Search for Articles:
Title / Keyword
Author / Affiliation / Email
Journal
Article Type
 
 
Advanced Search
 
Section
Special Issue
Volume
Issue
Number
Page
 
5.5
3.4
Journals
Water
Special Issues
Recent Advances in Hydrogeology: Featured Reviews
share announcement

Recent Advances in Hydrogeology: Featured Reviews

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (10 April 2024) | Viewed by 30482

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Peiyue Li

grade E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
School of Water and Environment, Chang’an University, Xi’an 710054, China
Interests: water resources; hydrogeology; groundwater quality; groundwater pollution; groundwater modeling; health risk assessment; geochemical modeling; hyrogeochemistry
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Jianhua Wu

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
School of Water and Environment, Chang’an University, Xi’an 710054, China
Interests: groundwater quality; aquifer permeability; groundwater modeling; hyrogeochemistry; hydrogeology
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Prof. Dr. Vetrimurugan Elumalai

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Hydrology, University of Zululand, Richards Bay, South Africa
Interests: groundwater quality; groundwater management; groundwater modeling; hydrogeochemistry; hydrogeology
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Hydrogeology is an important subdiscipline of geology, and its development has long been related to the needs of humans. It was initially developed to meet the requirements of human drinking-water consumption and agricultural irrigation. With the development of society, hydrogeology was further developed to boost the industrial development in which groundwater is a critical element for industrial production. Nowadays, hydrogeology has been developed to cover, in addition to its traditional directions, more and more subdisciplines and directions, such as ecohydrogeology, which focuses on the interactions between ecology and hydrogeology; medical hydrogeology, which investigates the health impacts of hydrogeological processes; and engineering hydrogeology, which mainly concentrates on the hydrogeological techniques in various engineering projects.

This Special Issue, “Recent Advances in Hydrogeology: Featured Reviews”, is a review-paper collection that summarizes and introduces the recent developments in various groundwater-related research directions. It attempts to provide a platform for researchers, educaters, policy makers and students to obtain an insightful understanding of the history, status and research trends of all sub-branches of hydrogeology. Please note that only review papers (critical reviews, with or without metadata analysis, and short reviews) will be considered for this Special Issue. The topics covered by this Special Issue include, but are not limited to:

  • Groundwater quality research methods;
  • Groundwater quality status worldwide;
  • Techniques of groundwater modeling;
  • Recent developments in hydrogeochemistry;
  • New knowledge on groundwater management;
  • New techniques for groundwater monitoring;
  • Theories of aquifer characterization;
  • Recent developments in medical hydrogeology;
  • Recent developments in engineering hydrogeology;
  • Recent developments in experimental hydrogeology.

Prof. Dr. Peiyue Li
Dr. Jianhua Wu
Prof. Dr. Vetrimurugan Elumalai
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 quality
  • groundwater modeling
  • hydrogeochemistry
  • groundwater management
  • groundwater monitoring
  • aquifer characterization
  • medical hydrogeology
  • engineering hydrogeology
  • experimental hydrogeology

Published Papers (9 papers)

Download All Papers
Order results
Result details
Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:

Review

20 pages, 1334 KiB  
Review
Salinity-Induced Changes in Heavy Metal Behavior and Mobility in Semi-Arid Coastal Aquifers: A Comprehensive Review
by Rakesh Roshan Gantayat and Vetrimurugan Elumalai
Water 2024, 16(7), 1052; https://doi.org/10.3390/w16071052 - 05 Apr 2024
Viewed by 733
Abstract
Semi-arid coastal aquifers face critical challenges characterized by lower rainfall, higher evaporation rates, and looming risk of over-exploitation. These conditions, coupled with climate change, are conducive to seawater intrusion and promote mechanisms associated with it. The understanding of metal behavior in such environments [...] Read more.
Semi-arid coastal aquifers face critical challenges characterized by lower rainfall, higher evaporation rates, and looming risk of over-exploitation. These conditions, coupled with climate change, are conducive to seawater intrusion and promote mechanisms associated with it. The understanding of metal behavior in such environments is limited, and hence, an attempt is made through this review to bridge the knowledge gap. A study on the behavior of trace metals within a specific context of semi-arid coastal aquifers was carried out, and 11 aquifers from 6 different countries were included. The review observed that trace metals within semi-arid coastal aquifers exhibit distinctive behaviors influenced by their surrounding environment. The prevalence of evaporation and continuous seawater intrusion played a pivotal role in shaping trace metal dynamics by curtailing groundwater flux. The findings suggest that the formation of stable Cl and organic ligands under increased alkaline conditions (pH > 8) has higher control over Zn, Pb, and Cd toxicity in a highly ionic reactive condition. In addition, dominant control of Fe/Mn-hydroxide association with Pb and high organic affinity of Zn played a pivotal role in controlling its bioavailability in aquifers such as WFB, Saudi Arabia NW-C and India. On the contrary, under prevailing acidic conditions (pH < 6), carbonate and SO4-ligands become more dominant, controlling the bioavailability/desorption of Cu irrespective of its origin. The behavior of Ni is found to be controlled by stable organic ligands increasing salinity. An increase in salinity in the considered aquifers shows an increase in bioavailability of Ni, except UmC, South Africa, where organic ligands act as a sink for the metal, even at low pH conditions (pH < 5.5). This study indicates that factors such as mineral saturation, carbonate complexes, pH variations (pH > 8), and chloride complexes govern the distribution of trace metals further enhanced by prolonged water residence time. Nonetheless, specific conditions, such as a reducing and acidic environment, could potentially elevate the solubility of highly toxic Cr (VI) released from anthropogenic sources. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Hydrogeology: Featured Reviews)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

25 pages, 2725 KiB  
Review
Worldwide Distribution, Health Risk, Treatment Technology, and Development Tendency of Geogenic High-Arsenic Groundwater
by Jiju Guo, Wengeng Cao, Guohui Lang, Qifa Sun, Tian Nan, Xiangzhi Li, Yu Ren and Zeyan Li
Water 2024, 16(3), 478; https://doi.org/10.3390/w16030478 - 31 Jan 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 990
Abstract
The presence of high concentrations of geogenic arsenic (As) in groundwater poses a serious threat to the health of millions of individuals globally. This paper examines the research progress of groundwater with high concentrations of geogenic As through a comprehensive literature review and [...] Read more.
The presence of high concentrations of geogenic arsenic (As) in groundwater poses a serious threat to the health of millions of individuals globally. This paper examines the research progress of groundwater with high concentrations of geogenic As through a comprehensive literature review and analysis, covering distribution, health risks, in situ remediation, regulatory technologies, and development trends, to establish a reference for future research. The global distribution of geogenic high-As groundwater is mainly in inland basins and river deltas of countries in South Asia, East Asia, and South America. High-As risk areas can be modeled using hydrogeologic data and field measurements. This modeling approach allows for assessing and measuring potential areas of high-As groundwater. In order to provide safe drinking water promptly and effectively to areas affected by high-As groundwater, in situ rapid detection and remediation techniques have been given significant attention. This paper introduces household- or community-scale As removal technologies, including flocculant–disinfectant, bucket treatment units, use of activated alumina, use of nano zero-valent iron, aquifer iron coating technology, and bioremediation, summarizing the basic mechanisms of arsenic removal for each technology. Guaranteeing the sustainability of site-scale remediation technologies, reasonable aquifer management, and exploring alternative water sources are crucial for combating high-As groundwater contamination. Future studies should aim to elucidate the mechanisms of As’s coexistence with other pollutants in groundwater, effectively treating As-containing wastes or sludge produced during the treatment process and exploring better treatment options. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Hydrogeology: Featured Reviews)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

26 pages, 2873 KiB  
Review
Arsenic Contamination in Indian Groundwater: From Origin to Mitigation Approaches for a Sustainable Future
by Deepali Marghade, Girish Mehta, Sagar Shelare, Ganesh Jadhav and Keval Chandrakant Nikam
Water 2023, 15(23), 4125; https://doi.org/10.3390/w15234125 - 28 Nov 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2481
Abstract
The presence of arsenic in Indian groundwater poses a significant threat to both the ecosystem and public health. This review paper comprehensively addresses the topic, encompassing the underlying causes and potential solutions. Health consequences examines the serious health risks of drinking water contaminated [...] Read more.
The presence of arsenic in Indian groundwater poses a significant threat to both the ecosystem and public health. This review paper comprehensively addresses the topic, encompassing the underlying causes and potential solutions. Health consequences examines the serious health risks of drinking water contaminated with arsenic. Arsenic’s complex geochemical processes of mobilization, transport, and distribution in groundwater are investigated. Mathematical models, geographical analysis, and data-driven modeling are discussed in the context of Indian groundwater. A comprehensive assessment of removal methodologies and the various factors influencing the mobility of arsenic is addressed. It was documented that community water purifiers and plants have successfully eliminated approximately 90% of arsenic, and the implementation of rainwater collection systems has also enhanced the overall quality of water. This review aims to address existing knowledge gaps and assess various strategies aimed at ensuring a more secure and sustainable water supply for the regions in question. The ultimate goal is to enhance the overall well-being of the population and protect the integrity of local ecosystems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Hydrogeology: Featured Reviews)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

22 pages, 1784 KiB  
Review
A Review of the Status, Effects, Prevention, and Remediation of Groundwater Contamination for Sustainable Environment
by Gokulan Ravindiran, Sivarethinamohan Rajamanickam, Sujatha Sivarethinamohan, Balamurugan Karupaiya Sathaiah, Gobinath Ravindran, Senthil Kumar Muniasamy and Gasim Hayder
Water 2023, 15(20), 3662; https://doi.org/10.3390/w15203662 - 19 Oct 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 3046
Abstract
Most water systems that support ecosystems and feed humans are depleted or stressed. Aquifer characteristics, topography, subsurface activities, climate, and geochemical processes regulate groundwater availability, a reliable source of fresh water. Globally, agriculture, industries, and the domestic sector are the three major sectors [...] Read more.
Most water systems that support ecosystems and feed humans are depleted or stressed. Aquifer characteristics, topography, subsurface activities, climate, and geochemical processes regulate groundwater availability, a reliable source of fresh water. Globally, agriculture, industries, and the domestic sector are the three major sectors that consume vast quantities of freshwater resources. Further anthropogenic activities, such as soil leaching, acid rain, fertilizer, pesticides, mining, and other industrial activities, resulted in the release of organic and inorganic pollutants that affected global water resources. In India, groundwater is used in huge quantities, resulting in groundwater depletion of 1 to 2 m a year. Low-income countries face many issues related to water pollution, and the availability of safe water is minimal. In 2019, deaths due to unsafe sanitation accounted for 2.2% of the total global deaths, amounting to 1.2 million people’s deaths. India recorded 6.6% of deaths due to unsafe sanitation in 2019. India and China accounted for around 90.41% and 60.4% of the groundwater utilization for agricultural purposes, respectively. In 2020, China and India utilized vast quantities of nutrients (nitrate and phosphate) for crop growth to enhance crop yield, resulting in the highest nitrate and phosphate concentrations in groundwater. Remediating contaminants from different sources requires knowledge of their concentration, behavior, cycling, and degradation pathways. According to safety guidelines, limiting and optimizing crop organic and inorganic fertilizer, pesticide waste disposal, and empty container disposal can reduce groundwater contamination. The present study summarized groundwater utilization in various sectors, potential sources of groundwater contamination impacts on human health and the environment, preventive measures, and mitigation methods to overcome groundwater pollution. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Hydrogeology: Featured Reviews)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

19 pages, 6623 KiB  
Review
A Review of the Publications on Carbon Isotopes in Groundwater and Rainwater
by Chidambaram Sabarathinam, Amjad Al-Rashidi, Bedour Alsabti, Dhanu Radha Samayamanthula and Umayadoss Saravana Kumar
Water 2023, 15(19), 3392; https://doi.org/10.3390/w15193392 - 27 Sep 2023
Viewed by 1254
Abstract
The terrestrial components of the hydrological cycle include rainwater, surface water, and groundwater. Carbon (C) isotopes allow hydrologists to pinpoint the age of groundwater, track its flow rate, and identify the sources and processes. This research summarizes previous investigations conducted on the isotopes [...] Read more.
The terrestrial components of the hydrological cycle include rainwater, surface water, and groundwater. Carbon (C) isotopes allow hydrologists to pinpoint the age of groundwater, track its flow rate, and identify the sources and processes. This research summarizes previous investigations conducted on the isotopes of groundwater and precipitation. The Scopus database contains works from authors from fifty nations, who have conducted research integrating C isotopes in groundwater and precipitation. The review shows that there have been few C isotope investigations on carbon storage and sequestration, as well as on δ13C of precipitation in arid regions. An integrated e-DNA investigation on the process of C isotope fractionation in diverse environments, as well as research on 13C of precipitation in arid regions before and after dust storms, is required to elucidate the relative contributions of biogenic, geogenic, and anthropogenic sources. However, carbon isotope fingerprints that are unique to individual compounds, such as those of fugitive gases, need sophisticated analytical equipment in order to be investigated, limiting this type of study to nations with robust scientific infrastructures and well-trained manpower. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has been instrumental in this effort by providing collaborative research and analytical support, resulting in the development of a network for isotope data generation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Hydrogeology: Featured Reviews)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

30 pages, 1247 KiB  
Review
Discrimination Methods of Mine Inrush Water Source
by Donglin Dong and Jialun Zhang
Water 2023, 15(18), 3237; https://doi.org/10.3390/w15183237 - 11 Sep 2023
Viewed by 1077
Abstract
Ensuring mining safety and efficiency relies heavily on identifying the source of mine water inrush. This review article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of standard methods used to pinpoint the origin of mine water inrush, highlighting the development and progress in the [...] Read more.
Ensuring mining safety and efficiency relies heavily on identifying the source of mine water inrush. This review article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of standard methods used to pinpoint the origin of mine water inrush, highlighting the development and progress in the research of discrimination methods. These methods are systematically classified into various categories, encompassing hydrochemistry examination, water level and temperature analysis, geostatistical approaches, machine learning and deep learning methods, as well as the utilization of other analytical techniques. The review not only presents a quantitative and visual analysis of the theoretical methods proposed by scholars but also emphasizes their strengths, weaknesses, and applicability to various mining operations. Furthermore, it explores the increasing utilization of artificial neural networks and machine learning algorithms in source discrimination models, indicating the advancement in this area of research. To further advance the field, specific examples of these methods and their effectiveness in identifying the source of mine water inrush are provided, aiming to stimulate further research. The article also offers detailed recommendations for future research directions and emerging trends, underlining the importance of comprehensive multidisciplinary and multi-method analysis. It suggests exploring emerging technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT) and cloud computing, while emphasizing the need to develop more accurate and reliable models for source identification. The fusion of artificial intelligence (AI), heightened computational capabilities, online programming, and intelligent data collection systems presents the prospect of transforming the way industries respond to these critical events. By providing a comprehensive overview, analyzing the effectiveness of existing methods, and proposing future research directions, this review aims to contribute to the continuous development and progress of discrimination methods for mine water inrush incidents. Ultimately, it seeks to enhance mining safety and efficiency by facilitating the prompt and accurate identification of the sources of mine water inrush. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Hydrogeology: Featured Reviews)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 666 KiB  
Review
Human Health Risks due to Exposure to Water Pollution: A Review
by Preethi Babuji, Subramani Thirumalaisamy, Karunanidhi Duraisamy and Gopinathan Periyasamy
Water 2023, 15(14), 2532; https://doi.org/10.3390/w15142532 - 10 Jul 2023
Cited by 27 | Viewed by 12883
Abstract
Water resources are crucial in developing any area as they serve as a major source of potable, agricultural, and industrial water. Water contamination, caused by natural and anthropogenic activities, poses a significant threat to public health globally. This review synthesizes data from various [...] Read more.
Water resources are crucial in developing any area as they serve as a major source of potable, agricultural, and industrial water. Water contamination, caused by natural and anthropogenic activities, poses a significant threat to public health globally. This review synthesizes data from various studies published in national and international journals, as well as reports from governmental and non-governmental organizations. Our primary objective is to understand and review previous research on water pollution, contamination types, and the effects of water contamination on public health. Water pollution studies generally involve a scientific understanding of the biological, chemical, and physical processes that control the movement of contaminants in the underground environment. The nature and severity of health consequences vary based on several factors, including the chemical composition, duration of exposure, and concentration of pollutants. This work highlights the human health risks associated with current research topics such as anthropogenic, geogenic, microplastics, pharmaceuticals, and heavy metals. A section on remedial measures and mitigation strategies is included to emphasize sustainable approaches to water conservation, replenishment, and sustainability. However, there is a lack of comprehensive knowledge regarding the distribution, toxic effects, and human health risks associated with different sources of contamination. This review thus establishes links between multiple sources of pollution, their toxicity to human health, and approaches to health risk assessment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Hydrogeology: Featured Reviews)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

35 pages, 4062 KiB  
Review
A Global Perspective on Microplastic Occurrence in Sediments and Water with a Special Focus on Sources, Analytical Techniques, Health Risks, and Remediation Technologies
by Venkatraman Nagarani Prapanchan, Erraiyan Kumar, Thirumalaisamy Subramani, Udayakumar Sathya and Peiyue Li
Water 2023, 15(11), 1987; https://doi.org/10.3390/w15111987 - 24 May 2023
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 4092
Abstract
Microplastics have become so pervasive that they seem to be present all around us due to the significant environmental threat they pose. Microplastic pollutants have become an issue as global plastic manufacturing has increased. Microplastics are plastic wastes with particulates less than 5 [...] Read more.
Microplastics have become so pervasive that they seem to be present all around us due to the significant environmental threat they pose. Microplastic pollutants have become an issue as global plastic manufacturing has increased. Microplastics are plastic wastes with particulates less than 5 mm in size that are absorbed by sediment, water, the atmosphere, and living beings before affecting health. Moreover, there is a shortage of knowledge on the distribution, sources, toxic effects, analytical techniques, and removal technologies of microplastics. This review examines the distribution and global abundance of microplastics in aquatic and terrestrial environments, analytical methods, remediation technologies, and health risks. The following are included in this review article: (1) sampling, extraction, and analysis techniques for microplastics in sediment, water, and salt; (2) the source, global distribution, and concentration of microplastics; (3) toxicity and consequences of microplastics on human health; and (4) several methods for removing microplastics, grouped into three categories: engineered, biopolymer, and bioengineered approaches. The worldwide distribution, identification, toxic effects, and remediation technology of microplastics will benefit greatly from this review. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Hydrogeology: Featured Reviews)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

19 pages, 2150 KiB  
Review
Ant-Inspired Metaheuristic Algorithms for Combinatorial Optimization Problems in Water Resources Management
by Ravinder Bhavya and Lakshmanan Elango
Water 2023, 15(9), 1712; https://doi.org/10.3390/w15091712 - 27 Apr 2023
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2595
Abstract
Ant-inspired metaheuristic algorithms known as ant colony optimization (ACO) offer an approach that has the ability to solve complex problems in both discrete and continuous domains. ACOs have gained significant attention in the field of water resources management, since many problems in this [...] Read more.
Ant-inspired metaheuristic algorithms known as ant colony optimization (ACO) offer an approach that has the ability to solve complex problems in both discrete and continuous domains. ACOs have gained significant attention in the field of water resources management, since many problems in this domain are non-linear, complex, challenging and also demand reliable solutions. The aim of this study is to critically review the applications of ACO algorithms specifically in the field of hydrology and hydrogeology, which include areas such as reservoir operations, water distribution systems, coastal aquifer management, long-term groundwater monitoring, hydraulic parameter estimation, and urban drainage and storm network design. Research articles, peer-reviewed journal papers and conference papers on ACO were critically analyzed to identify the arguments and research findings to delineate the scope for future research and to identify the drawbacks of ACO. Implementation of ACO variants is also discussed, as hybrid and modified ACO techniques prove to be more efficient over traditional ACO algorithms. These algorithms facilitate formulation of near-optimal solutions, and they also help improve cost efficiency. Although many studies are attempting to overcome the difficulties faced in the application of ACO, some parts of the mathematical analysis remain unsolved. It is also observed that despite its popularity, studies have not been successful in incorporating the uncertainty in ACOs and the problems of dimensionality, convergence and stability are yet to be resolved. Nevertheless, ACO is a potential area for further research as the studies on the applications of these techniques are few. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Hydrogeology: Featured Reviews)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:
 
Displaying articles 1-9
Back to TopTop