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The Qualitative and Quantitative Management of Groundwater Resources in Urban...
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The Qualitative and Quantitative Management of Groundwater Resources in Urban Areas

A special issue of Water (ISSN 2073-4441). This special issue belongs to the section "Hydrogeology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 25 April 2025 | Viewed by 7763

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Matteo Antelmi

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Guest Editor
Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Politecnico di Milano, 20133 Milano, Italy
Interests: hydrogeology; groundwater; flow numerical modeling; solute transport modeling; reactive transport modeling; heat transfer; geo-thermal energy; heat transport numerical modeling; geoexchange; borehole heat exchangers; ground-source heat pump; geomorphology; landscape
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Marco Taussi

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Guest Editor
Department of Pure and Applied Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Via Ca’ Le Suore 2/4, 61029 Urbino, Italy
Interests: geothermics; volcanic evolution; hydrothermal alteration; Igneous petrology
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Silvio Coda

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
University of Naples Federico II, Department of Earth Sciences, Environment and Resources, Naples, Italy
Interests: hydrogeology; groundwater recharge; groundwater flooding; groundwater quality; hydrogeological mapping; hydrogeological monitoring; geostatistical and GIS analysis
Prof. Dr. Vincenzo Allocca

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
University of Naples Federico II, Department of Earth Sciences, Environment and Resources, Naples, Italy
Interests: urban hydrogeology; karst hydrogeology; groundwater recharge; groundwater quality; groundwater management; aquifer vulnerability
Dr. Pietro Mazzon

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Guest Editor Assistant
Politecnico di Milano, Environmental and Civil Engineering, Milan, Italy
Interests: reactive transport modelling; compound-specific isotope analysis; hydrogeology; water management; uncertainty analysis
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue focuses on the fair use of groundwater resources in anthropic environments. Currently, due to frequent drought periods related to climate change, the protection and management of groundwater resources have been crucial around the world. The purpose of this Special Issue is to identify the current state-of-the-art assessment techniques (qualitative and quantitative) used to assess groundwater resources in urban settings and propose various applications in order to provide a more sustainable use of the resource. Analytical solutions or numerical models that can be used to predict future scenarios and propose solutions to problems are fundamental tools as they enhance knowledge of hydrogeological process dynamics (in the aquifers) and they help scientists and technicians to identify the most effective solutions.

The goal is to gather manuscripts that discuss different topics related to the groundwater resources, such as flow processes and modeling, remediation, irrigation, shallow geothermal energy exploitation, and environmental impact assessment, among others. For each topic, it is important to conduct analyses supported by experimental data and/or analytical and numerical methods.

In this Special Issue, contributions related to the following topics of interest are welcome:

  • Flow processes in porous media and fractured rocks;
  • Groundwater management in urban areas;
  • Rising groundwater levels and groundwater flooding;
  • Different uses of groundwater: hydro-potable purposes, irrigation, remediation, and shallow geothermal systems;
  • Coupled hydraulic, thermal, chemical, and biological processes;
  • Groundwater/surface water interactions;
  • Innovative practices for drought resilience;
  • Multi-data monitoring and management practices;
  • Reactive transport processes in the vadose zone and saturated portions of aquifers;
  • Advanced numerical modeling or analytical frameworks and methods.

Dr. Matteo Antelmi
Dr. Marco Taussi
Dr. Silvio Coda
Prof. Dr. Vincenzo Allocca
Dr. Pietro Mazzon
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. Water is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly 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 2600 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.

Keywords

  • hydrogeology
  • groundwater
  • irrigation
  • shallow geothermal energy
  • flow numerical modeling
  • reactive transport modeling
  • isotopes
  • remediation activities

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

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21 pages, 5603 KiB  
Article
Enhancing Groundwater Resource Management in the Milan Urban Area Through a Robust Stratigraphic Framework and Numerical Modeling
by Luca Alberti, Pietro Mazzon, Loris Colombo, Martino Cantone, Matteo Antelmi, Fabio Marelli and Paola Gattinoni
Water 2025, 17(2), 165; https://doi.org/10.3390/w17020165 - 9 Jan 2025
Viewed by 366
Abstract
Groundwater is a critical freshwater resource in Italy’s Po plain, which includes Milan (northern Italy), one of Europe’s most industrialized and urbanized areas. This region relies heavily on groundwater for both industrial and public water supplies. However, the quantity and quality of this [...] Read more.
Groundwater is a critical freshwater resource in Italy’s Po plain, which includes Milan (northern Italy), one of Europe’s most industrialized and urbanized areas. This region relies heavily on groundwater for both industrial and public water supplies. However, the quantity and quality of this resource are vulnerable to both natural and human-induced factors, such as climate change, industrial activities, and changing water use practices. This study investigates and addresses the complex management challenges of groundwater resources of Milan in the framework of the EU directives. A steady-state groundwater flow model was developed as part of the broader project MODEL-MI to aid in the creation of a Water Safety Plan (WSP). This study highlights the importance of accurate stratigraphic data to constructing a reliable hydrogeological conceptual model. The model, calibrated using extensive data, successfully reproduces groundwater flow patterns and will be used both to support decision-making for sustainable groundwater management and to predict future impacts of climate change on water resources. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Qualitative and Quantitative Management of Groundwater Resources in Urban Areas)
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20 pages, 9338 KiB  
Article
Application of Active Heating Tests with the Distributed Temperature Sensing to Characterize Flow Dynamics in a Tidal-Influenced Coastal Aquifer
by Yu-Huan Chang, Chuen-Fa Ni, Chi-Ping Lin, Chia-Yu Hsu, An-Yi Hsu, Nguyen Hoang Hiep and Doan Thi Thanh Thuy
Water 2024, 16(24), 3631; https://doi.org/10.3390/w16243631 - 17 Dec 2024
Viewed by 391
Abstract
Aquifer storage and recovery have gained attention as a solution that utilizes submarine groundwater discharge (SGD) as a surrogate water resource to alleviate water scarcity and fill the demand gap. Characterizing SGD is crucial for using coastal groundwater and improving understanding of the [...] Read more.
Aquifer storage and recovery have gained attention as a solution that utilizes submarine groundwater discharge (SGD) as a surrogate water resource to alleviate water scarcity and fill the demand gap. Characterizing SGD is crucial for using coastal groundwater and improving understanding of the interaction between continental water and seawater. This study employs fiber-optical distributed temperature sensing (FODTS) and the heat tracer to quantify the groundwater flux in a coastal aquifer in northern Taiwan. The fluxes in different sections along the borehole were estimated from the temperature response caused by the active heating tests and campier groundwater flux under different tidal conditions, providing information on potential water resources for water resource planning and management. According to the active heating tests, the material of the sections with high-temperature response mainly consists of a gravel–sand mixture. Based on the estimations of groundwater fluxes along the well, the sections with low sensitivity of temperature response have low hydraulic conductivity and low groundwater flux. The estimated thermal parameters at the site are consistent with those obtained from the borehole samples in the laboratory tests. The groundwater fluxes in different sections are calculated based on the temperature response observed from the FODTS. The groundwater fluxes along the well vary between 0.02 and 1.77 m/day. There are considerable differences between the estimated fluxes during the tidal cycle in a heterogeneous coastal aquifer, indicating the high uncertainty of estimated SGD along coastlines. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Qualitative and Quantitative Management of Groundwater Resources in Urban Areas)
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22 pages, 4119 KiB  
Article
Land-Use Impacts on Soil Erosion: Geochemical Insights from an Urban Drinking Catchment, South-Central Chile
by Angela Contreras, Fernanda Álvarez-Amado, Maite Aguilar-Gomez, Dilan Campos-Quiroz, Pamela Castillo, Daniele Tardani, Camila Poblete-González, Joaquín Cortés-Aranda, Linda Godfrey and Nicolás Orellana-Silva
Water 2024, 16(22), 3246; https://doi.org/10.3390/w16223246 - 12 Nov 2024
Viewed by 1054
Abstract
We investigate the influence of land use and land cover (LU/LC) changes on soil erosion and chemical weathering processes within the Nonguén watershed in the Coastal Cordillera of south-central Chile. The watershed is divided into three sub-basins, each characterized by distinct LU/LC patterns: [...] Read more.
We investigate the influence of land use and land cover (LU/LC) changes on soil erosion and chemical weathering processes within the Nonguén watershed in the Coastal Cordillera of south-central Chile. The watershed is divided into three sub-basins, each characterized by distinct LU/LC patterns: native forest and exotic plantations. A comprehensive geochemical analysis, including trace elements and lithium (Li) isotopes, was conducted on river water and suspended sediment samples collected from streams within these sub-basins to assess how land management practices, particularly plantation activities, influence the geochemical composition of river systems. Our results show that sub-basins dominated by exotic plantations exhibit significantly higher concentrations of major and trace elements in suspended sediments compared to sub-basins dominated by native forests. The elevated trace element concentrations are primarily attributed to increased physical erosion due to forestry activities such as clear-cutting and soil disturbance, which enhance sediment mobilization. Notably, concentrations of elements such as Fe, Al, and As in plantation-dominated sub-basins are raised to ten times higher than in native-dominated sub-basins. In contrast, sub-basins with native forest cover exhibit lower levels of sediment transport and trace element mobilization, suggesting that native vegetation exerts a stabilizing effect that mitigates soil erosion. Despite the substantial differences in sediment transport and element concentrations, Li isotopic data (δ7Li) show minimal fractionation across the different LU/LC types. This indicates that land use changes impact the chemical weathering processes less compared to physical erosion. The isotopic signatures suggest that physical erosion, rather than chemical weathering, is the dominant process influencing trace element distribution in plantation-dominated areas. The study provides critical insights into how forestry practices, specifically the expansion of exotic plantations, accelerate soil degradation and affect the geochemical composition of river systems. The increased sediment loads, and trace element concentrations observed in plantation-dominated sub-basins, raise concerns about the long-term sustainability of forest management practices, particularly regarding their impacts on water quality in urban catchment areas. These results are of significant relevance for environmental management and policy, as they underscore the need for more investigation and sustainable land use strategies to minimize soil erosion and preserve water resources in regions undergoing rapid LU/LC changes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Qualitative and Quantitative Management of Groundwater Resources in Urban Areas)
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17 pages, 1290 KiB  
Article
A Method for the Assessment of Underground Renewable Reserves for Large Regions: Its Importance in Water Supply Regulation
by Joaquín Sanz de Ojeda, Eugenio Sanz-Pérez and Juan Carlos Mosquera-Feijóo
Water 2024, 16(19), 2736; https://doi.org/10.3390/w16192736 - 26 Sep 2024
Viewed by 656
Abstract
The growing interest in groundwater as a sustainable resource for water supply regulation is noteworthy. Just as surface reservoirs in many countries are primarily designed to manage seasonal fluctuations throughout the year, aquifers possess significant reserves, making them particularly well suited for interannual [...] Read more.
The growing interest in groundwater as a sustainable resource for water supply regulation is noteworthy. Just as surface reservoirs in many countries are primarily designed to manage seasonal fluctuations throughout the year, aquifers possess significant reserves, making them particularly well suited for interannual regulation, especially during droughts. In the face of climate change, this form of regulation may increasingly highlight the importance of groundwater resources. For instance, the temporary use of groundwater reserves through intensive pumping in arid or semiarid regions, compensating for seasonal or interannual variations in natural water recharge, can significantly affect aquifers. The exploitation of groundwater reserves may lead to adverse effects over time, eventually being deemed overexploitation and subject to environmental or even legal issues. This work assesses the interannual regulation capacity of aquifers and estimates the groundwater renewal rates and periods for aquifers according to river basins. We first present the mathematical background and development of a method to assess the hydrodynamic volumes (renewable groundwater reserves) in large regions. This method builds on prior knowledge of the distribution functions of spring water contributions based on their discharge and for lithological groups exhibiting similar hydrogeological behavior. Furthermore, it establishes a relationship between spring discharges and hydrodynamic volumes, facilitating the integration of the latter based on discharge. Although proposed for Spain, the method can also be implemented to other regions where data are available. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Qualitative and Quantitative Management of Groundwater Resources in Urban Areas)
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27 pages, 5014 KiB  
Article
Ecological and Health Risk Assessment of Heavy Metals in Groundwater within an Agricultural Ecosystem Using GIS and Multivariate Statistical Analysis (MSA): A Case Study of the Mnasra Region, Gharb Plain, Morocco
by Hatim Sanad, Rachid Moussadek, Houria Dakak, Abdelmjid Zouahri, Majda Oueld Lhaj and Latifa Mouhir
Water 2024, 16(17), 2417; https://doi.org/10.3390/w16172417 - 27 Aug 2024
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2906
Abstract
Assessing groundwater quality is essential for ensuring the sustainability of agriculture and ecosystems. This study evaluates groundwater contamination by heavy metals (HMs) using GIS approaches, multivariate statistical analysis (MSA), pollution indices (heavy metal pollution index (HPI), metal index (MI), degree of contamination (C [...] Read more.
Assessing groundwater quality is essential for ensuring the sustainability of agriculture and ecosystems. This study evaluates groundwater contamination by heavy metals (HMs) using GIS approaches, multivariate statistical analysis (MSA), pollution indices (heavy metal pollution index (HPI), metal index (MI), degree of contamination (Cd), ecological risk index (ERI), and pollution index (PI)), and human health risk assessment (HHRA). The results revealed significant variations in heavy metal concentrations across the study area, with the highest concentrations found in the southern and southeastern parts, characterized by intense agricultural activities and uncontrolled landfills. Statistical analyses indicated both natural and anthropogenic sources of contamination. Pollution indices showed medium to high water pollution levels, with HPI values ranging from 20.23 to 128.60, MI values from 3.34 to 12.17, and Cd values from 2.90 to 11.73, indicating varying degrees of contamination. ERI values suggested a low ecological risk across all samples. However, health risk assessments highlighted significant non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks, particularly for children, with TCR values for some heavy metals like Ni and Cr exceeding safe limits, indicating potential health hazards. The findings provide a valuable framework for policymakers to develop targeted strategies for mitigating groundwater contamination and ensuring sustainable water quality management. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Qualitative and Quantitative Management of Groundwater Resources in Urban Areas)
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Review

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23 pages, 8418 KiB  
Review
Machine Learning Algorithms for Water Quality Management Using Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) Data Analysis
by Julio Garcia, Joonghyeok Heo and Cheolhong Kim
Water 2024, 16(18), 2639; https://doi.org/10.3390/w16182639 - 17 Sep 2024
Viewed by 1638
Abstract
Our research project specifically focuses on evaluating groundwater quality in six West Texas counties. We aim to determine whether environmental changes have any impact on the levels of Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) in the water supplied to the public. To achieve this goal, [...] Read more.
Our research project specifically focuses on evaluating groundwater quality in six West Texas counties. We aim to determine whether environmental changes have any impact on the levels of Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) in the water supplied to the public. To achieve this goal, we will be utilizing advanced machine learning algorithms to analyze TDS levels and create geospatial maps for each year between the 1990s and 2010s. To ensure the accuracy of our data, we have gathered information from two trusted sources: the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) and the Groundwater Database (GWDB). We have analyzed the TDS and other elemental analyses from TWDB–GWDB lab reports and compared them with the quality cutoff set by the World Health Organization (WHO). Our approach involves a thorough examination of the data to identify any emerging patterns. The machine learning algorithm has been successfully trained and tested, producing highly accurate results that effectively predict water quality. Our results have been validated through extensive testing, highlighting the potential of machine learning approaches in the fields of environmental research. Overall, our findings will contribute to the development of more effective policies and regulations in predicting groundwater quality and improving water resource management in Texas. Therefore, this research provides important information for groundwater protection and the development of plans for water resource use in the future. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Qualitative and Quantitative Management of Groundwater Resources in Urban Areas)
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