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

Abstract

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.

Analysis of potential water recharge areas using spatial multi-criteria evaluation in Denpasar City, Bali, Indonesia

“…Ideally, areas with high recharge potential are indicated by flat terrains and high rainfall intensity, allowing for high infiltration capacity [27]. However, this study found that slope and rainfall insignificantly affect infiltration because the city has primarily flat terrains and similar annual rainfall.…”

Controls on flood managed aquifer recharge through a heterogeneous vadose zone: hydrologic modeling at a site characterized with surface geophysics

“…Given the importance of quantifying geologic heterogeneity at recharge sites, near-surface geophysical methods have become a popular tool for MAR site evaluation, as they can provide cost-effective, high-resolution imaging of the subsurface. Common techniques include electrical resistivity tomography, transient electromagnetic, frequency domain electromagnetic, seismic reflection and nuclear magnetic res-onance methods (Haines et al, 2009;Maliva et al, 2009;Gottschalk et al, 2017;Goebel and Knight, 2021;Sendrós et al, 2020a;Walsh et al, 2014;Parker et al, 2022). The use and availability of near-surface geophysical data are expected to continue growing in the future.…”

Managed aquifer recharge site assessment with electromagnetic imaging: Identification of recharge flow paths

“…Over the past 10 yr, there has been growing interest in the use of geophysical methods as a cost‐efficient way of characterizing sediment type to support managed aquifer recharge operations, including surface spreading recharge. Studies have used a variety of geophysical methods including surface and borehole electrical resistivity tomography, time domain electromagnetics, and nuclear magnetic resonance (Cook et al., 1992; Gottschalk et al., 2017; Maliva et al., 2015; Mawer et al., 2013; Parsekian et al., 2014; Sendrós et al., 2020; Lawrie et al., 2013). Two of the most significant impediments with the use of many of these methods are the time it takes to acquire data and the challenge of efficiently and accurately deriving the information needed about the subsurface to assess the suitability of a site for recharge.…”