While the success and sustainability of managed aquifer recharge (MAR) strongly depends on many characteristics of the site, it is necessary to integrate the site characteristics and develop ...suitability maps to indicate the most suitable locations. The objective of this study is to integrate geographic information system (GIS) and multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) techniques to identify the most suitable areas for a MAR project in the Kabul city area, Afghanistan. Data for six effective criteria, including slope, drainage density, surface infiltration rate, unsaturated zone thickness, soil type and electrical conductivity, were collected and then a classification map was produced for each criterion in the GIS environment. By applying MCDA techniques, the weights of the effective criteria were obtained. A suitability map was generated from each technique separately based on a combination of all criteria weights and thematic layers. The result of the analytical network process (ANP) method was found to be more precise and reliable compared with that of the analytical hierarchy process (AHP) method. Based on the final suitability map produced from the ANP model, there is 3.7, 15.0, 37.4, 33.1 and 10.3% of the total area that is unsuitable, of low suitability, moderately suitable, suitable and very suitable for MAR application, respectively. As a final result of this work, seven sites have been prioritized based on land use. The integration of multi-criteria decision analysis and GIS is recognized as an effective method for the selection of managed aquifer recharge sites.
Groundwater contamination has been on the rise in Afghanistan. It has become a major concern among the policy makers. This paper aims to propose practical options for the management of nitrate ...contamination in one of Afghanistan’s groundwater polluted provinces, Kabul. The management framework utilized Mann-Kendall and Sen Slope tests to detect nitrate trend and geostatistical analysis option in ArcGIS 10.5 to assess the nitrate change. To explore the impact of various management options, a number of legislative documents were reviewed. The results indicate a decline in the nitrate storage of Kabul aquifers from 108 mg/L in 2005 to 0.044 mg/L in 2010. Considering the whole period of the study, the results show that the nitrate volumes remain lower than the nitrate concentration range proposed by World Health Organization (50 mg/L). Groundwater dynamics in Kabul aquifers were influenced by nitrate derived from precipitation and nitrate input from root zones in agricultural areas. Finally, different management options for groundwater pollution from nitrate and corresponding authorities, incorporated urban, rural and agriculture, were proposed. It is expected that this study will help policy makers to better manage the nitrate storage of Kabul aquifers by implementing the proposed management options.
The Chakari alluvial aquifer is the primary source of water for human, animal, and irrigation applications. In this study, the geochemistry of major ions and stable isotope ratios (δ
2
H–H
2
O, δ
18
...O–H
2
O, δ
15
N–NO
3
̄, and δ
18
O–NO
3
̄) of groundwater and river water samples from the Chakari Plain were analyzed to better understand characteristics of nitrate. Herein, we employed nitrate isotopic ratios and BSIMM modeling to quantify the proportional contributions of major sources of nitrate pollution in the Chakari Plain. The cross-plot diagram of δ
15
N-NO
3
̄ against δ
18
O–NO
3
̄ suggests that manure and sewage are the main source of nitrate in the plain. Nitrification is the primary biogeochemical process, whereas denitrification did not have a significant influence on biogeochemical nitrogen dynamics in the plain. The results of this study revealed that the natural attenuation of nitrate in groundwater of Chakari aquifer is negligible. The BSIMM results indicate that nitrate originated mainly from sewage and manure (S&M, 75‰), followed by soil nitrogen (SN, 13‰), and chemical fertilizers (CF, 9.5‰). Large uncertainties were shown in the UI
90
values for S&M (0.6) and SN (0.47), whereas moderate uncertainty was exhibited in the UI
90
value for CF (0.29). The findings provide useful insights for decision makers to verify groundwater pollution and develop a sustainable groundwater management strategy.
This study used remote sensing (RS) and geographic information system (GIS) techniques to assess groundwater potential areas by applying two multi-criteria decision-making analyses tools in the ...Arghandab river basin. Twelve influencing parameters summarizing basin characteristics were gathered and generated using geospatial RS and GIS tools. The analytical hierarchy process (AHP) and analytical network process (ANP) were examined to weigh, ranking, and reclassify raster to produce groundwater potential maps. Two multi-criteria decision models were applied to compare results and suitability in the study area. The results of the AHP analysis delineate five groundwater potential zones (GWPZs) classified as very poor (29%), poor (22%), moderate (17%), high (19%), and very high (14%). On the other hand, the results of the ANP analysis classified GWPZs as very poor (25%), poor (9%), moderate (25%), high (30%), and very high (11%). To validate generated GWPZs maps, a total of 270 well locations data were utilized in the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. ROC model accuracy in training and validation stages is marginally higher for the ANP model (0.810 and 0.823) as compared to the AHP model (0.749 and 0.742). The groundwater potential map delineated in this study offers a preliminary assessment to scientists, public authorities, and policy makers for sustainable management of groundwater resources in the study area.
The groundwater vulnerability assessment is known as a useful tool for predicting and prevention of groundwater pollution. This study targets the DRASTIC, evidential belief function (EBF), and ...logistic regression (LR) models to assess vulnerability in Kabul aquifers, Afghanistan Country. The growth of urban sprawl, groundwater overexploitation, and lack of suitable municipal sewage systems as anthropogenic sources have been the main potential to increase groundwater contaminants such as nitrate in the study area. The vulnerability map has been developed based on various effective factors including altitude, slope (percentage rise), aspect, curvature, land-use type, drainage density, distance from river, annual mean precipitation, net recharge, geology/lithology units, the impact of the vadose zone, aquifer media, depth to water (unsaturated zone), saturated zone, drawdown, and hydraulic conductivity. To identify groundwater pollution, the spatial variation of nitrate concentration data in 2018 was considered indication of groundwater pollution. Based on descriptive statistics, the value of 2.65 mg/l (the median of the pixel values of nitrate map) was selected as a threshold to differentiate the occurrence and non-occurrence of pollution. The groundwater quality data were selected and randomly divided into two datasets for training and validation, including 70% and 30%, respectively. The success-rate and prediction-rate curves were computed based on the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and the area under the curve (AUC) to estimate the efficiency of models. The ROC-AUC of success rates for EBF, LR, and DRASTIC models were estimated to be 67%, 66%, and 52%, respectively. Moreover, the ROC-AUC of the prediction rates of the EBF, LR, and DRASTIC models were obtained 61%, 63%, and 55%, respectively. Based on correlation between mean nitrate concentration and the mean vulnerability indexes in each model, the EBF model is the most compatible with the current developed vulnerability zones as the role of mankind in changing the environment in real conditions in comparison to LR and DRASTIC models.
Graphical abstract
Groundwater from shallow and deep aquifers are widely used for drinking, agricultural and industrial use in Kabul, the capital of Afghanistan. However, unplanned urbanization and rapid population ...growth has led to the installation of numerous unlicensed wells to meet the public demand. This has caused to extraction of huge amounts of groundwater from the subsurface and further deterioration of groundwater quality. Therefore, understanding the hydrogeochemical characteristics of groundwater in shallow aquifers and deep aquifers is imperative for sustainable management of the groundwater resource in Kabul Plain. Thus, in this study, we used a multi-parameter approach, involving hydrochemical and environmental isotopes to understand the geochemical evolution of entire groundwater system of the Kabul Plain including river and dam water. The results of this study show that shallow and deep aquifers are dominantly of Mg–(Ca)–HCO
3
and Na–Cl water type, respectively. We observed that (1) water–rock interaction is the major contributing factor to the chemical compositions of groundwater in the Kabul Plain; (2) groundwater in deep aquifer is mainly influenced by silicate weathering, and dissolution of evaporitic and carbonate minerals and reverse cation exchange; (3) dissolution of carbonates and silicate weathering plays a pivotal role in the groundwater chemistry of shallow aquifer; (4) the stable isotopes of groundwater display that the shallow aquifer is principally recharged by river water and local precipitation; (5) the tritium analysis exhibited that groundwater of shallow aquifer was primarily recharged recently, whereas groundwater of deep aquifer is the mixture of pre 1953 with post 1953 groundwater. This study revealed that there are hydraulic interactions between the two aquifers and the deep aquifer is recharged through shallow aquifer. The findings of this study would be useful for Afghanistan’s water authorities to develop an effective strategy for sustainable water resources management in the Kabul Basin.
Abstract
While the success and sustainability of managed aquifer recharge (MAR) strongly depends on many characteristics of the site, it is necessary to integrate the site characteristics and develop ...suitability maps to indicate the most suitable locations. The objective of this study is to integrate geographic information system (GIS) and multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) techniques to identify the most suitable areas for a MAR project in the Kabul city area, Afghanistan. Data for six effective criteria, including slope, drainage density, surface infiltration rate, unsaturated zone thickness, soil type and electrical conductivity, were collected and then a classification map was produced for each criterion in the GIS environment. By applying MCDA techniques, the weights of the effective criteria were obtained. A suitability map was generated from each technique separately based on a combination of all criteria weights and thematic layers. The result of the analytical network process (ANP) method was found to be more precise and reliable compared with that of the analytical hierarchy process (AHP) method. Based on the final suitability map produced from the ANP model, there is 3.7, 15.0, 37.4, 33.1 and 10.3% of the total area that is unsuitable, of low suitability, moderately suitable, suitable and very suitable for MAR application, respectively. As a final result of this work, seven sites have been prioritized based on land use. The integration of multi-criteria decision analysis and GIS is recognized as an effective method for the selection of managed aquifer recharge sites.
Résumé
Alors que le succès et la durabilité de la recharge artificielle des aquifères (MAR) dépendent fortement de nombreuses caractéristiques du site, il est nécessaire d’intégrer les caractéristiques du site et de développer des cartes d’aptitude pour indiquer les emplacements les plus appropriés. L’objectif de cette étude est d’identifier les zones les plus appropriées pour un projet MAR dans la région de la ville de Kaboul, en Afghanistan à partir de l’intégration des techniques d’analyse décisionnelle multicritères (MCDA) à un système d’information géographique (SIG). Des données pour six critères pertinents, dont la pente, la densité de drainage, le taux d’infiltration en surface, l’épaisseur de la zone non saturée, le type de sol et la conductivité électrique, ont été collectées, puis une carte de classification a été produite pour chaque critère dans l’environnement SIG. En appliquant les techniques MCDA, les pondérations des critères pertinents ont été obtenues. Une carte d’aptitude a été générée à partir de chaque technique séparément sur la base d’une combinaison de toutes les pondérations des critères et des couches thématiques. Le résultat de la méthode du processus de réseau analytique (ANP) s’est révélé plus précis et plus fiable que celui de la méthode du processus de hiérarchie analytique (AHP). Sur la base de la carte d’aptitude finale produite par le modèle ANP, 3.7, 15.0%37.4, 33.1 et 10.3% de la zone totale sont respectivement inadaptés, peu adaptés, modérément adaptés, adaptés et très adaptés à l’application de la MAR. Comme résultat final de ce travail, sept sites ont été classés par ordre de priorité en fonction de l’utilisation des terres. L’intégration de l’analyse décisionnelle multicritères et du SIG est reconnue comme une méthode efficace pour la sélection de sites de recharge artificielle d’aquifères.
Resumen
El logro y la sostenibilidad de la recarga gestionada de acuíferos (MAR) dependen en gran medida de las numerosas características del lugar, por lo que es necesario integrar dichas características y elaborar mapas de aptitud que indiquen los sitios más adecuados. El objetivo de este estudio es la integración de las técnicas del sistema de información geográfica (SIG) y del análisis de decisiones multicriterio (MCDA) para identificar las zonas más adecuadas para un proyecto de MAR en los alrededores de la ciudad de Kabul, Afganistán. Se recopilaron datos de seis criterios válidos, como la pendiente, la densidad de drenaje, la tasa de infiltración superficial, el espesor de la zona no saturada, el tipo de suelo y la conductividad eléctrica, y luego se elaboró un mapa de clasificación para cada criterio en el entorno del SIG. Aplicando técnicas de MCDA, se obtuvieron las ponderaciones de los criterios aplicables. Se generó un mapa de aptitud a partir de cada técnica por separado, basado en una combinación de todas las ponderaciones de los criterios y las capas temáticas. El resultado del método del proceso de red analítica (ANP) resultó ser más preciso y fiable que el del método del proceso de jerarquía analítica (AHP). Según el mapa de aptitud final elaborado a partir del modelo ANP, hay un 3.7, un 15.0, un 37.4, un 33.1 y un 10.3% del área total que es inadecuada, de baja aptitud, moderadamente adecuada, adecuada y muy adecuada para la aplicación del MAR, respectivamente. Como resultado final de este trabajo, se han priorizado siete emplazamientos en función del uso del suelo. La integración del análisis de decisión multicriterio y el SIG se reconoce como un método eficiente para la selección de sitios de recarga de acuíferos gestionados.
摘要
虽然含水层人工补给(MAR)的成功和可持续性在很大程度上取决于场地的许多特征,但有必要整合场地特征并开发适宜性图以指示最合适的位置。本研究的目的是整合地理信息系统(GIS)和多准则决策分析(MCDA)技术,以确定阿富汗Kabul市区最适合 MAR 项目的区域。收集坡度、排水强度、地表入渗率、非饱和带厚度、土壤类型和电导率六个有效指标的数据,然后在GIS环境中为每个指标制作分类图。通过应用MCDA技术,获得了有效指标的权重。基于所有指标权重和专题层的组合,从每种技术分别生成了适用性图。与层次分析法(AHP)相比,层次网络过程(ANP)方法的结果更加精确和可靠。根据 ANP 模型生成的最终适宜性图,总面积的 3.7、15.0、37.4、33.1% 和 10.3%分别是MAR应用的不适宜、低适宜、中等适宜、适宜和非常适合区。作为这项工作的最终结果,根据土地用途确定了七个地点的优先顺序。多准则决策分析和GIS的集成被认为是选择含水层人工补给区的有效方法。
خلاصه
از آنجايی که موفقيت و پايداری مديريت تغذيه اکويفر وابستگی زيادی به تعدادی از خصوصيات منطقه دارد، ضروری است تا اين خصوصيات با يکديگر تلفيق گرديده و نقشه های سازگاری برای نشان دادن مناسبترين سايت ها تهيه شوند. هدف اين مطالعه تلفيق سيستم معلومات جغرافيايی و تکنيک های تحليل تصميم گيری چند معياری برای شناسايی مناسبترين مناطق برای پروژه مديريت تغذيه اکويفر در شهر کابل، افغانستان می باشد. معلومات شش معيار موثر شامل شيب زمين، تراکم زهکشی، نرخ نفوذ سطحی، ضخامت زون غيرمشبوع، نوع خاک و هدايت الکتريکی جمع آوری گرديد و سپس نقشه صنف بندی شده برای هرمعيار در محيط سيستم معلومات جغرافيايی تهيه شد. با استفاده ازتکنيک های تحليل تصميم گيری چند معياری، وزن معيارهای موثر به دست آمد. براساس ترکيب وزن تمام معيارها و لايه ها، يک نقشه سازگاری از هر تکنيک به طور جداگانه تهيه گرديد. نتيجه روش تحليل شبکه ای در مقايسه با روش تحليل سلسله مراتبی دقيق تر و بيشتر قابل اطمينان بوده است. مطابق نقشه سازگاری نهايی تهيه شده از طريق مودل تحليل شبکه ای، 3.7، 15.0، 37.4، 33.1 و % 10.3 از کل منطقه مورد مطالعه به ترتيب نامناسب، کمی مناسب،نسبتا مناسب، مناسب و بسيار مناسب برای مديريت تغذيه اکويفر می باشد. به عنوان نتيجه نهايی اين مطالعه، براساس نوع کاربری اراضی هفت ساحه مناسب در شهر کابل اولويت بندی شده اند. تلفيق تحليل تصميم گيری چند معياری و سيستم معلومات جغرافيايی به عنوان يک روش موثر برای انتخاب سايت مديريت تغذيه اکويفر شناخته شده است..
Resumo
Embora o sucesso e a sustentabilidade do gerenciamento de recarga em aquíferos (GRA) dependam fortemente de muitas características do local, é necessário integrar as características do local e desenvolver mapas de adequação para indicar os locais mais adequados. O objetivo desse estudo é integrar o sistema de informação geográfica (SIG) e as técnicas de análise de decisão multicritério (ADM) para identificar as áreas mais adequadas para um projeto GRA na área da cidade de Cabul, Afeganistão. Dados para seis critérios efetivos, incluindo declividade, densidade de drenagem, taxa de infiltração superficial, espessura da zona não saturada, tipo de solo e condutividade elétrica, foram coletados e então um mapa de classificação foi produzido para cada critério no ambiente SIG. Aplicando técnicas da ADM, foram obtidos os pesos dos critérios efetivos. Um mapa de adequação foi gerado a partir de cada técnica separadamente com base em uma combinação de todos os pesos de critérios e camadas temáticas. O resultado do método do processo de rede analítica (PRA) foi considerado mais preciso e confiável em comparação com o método da análise hierárquica de processos (AHP). Com base no mapa de adequação final produzido a partir do modelo AHP há 3.7, 15.0, 37.4, 33.1 e 10.3% da área total que é inadequada, de baixa adequação, moderadamente adequada, adequada e muito adequada para aplicação do GRA, respectivamente. Como resultado final deste trabalho, sete locais foram priorizados com base no uso da terra. A integração da análise de decisão multicritério e SIG é reconhecida como eficaz para a seleção de locais para o gerenciamento de recarga de aquíferos.
The evaluation of saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ks) constitutes an invaluable tool for the management and protection of groundwater resources. This study attempted to estimate Ks in the shallow ...aquifer of Kabul City, Afghanistan, in response to the occurring groundwater crisis caused by overexploitation and a lack of an appropriate monitoring system on pumping wells, based on datasets from well drilling logs, various analytical methods for pumping test analyses, and laboratory-based methodologies. The selection of Ks estimation methods was influenced by data availability and various established equations, including Theis, developed by Cooper–Jacob, Kruger, Zamarin, Zunker, Sauerbrei, and Chapuis, and pre-determined Ks values dedicated to well log segments exhibited the highest correlation coefficients, ranging between 60% and 75%, with the real conditions of the phreatic aquifer system with respect to the drawdown rate map. The results successfully obtained local-specific quantitative Ks value ranges for gravel, sand, silt, clay, and conglomerate. The obtained results fall within the high range of Ks classification, ranging from 30.0 to 139.8 m per day (m/d) on average across various calculation methods. This study proved that the combination of pumping test results, predetermined values derived from empirical and laboratory approaches, geological description, and classified soil materials and analyses constitutes reliable Ks values through cost-effective and accessible results compared with conducting expensive tests in arid and semi-arid areas.
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