Simulation of aquifers due to seawater intrusion using SEAWAT model, case study: Babolrood River Plain

Growth of population and changes due to earth heating, have differently affected the environment. These changes have challenged the water resources exploitation process both qualitatively and quantitatively. Reduced fresh groundwater level and higher level of seawater in coastal aquifers have resulted in reduced water exploitation in these zones. This study simulated the aquifer quality due to seawater intrusion using a numerical model in GMS v.10. The quality of the aquifer was analyzed and predicted using two qualitative models of SEAWAT and MT3D. The 10-years prediction model has shown a direct relationship between increased Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) concentration and reduced water table. The horizontal to vertical diffusion ratio of 0.5 and vertical to horizontal diffusion ratio of 0.2 were obtained following the calibration of molecular diffusion coefficient. Analysis of qualitative results indicated the increased TDS concentration at the northwest of the aquifer which is probably due to seawater intrusion toward the coast. Results of simulation using qualitative model indicated the seawater intrusion from two dimensions of groundwater level and depth. Further, the density difference between seawater and fresh groundwater resources has resulted in seawater intrusion performance curve. The position of seawater intrusion toward the coast indicated increased concentration of more than 2000 mgL-1 during the prediction period. Three methods of reduced groundwater harvesting, increased aquifer feeding plans and construction of ground dams were examined and analyzed in this study in order to decide about the factors influencing the increase or decrease of seawater intrusion into the coast. Findings of the analysis indicated the highest effect of reduced groundwater harvesting in limiting the seawater intrusion compared to the two other methods.