Delineating the origins and processes of groundwater salinization and quality degradation in a coastal irrigated plain, Korba (Northeastern Tunisia).

From 2006 to 2020, groundwater investigations were conducted in the Korba coastal aquifer in northern Tunisia along two flow paths (transects S1 and S2), perpendicular to the shoreline. Groundwater sampling, hydrodynamic monitoring, and electrical tomography imaging were performed in situ. Geochemical analysis (Ionic ratios, ionic deltas, conventional diagrams, and stable isotopes) and modelling using PHREEQC, and multivariate statistical analysis were applied.

Identification of aquifer pollution's point sources with the reciprocity principle.

The principle of reciprocity, called Maxwell-Betti theorem, initially used in mechanics in an elastic structure, establishes a relation of equality between two distinct strains under different loads. In this paper, we extend and apply this principle to flow and solute transport equations in porous media, in order to perform the pollution sources identification in aquifers. We developed general 2D expressions of the reciprocity principle for transient transport problems.

Simulating the effects of model parameters on stagnation points position during seawater intrusion.

Several works have been performed in order to understand seawater intrusion by simulating the Henry problem. Investigations were implemented by simulating the effect of many parameters (fractured aquifer, dispersion and diffusion, geochemical reactions, heterogeneity, anisotropy, boundary conditions) on the flow and transport. This paper focus on the concept of the "stagnation point," and this concept plays an important role in modeling, management and characterization of coastal aquifer.

A new technique of seawater intrusion control: development of geochemical cutoff wall.

The construction of a subsurface dam and/or physical cutoff barriers is one of the most known techniques used to prevent seawater intrusion during excessive exploitation of freshwater from a coastal aquifer. This method is widely used in many sites around the world (Japan, Brazil, India, Burkina Faso…). In this study, we present an innovative technique for constructing subsurface barriers based on geochemical reactions.

Estimation of the soil hydraulic properties from field data by solving an inverse problem.

Estimating unsaturated soil hydraulic properties to predict water dynamics through a vertical soil profile under the effects of irrigation, drainage and evapotranspiration is imperative for managing soils in the arid regions. The aim of this work was to determine the soil water retention curve and the hydraulic permeability function of a bare soil profile in a Tunisian oasis threatened by salinization. The developed model combines a numerical inversion of the unsaturated flow equation with the BOBYQA optimisation algorithm.

Laboratory Calibration and Field Validation of Soil Water Content and Salinity Measurements Using the 5TE Sensor.

Capacitance sensors are widely used in agriculture for irrigation and soil management purposes. However, their use under saline conditions is a major challenge, especially for sensors operating with low frequency. Their dielectric readings are often biased by high soil electrical conductivity.

Application of multivariate statistical analysis and hydrochemical and isotopic investigations for evaluation of groundwater quality and its suitability for drinking and agriculture purposes: case of Oum Ali-Thelepte aquifer, central Tunisia.

Groundwater plays a dominant role in arid regions; it is among the most available water resources in Tunisia. Located in northwestern Tunisia, Oum Ali-Thelepte is a deep Miocene sedimentary aquifer, where groundwater is the most important source of water supply. The aim of the study is to investigate the hydrochemical processes leading to mineralization and to assess water quality with respect to agriculture and drinking for a better management of groundwater resources.

Nonstationary porosity evolution in mixing zone in coastal carbonate aquifer using an alternative modeling approach.

In the last few decades, hydrogeochemical problems have benefited from the strong interest in numerical modeling. One of the most recognized hydrogeochemical problems is the dissolution of the calcite in the mixing zone below limestone coastal aquifer. In many works, this problem has been modeled using a coupling algorithm between a density-dependent flow model and a geochemical model.

Characterization of mechanisms and processes of groundwater salinization in irrigated coastal area using statistics, GIS, and hydrogeochemical investigations.

Coastal aquifers are at threat of salinization in most parts of the world. This study was carried out in coastal shallow aquifers of Aousja-Ghar El Melh and Kalâat el Andalous, northeastern of Tunisia with an objective to identify sources and processes of groundwater salinization. Groundwater samples were collected from 42 shallow dug wells during July and September 2007.

Hydrogeochemical characteristics and assessment of drinking water quality in Zeuss-Koutine aquifer, southeastern Tunisia.

Zeuss-Koutine aquifer, located in southeastern Tunisia, has been used intensively as a primary source to meet the growing needs of the various sectors. Detailed knowledge of the geochemical evolution of groundwater and water quality can enhance understanding of the hydrochemical system, promoting sustainable development and effective management of groundwater resources. To this end, a hydrochemical and statistical investigation was conducted.