sand and gravel were mined in 2019, which causes major changes to the hydrogeological cycle. Such changes may lead to significantly raised or lowered groundwater levels. Therefore, the aggregate sector has to ensure that impacts on existing environmental [...] Read more.
In Europe, 1132 Mt of sand and gravel were mined in 2019, which causes major changes to the hydrogeological cycle. Such changes may lead to significantly raised or lowered groundwater levels. Therefore, the aggregate sector has to ensure that impacts on existing environmental and water infrastructures are kept to a minimum in the post-mining phase. Such risk assessments are often made by empirical methods, which are based on assumptions that do not meet real aquifer conditions. To investigate this effect, predictions by empirical and numerical methods about hydraulic head changes caused by a pit lake were compared. Wrobel’s equation, which is based on Sichardt’s equation, was used as the empirical method, while a numerical groundwater flow model has been solved by means of the finite-element method in FEFLOW. The empirical method provides significantly smaller ranges of increased/decreased groundwater levels caused by the gravel pit lake as the numerical method. The underestimation of the empirical results was related to the finding that field measurements during pumping tests show a larger extent of groundwater drawdown than calculations with the Sichardt’s equation. Simplifications of the 2D model approach have been evaluated against hydraulic head changes derived from a 3D groundwater model. Our results clearly show that the faster and cheaper empirical method—Wrobel’s equation, which is often preferred over the more expensive and time-consuming numerical method, underestimates the drawdown area. This is especially critical when the assignment of mining permits is based on such computations. Therefore, we recommend using numerical models in the pre-mining phase to accurately compute the extent of a gravel/sand excavation’s impacts on hydraulic head and hence more effective protection of groundwater and other related environmental systems. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

23 pages, 8484 KiB  
Article
Investigating Nitrate with Other Constituents in Groundwater in Two Contrasting Tropical Highland Watersheds
by Feleke K. Sishu, Seifu A. Tilahun, Petra Schmitter and Tammo S. Steenhuis
Hydrology 2023, 10(4), 82; https://doi.org/10.3390/hydrology10040082 - 3 Apr 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1971
Abstract
Nitrate is globally the most widespread and widely studied groundwater contaminant. However, few studies have been conducted in sub-Saharan Africa, where the leaching potential is enhanced during the rainy monsoon phase. The few monitoring studies found concentrations over drinking water standards of 10 [...] Read more.
Nitrate is globally the most widespread and widely studied groundwater contaminant. However, few studies have been conducted in sub-Saharan Africa, where the leaching potential is enhanced during the rainy monsoon phase. The few monitoring studies found concentrations over drinking water standards of 10 mg N-NO3 L−1 in the groundwater, the primary water supply in rural communities. Studies on nitrate movement are limited to the volcanic Ethiopian highlands. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the transport and fate of nitrate in groundwater and identify processes that control the concentrations. Water table height, nitrate, chloride, ammonium, reduced iron, and three other groundwater constituents were determined monthly in the groundwater in over 30 wells in two contrasting volcanic watersheds over two years in the Ethiopian highlands. The first watershed was Dangishta, with lava intrusion dikes that blocked the subsurface flow in the valley bottom. The water table remained within 3 m of the surface. The second watershed without volcanic barriers was Robit Bata. The water table dropped rapidly within three months of the end of the rain phase and disappeared except near faults. The average nitrate concentration in both watersheds was between 4 and 5 mg N-NO3 L−1. Hydrogeology influenced the transport and fate of nitrogen. In Dangishta, water was blocked by volcanic lava intrusion dikes, and residence time in the aquifer was larger than in Robit Bata. Consequently, nitrate remained high (in several wells, 10 mg N-NO3 L−1) and decreased slowly due to denitrification. In Robit Bata, the water residence time was lower, and peak concentrations were only observed in the month after fertilizer application; otherwise, it was near an average of 4 mg N-NO3 L−1. Nitrate concentrations were predicted using a multiple linear regression model. Hydrology explained the nitrate concentrations in Robit Bata. In Dangishta, biogeochemistry was also significant. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

Review

Jump to: Research

11 pages, 752 KiB  
Review
Stream-Aquifer Systems in Semi-Arid Regions: Hydrologic, Legal, and Management Issues
by Neil S. Grigg, Ryan T. Bailey and Ryan G. Smith
Hydrology 2023, 10(12), 224; https://doi.org/10.3390/hydrology10120224 - 29 Nov 2023
Viewed by 1949
Abstract
Integrated solutions to groundwater management problems require effective analysis of stream-aquifer connections, especially in irrigated semi-arid regions where groundwater pumping affects return flows and causes streamflow depletion. Scientific research can explain technical issues, but legal and management solutions are difficult due to the [...] Read more.
Integrated solutions to groundwater management problems require effective analysis of stream-aquifer connections, especially in irrigated semi-arid regions where groundwater pumping affects return flows and causes streamflow depletion. Scientific research can explain technical issues, but legal and management solutions are difficult due to the complexities of hydrogeology, the expense of data collection and model studies, and the inclination of water users not to trust experts, regulatory authorities, and in some cases, their management organizations. The technical, legal, and management issues are reviewed, and experiences with integrated management of stream-aquifer systems are used to illustrate how governance authorities can approach engineering, legal, regulatory, and management challenges incrementally. The situations in three basins of the State of Colorado with over-appropriated water resources are explained to identify modeling and control issues confronting regulators and managers of water rights. Water rights administration in the state follows the strict appropriation method and a workable technical-legal approach to establishing regulatory and management strategies has been developed. The explanations show how models and data management are improving, but the complexities of hydrogeology and institutional systems must be confronted on a case-by-case basis. Stream-aquifer systems will require more attention in the future, better data will be needed, model developers must prove superiority over simpler methods, and organizational arrangements will be needed to facilitate successful collective action amidst inevitable legal challenges. Continued joint research between technical, legal, and management communities will also be needed. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

Back to TopTop