Geophysical Characterization of Hydraulic Properties around a Managed Aquifer Recharge System over the Llobregat River Alluvial Aquifer (Barcelona Metropolitan Area)

Managed aquifer recharge using surface or regenerated water plays an important role in the Barcelona Metropolitan Area in increasing storage volume to help operators cope with the runoff variability and unexpected changes in surface water quality that are aggravated by climate change. The specific a...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Water (Basel) 2020-12, Vol.12 (12), p.3455
Main Authors: Sendrós, Alex, Himi, Mahjoub, Lovera, Raúl, Rivero, Lluís, Garcia-Artigas, Ruben, Urruela, Aritz, Casas, Albert
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Alluvial aquifers
Aquifer management
Aquifers
Artificial recharge
Boreholes
Climate change
Drinking water
Electric contacts
Electrical resistivity
Environmental aspects
Geology
Groundwater
Groundwater recharge
Hydraulic properties
Hydraulics
Hydrogeology
Hydrology
Infiltration rate
Metropolitan areas
Permeability
Piezometers
Ponds
Recharge basins
Regenerated water
Rivers
Sediments
Surface runoff
Surface water
Testing
Water quality
Water shortages
Water supply
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Summary:Managed aquifer recharge using surface or regenerated water plays an important role in the Barcelona Metropolitan Area in increasing storage volume to help operators cope with the runoff variability and unexpected changes in surface water quality that are aggravated by climate change. The specific aim of the research was to develop a non-invasive methodology to improve the planning and design of surface-type artificial recharge infrastructures. To this end, we propose an approach combining direct and indirect exploration techniques such as electrical resistivity tomography (ERT), frequency domain electromagnetics and data from double-ring infiltration tests, trial pits, research boreholes and piezometers. The ERT method has provided much more complete and representative information in a zone where the recharge project works below design infiltration rates. The geometry of the hydrogeological units and the aquifer-aquiclude contact are accurately defined through the models derived from the interpretation of ERT cross-sections in the alluvial aquifer setting. Consequently, prior to the construction of recharge basins, it is highly recommended to conduct the proposed approach in order to identify the highest permeability areas, which are, therefore, the most suitable for aquifer artificial recharge.
ISSN:2073-4441
2073-4441
DOI:10.3390/w12123455