Hydrological and economic feasibility of mitigating a stressed coastal aquifer using managed aquifer recharge: a case study of Jamma aquifer, Oman

Abstract

This study explored the hydrological and economic feasibility of managed aquifer recharge (MAR) using tertiary treated wastewater (TWW) to mitigate salinity in the coastal aquifer of Jamma, Oman. A steady-state groundwater flow and transport model, using MODFLOW software, was developed and calibrated. Different managerial scenarios were simulated and the results reveal that the Jamma aquifer will be further deteriorated in the next 20 a if it remains unmanaged. The groundwater table will decline further by more than 3 m on average; and the iso-concentration salinity line of 1500 mg/L will advance 2.7 km inland, which will severely affect the farming activities in the area. However, MAR using TWW when integrated with the management of groundwater abstraction (e.g., using modern irrigation systems to reduce the abstraction rate) becomes hydrologically feasible to augment the aquifer storage and control seawater intrusion, and hence improves the farming activities. The results indicate that: (1) injecting TWW in the vicinity of irrigation wells (Scenario A2); (2) investing in smart water meters and online control of pumping from the wells to reduce the abstraction rate by 25% (Scenario B); and (3) a combination of both (Scenario B2) are feasible scenarios with positive net present values. Recharge in upstream areas is found not economically feasible because of the very high investment cost of the installation of pipes to transport the TWW over a distance of 12.5 km. Because of securing funds are challenging, Scenario B would be the best option and the second-best option is Scenario A2. Scenario B2 has the lowest net benefit investment ratio and is very attractive because it entails integrated demand and supply management of groundwater. It is required to reduce pumping and to invest in injecting TWW to improve groundwater quality in the vicinity of irrigation wells and to form a hydrological barrier to control seawater intrusion in the long run.

Managed Aquifer Recharge in the Gulf Countries: A Review and Selection Criteria

“…MAR using TSE represented a promising and potential option in the management of water resources in the Kingdom of Bahrain. It increased the groundwater level and reduced the salinity [66,67]. However, Ahmed et al [66] have suggested that before implementing this method of MAR proper attention must be given to health, environmental, ecological, aesthetics, financial, economic, political, and social losses.…”

Analysis of Coupling Co-Ordination between Intensive Sea Use and the Marine Economy in the Liaoning Coastal Economic Belt of China

“…e marine economy indicates the status of various industrial activities for developing, utilizing, and protecting the oceans and the associated economic activities [39]. By referring to relevant research results [12][13][14][15][16][17], this study carried out a comprehensive analysis from the perspectives of the degree of development and quality of the marine economy. e specific indicator system is presented in Table 3. (1) e degree of development of the marine economy was measured by three indicators: total marine GDP, port cargo throughput, and coastline economic density.…”

“…Research on marine economies has long been under development and mainly includes (1) research on marine economies [8][9][10] and the vulnerability and stability of the marine economic system [11][12][13][14] based on sustainable development; (2) research related to the efficiency [15,16] and transformation [17] of marine economies; and (3) research on the relationship between marine economies and the environment [18], resource development [12], and marine industries [19][20][21][22][23]. In 2011, the concept of intensive sea use was officially proposed [24], and it has been gradually applied to relevant practical research on the development and utilization of sea areas.…”

Nutrients Removal From Partially Treated Wastewater Using Soil Aquifer Treatment System

“…The SAT is becoming a common practice in arid and semi-arid regions to produce water with acceptable quality [4,5]. It has been carried out in many countries around the world [6][7][8][9].…”