Author(s): Ahmad Sana; Mahad Baawain

Linked Author(s):

Keywords: MODFLOW; Groundwater modeling; Seawater intrusion; Artificial groundwater recharge

Abstract: Salalah in the southern region of the Sultanate of Oman is the only region in Arabian Peninsula to receive monsoon rainfalls during summer. This region is also suffering from the seawater intrusion due to extensive pumping. Tertiary treated wastewater can be used to combat seawater intrusion in coastal aquifers. In order to study the technical feasibility of replenishing the groundwater using treated wastewater, MODFLOW and MT3DMS are used in the present study. First, a conceptual model for Salalah coastal plain aquifers was developed based on available hydrogeological data. The conceptual model was implemented in Groundwater Modeling System (GMS). The model consists of several coverages for input data of various hydrogeological parameters. Then, the calibration of the model was done using the data from wells scattered over the whole study area. After a good agreement between computed results and measurements the model was applied to consider various scenarios of artificial recharge by treated wastewater to mitigate seawater intrusion and effective management of groundwater resources. It was found that the calibrated model could satisfactorily simulate groundwater levels and salinity intrusion. This model could be used as an effective management tool by the concerned authorities.

DOI:

Year: 2014