Coupled Sharp-interface and Density-dependent Model for Simultaneous Optimization of Production Well Locations and Pumping in Coastal Aquifer

The main management challenge in coastal aquifers is to prevent saltwater intrusion, ensuring ample freshwater supply. Saltwater intrusion happens due to unregulated pumping from production wells. Therefore, it is essential to have an effective management policy, which ensures the requisite amount of freshwater to be withdrawn from coastal aquifers without causing saltwater intrusion. A methodology for optimizing production well locations and maximizing pumping from production wells is presented to achieve these conflicting objectives. The location of production wells directly affects the amount of freshwater pumped out of the coastal aquifer. Simultaneous optimization of production well locations and pumping from the same is achieved by linking mathematical simulation models with the optimization algorithm. A new methodology using coupled sharp-interface and density-dependent simulation models is developed to find optimal well locations and optimize the amount of freshwater pumped from the coastal aquifer. The performance of the developed methodology is evaluated for saltwater intrusion in the coastal city of Puri, India. The performance evaluation results show the developed methodology's applicability for managing saltwater intrusion while maximizing freshwater pumping in coastal aquifers under constraints of well location.

     

Optimal Management of Coastal Aquifers Using Linked Simulation Optimization Approach

Saltwater intrusion management models can be used to derive optimal and efficient management strategies for controlling saltwater intrusion in coastal aquifers. To obtain physically meaningful optimal management strategies, the physical processes involved need to be simulated while deriving the management strategies. The flow and transport processes involved in coastal aquifers are difficult to simulate especially when the density-dependent flow and transport processes need to be modeled. Incorporation of this simulation model within an optimization-based management model is very complex and difficult. However, as an alternative, it is possible to link a simulation model externally with an optimization-based management model. The GA-based optimization approach is especially suitable for externally linking the numerical simulation model within the optimization model. Further efficiency in computational procedure can be achieved for such a linked model, if the simulation process can be simplified by approximation, as very large number of iterations between the optimization and simulation model is generally necessary to evolve an optimal management strategy. A possible approach for approximating the simulation model is to use a trained Artificial Neural Network (ANN) as the approximate simulator. Therefore, an ANN model is trained as an approximator of the three dimensional density-dependent flow and transport processes in a coastal aquifer. A linked simulation – optimization model is then developed to link the trained ANN with the GA-based optimization model for solving saltwater management problems. The performance of the developed optimization model is evaluated using an illustrative study area. The evaluation results show the potential applicability of the developed methodology using a GA- and ANN-based linked optimization – simulation model for optimal management of coastal aquifer.     

Pumping Optimization of Coastal Aquifers Assisted by Adaptive Metamodelling Methods and Radial Basis Functions

The application of metamodelling frameworks is a popular approach to handle the computational cost arising from complex computer simulations and global optimization algorithms in simulation-optimization routines. In this paper, Radial Basis Functions (RBF) are used as metamodels for the computationally expensive variable-density flow and salt transport numerical simulations, in a pumping optimization problem of coastal aquifers. While RBF metamodels have been fairly utilized in many engineering optimization problems, their use is very limited in coastal aquifer management. Two adaptive metamodelling frameworks are employed, that is, the adaptive-recursive approach and the metamodel-embedded evolution strategy. In both frameworks, cubic RBF models are used to approximate the constraint functions imposed on the coastal aquifer pumping optimization problem. The optimal pumping rates are first calculated based on the variable-density and salt transport numerical models of seawater intrusion. The resulting optimal solutions and the computational times are set as benchmark values in order to assess the performance of the metamodelling optimization strategies. Results indicate that the metamodel-embedded evolution framework outperformed in terms of computational efficiency the adaptive-recursive approach while it successfully located the region of the global optimum. Furthermore, with the metamodel-embedded evolution strategy the computational time of the variable-density-based optimization was reduced by 96 %.     

Stochastic and Robust Multi-Objective Optimal Management of Pumping from Coastal Aquifers Under Parameter Uncertainty

Combined simulation-optimization approaches have been used as tools to derive optimal groundwater management strategies to maintain or improve water quality in contaminated or other aquifers. Surrogate models based on neural networks, regression models, support vector machies etc., are used as substitutes for the numerical simulation model in order to reduce the computational burden on the simulation-optimization approach. However, the groundwater flow and transport system itself being characterized by uncertain parameters, using a deterministic surrogate model to substitute it is a gross and unrealistic approximation of the system. Till date, few studies have considered stochastic surrogate modeling to develop groundwater management methodologies. In this study, we utilize genetic programming (GP) based ensemble surrogate models to characterize coastal aquifer water quality responses to pumping, under parameter uncertainty. These surrogates are then coupled with multiple realization optimization for the stochastic and robust optimization of groundwater management in coastal aquifers. The key novelty in the proposed approach is the capability to capture the uncertainty in the physical system, to a certain extent, in the ensemble of surrogate models and using it to constrain the optimization search to derive robust optimal solutions. Uncertainties in hydraulic conductivity and the annual aquifer recharge are incorporated in this study. The results obtained indicate that the methodology is capable of developing reliable and robust strategies for groundwater management.     

Comparative Evaluation of Genetic Programming and Neural Network as Potential Surrogate Models for Coastal Aquifer Management

Determining the optimal rates of groundwater extraction for the sustainable use of coastal aquifers is a complex water resources management problem. It necessitates the application of a 3D simulation model for coupled flow and transport simulation together with an optimization algorithm in a linked simulation-optimization framework. The use of numerical models for aquifer simulation within optimization models is constrained by the huge computational burden involved. Approximation surrogates are widely used to replace the numerical simulation model, the widely used surrogate model being Artificial Neural Networks (ANN). This study evaluates genetic programming (GP) as a potential surrogate modeling tool and compares the advantages and disadvantages with the neural network based surrogate modeling approach. Two linked simulation optimization models based on ANN and GP surrogate models are developed to determine the optimal groundwater extraction rates for an illustrative coastal aquifer. The surrogate models are linked to a genetic algorithm for optimization. The optimal solutions obtained using the two approaches are compared and the advantages of GP over the ANN surrogates evaluated.     

Planning Groundwater Development in Coastal Deltas with Paleo Channels

In this study, a management model is presented for planning groundwater development in costal deltas with paleo channels. It is demonstrated that paleo channels are the best locations for locating the wells for large-scale pumping. Groundwater flow in these aquifers is simulated using a three-dimensional (3-D) density-dependent flow and transport model SEAWAT, which is suitable for a coastal and deltaic environment. A simulation-optimization model is used to determine the optimal locations and pumpages for groundwater development for a group of production wells, while limiting the salinity below desired levels. The mixed integer problem is solved using the Simulated Annealing algorithm and the SEAWAT simulation model. A trained Artificial Neural Network (ANN) is used as the virtual SEAWAT model to perform the simulations, in order to reduce the computational burden for application of the model on desktop computers. The applicability of the model is demonstrated on a hypothetical, but near-real, delta system.     

Elitist Continuous Ant Colony Optimization Algorithm for Optimal Management of Coastal Aquifers

This paper presents an evolutionary based approach to achieve optimal management of a coastal aquifer to control saltwater intrusion. An improved Elitist Continuous Ant Colony Optimization (ECACO) algorithm is employed for optimal control variables setting of coastal aquifer management problem. The objectives of the optimal management are; maximizing the total water-pumping rate, while controlling the drawdown limits and protecting the wells from saltwater intrusion. Since present work is one of the first efforts towards the application of an ECACO algorithm, sharp interface solution for steady state problem is first exploited. The performance of the developed optimization model is evaluated through application examples available in the literature. The comparisons indicate the applicability of the ECACO algorithm. In the second approach, the numerical simulation is combined with ECACO algorithm. In this model, through some simple schemes, such as continuity equations in the porous media cells and existing hydraulic systems in the study area, further details can be investigated. The evaluation results show the potential applicability of the proposed numerical based model for optimal management of coastal aquifers.     

Surrogate-Based Stochastic Multiobjective Optimization for Coastal Aquifer Management under Parameter Uncertainty

Linked simulation-optimization (S/O) approaches have been extensively used as tools in coastal aquifer management. However, parameter uncertainties in seawater intrusion (SI) simulation models often undermine the reliability of the derived solutions. In this study, a stochastic S/O framework is presented and applied to a real-world case of the Longkou coastal aquifer in China. The three conflicting objectives of maximizing the total pumping rate, minimizing the total injection rate, and minimizing the solute mass increase are considered in the optimization model. The uncertain parameters are contained in both the constraints and the objective functions. A multiple realization approach is utilized to address the uncertainty in the model parameters, and a new multiobjective evolutionary algorithm (EN-NSGA2) is proposed to solve the optimization model. EN-NSGA2 overcomes some inherent limitations in the traditional nondominated sorting genetic algorithm-II (NSGA-II) by introducing information entropy theory. The comparison results indicate that EN-NSGA2 can effectively ameliorate the diversity in Pareto-optimal solutions. For the computational challenge in the stochastic S/O process, a surrogate model based on the multigene genetic programming (MGGP) method is developed to substitute for the numerical simulation model. The results show that the MGGP surrogate model can tremendously reduce the computational burden while ensuring an acceptable level of accuracy.

     

A Multiobjective Optimisation Model for Groundwater Remediation Design at Petroleum Contaminated Sites

This study proposes a fuzzy multi-objective model for groundwater remediation in petroleum-contaminated aquifers. The optimisation system is designed based on the PAT technology, and includes two objectives (i.e. total pumping rate and average post-remedial contaminant concentration). The relationship between pumping rates and contamination concentrations at all monitoring wells after remediation are determined by a proxy model, which integrates simulation, inference, and optimisation technologies and is composed of intercept, linear, interactive, and quadratic options. Fuzzy algorithms are used to solve the formulated multi-objective optimisation problem to find optimal solutions. The model is then applied to a petroleum-contaminated aquifer in western Canada. The trade-off and λ analyses of the results indicate that the fuzzy multi-objective model has great potential in groundwater remediation applications as it can: (1) provide reliable groundwater remediation strategies, (2) reduce computational costs in the optimization processes, and (3) balance the trade-off between remediation costs and remediation outcomes.     

Simulation and Multi-Objective Management of Coastal Aquifers in Semi-Arid Regions

Groundwater is the main water resource in many semi-arid coastal regions and water demand, especially in summer months, can be very high. Groundwater withdrawal for meeting this demand often causes seawater intrusion and degradation of water quality of coastal aquifers. In order to satisfy demand, a combined management plan is proposed and is under consideration for the island of Santorini. The plan involves: (1) desalinization (if needed) of pumped water to a potable level using reverse osmosis and (2) injection into the aquifer of biologically-treated waste water. The management plan is formulated in a multi-objective, optimization framework, where simultaneous minimization of economic and environmental costs is desired, subject to a constraint so that cleaned water satisfies demand. The decision variables concern the well locations and the corresponding pumping and recharging rates. The problem is solved using a computationally efficient, multi-objective, genetic algorithm (NSGAII). The constrained multi-objective, optimization problem is transformed to an unconstrained one using a penalty function proportional to constraint violation. This extends the definition of the objective function outside the domain of feasibility. The impact of prolonged droughts on coastal aquifers is investigated by assuming various scenarios of reduced groundwater recharge. Water flow and quality in the coastal aquifer is simulated using a three-dimensional, variable density, finite difference model (SEAWAT). The method is initially applied to a test aquifer and the trade-off curves (Pareto fronts) are determinedl for each drought scenario. The trade-off curves indicate an increase on the economic and environmental cost as groundwater recharge reduces due to climate change.     

基于遗传算法的变密度条件下地下水模拟优化模型

将遗传算法和变密度地下水流及溶质运移模拟程序SEAWAT耦合起来,开发了一个新的用于地下水模拟优化管理的通用程序——SWTGA。以求解变密度条件下地下水优化管理问题,从而为地下水管理决策者提供科学依据和技术支持。设计SWTGA时,建立了适用于变密度条件下地下水优化管理常见问题的目标函数的一般形式,同时设定了常用的约束条件。最后将SWTGA程序应用于一个理想滨海含水层中地下水开采方案的优化设计,寻优之后获得了最佳开采方案,与未优化开采方案的对比显示优化结果合理可行,验证了SWTGA模拟优化程序的有效性和可靠性。     

A Cost-Effective Method to Control Seawater Intrusion in Coastal Aquifers

Intrusion of seawater into coastal aquifers is considered one of the most important processes that degrade water-quality by raising the salinity to levels exceeding acceptable drinking standards. Therefore saltwater intrusion should be prevented or at least controlled to protect groundwater resources. This paper presents a cost-effective method to control seawater intrusion in coastal aquifers. This methodology ADR (Abstraction, Desalination and Recharge) includes; abstraction of saline water and recharge to the aquifer after desalination. A coupled transient density-dependent finite element model is developed for simulation of fluid flow and solute transport and used to simulate seawater intrusion. The simulation model has been integrated with an optimization model to examine three scenarios to control seawater intrusion including; abstraction, recharge and a combination system, ADR. The main objectives of the models are to determine the optimal depths, locations and abstraction/recharge rates for the wells to minimize the total costs for construction and operation as well as salt concentrations in the aquifer. A comparison between the combined system (ADR) and the individual abstraction or recharge system is made in terms of total cost and total salt concentration in the aquifer and the amount of repulsion of seawater achieved. The results show that the proposed ADR system performs significantly better than using abstraction or recharge wells alone as it gives the least cost and least salt concentration in the aquifer. ADR is considered an effective tool to control seawater intrusion and can be applied in areas where there is a risk of seawater intrusion.     

Optimization on the VFDs’ Operation for Pump Units

The third Huaiyin pumping station in the South-to-North Water Diversion Project aims to solve the problem of lack of water. In order to save on electricity while satisfying the required flow demand, the operation optimization problem of the third Huaiyin pumping station is investigated, with a mathematical model set up to simulate the optimal daily operation, in which the pump units can have variable speed. After analyzing the characteristics of the mathematical model, an improved dynamic programming algorithm is presented to decrease the dimensions of the operation optimization problem and save electricity cost, which enables us to perform a practical engineering application. After discretization of the optimization problem has been achieved, the number of operational schedule sequences could be reduced and optimal scheduling could be achieved to save electricity costs by power constraint, classified enumeration constraint, feasible combination constraint and flow demand constraint. Through research and analysis of the working of the third Huaiyin pumping station, optimal operational scheduling of multiple pump units with variable speed operation using variable frequency drive (VFD) can lessen the electricity tariff significantly compared with dynamic programming with the successive approximation method and decomposition/aggregation-dynamic programming method. The operational electricity tariff is reduced by 7.71% by the improved dynamic programming algorithm in comparison with the benchmark scheduling. Simulation results demonstrate that the cost efficiency comes from variable speed operation with VFD and flow demand transfer from the time periods when a high electricity tariff applies to time periods of a low electricity tariff based on the time-of-use electricity tariff.

     

Evaluation of Analytical Methods to Study Aquifer Properties with Pumping Tests in Coastal Aquifers with Numerical Modelling (Motril-Salobreña Aquifer)

Two pumping tests were performed in the unconfined Motril-Salobreña detrital aquifer in a 250 m-deep well 300 m from the coastline containing both freshwater and saltwater. It is an artesian well as it is in the discharge zone of this coastal aquifer. The two observation wells where the drawdowns are measured record the influence of tidal fluctuations, and the well lithological columns reveal high vertical heterogeneity in the aquifer. The Theis and Cooper-Jacob approaches give average transmissivity (T) and storage coefficient (S) values of 1460 m²/d and 0.027, respectively. Other analytical solutions, modified to be more accurate in the boundary conditions found in coastal aquifers, provide similar T values to those found with the Theis and Cooper-Jacob methods, but give very different S values or could not estimate them. Numerical modelling in a synthetic model was applied to analyse the sensitivity of the Theis and Cooper-Jacob approaches to the usual boundary conditions in coastal aquifers. The T and S values calculated from the numerical modelling drawdowns indicate that the regional flow, variable pumping flows, and tidal effect produce an error of under 10 % compared to results obtained with classic methods. Fluids of different density (freshwater and saltwater) cause an error of 20 % in estimating T and of over 100 % in calculating S. The factor most affecting T and S results in the pumping test interpretation is vertical heterogeneity in sediments, which can produce errors of over 100 % in both parameters.     

Groundwater Circulation Well for Controlling Saltwater Intrusion in Coastal aquifers: Numerical study with Experimental Validation

Saltwater intrusion into coastal aquifers has become a prominent environmental concern worldwide. As such, there is a need to prepare and implement proper remediation techniques with careful planning of freshwater withdrawal systems for controlling saltwater intrusion in coastal marine and estuarine environments. This paper investigates the performance of groundwater circulation well (GCW) in controlling saltwater intrusion problems in unconfined coastal aquifers. The GCWs have been established as a promising in-situ remedial technique of contaminated groundwater. The GCW system creates vertical circulation flow by extracting groundwater from an aquifer through a screen in a single well and injecting back into the aquifer through another screen. The circulation flow induced by GCW force water in a circular pattern between abstraction and recharge screens and can be as a hydraulic barrier for controlling saltwater intrusion problem in coastal aquifers. In this study, an effort has been made to investigate the behavior of saltwater intrusion dynamics under a GCW. An experiment has been conducted in a laboratory-scale flow tank model under constant water head boundary conditions, and the variable-density flow and transport model FEMWATER is used to simulate the flow and transport processes for the experimental setup. The evaluation of the results indicates that there is no further movement of saltwater intrusion wedge towards the inland side upon implementation of GCW, and the GCW acts as a hydraulic barrier in controlling saltwater intrusion in coastal aquifers. The present study reveals the GCWs system can effectively mitigate the saltwater intrusion problem in coastal regions and could be considered as one of the most efficient management strategies for controlling the problem.

     

3D Variable Density Flow Simulation to Evaluate Pumping Schemes in Coastal Aquifers

A three dimensional model is presented for the simulation of seawater intrusion in coastal aquifers by considering the development of a transition zone and thus the variable density flow approach. The model is applied to a heterogeneous coastal aquifer to study the effects of the pumping rate, the salinity of freshwater inflow and the thickness of the aquifer, on the degradation of pumped water quality through wells in certain location. Even for an optimum pumping scheme solution based on a simple two-dimensional flow model, we simulate freshwater degradation in pumped water which depends on the salinity of freshwater inflow and aquifer thickness.     

Multiobjective management of a contaminated aquifer for agricultural use

Planned utilization of groundwater from a contaminated aquifer requires development of management strategies that determine the spatial distribution of withdrawal for allocation, as well as for control of water quality. Minimization of groundwater allocation for different purposes, and the control of contamination in the aquifer by a specified pumping strategy constitute a management problem with two conflicting objectives. In order to demonstrate possible tradeoffs between water quality control objective and minimum groundwater withdrawal objective, a multiobjective optimization model is formulated. The solution of the model specifies a strategy to control pollution distribution in the aquifer as per agricultural needs, and also evolve an optimal allocation policy to statisfy agricultural demands. Pareto-optimal solutions representing the tradeoff between the two noncommensurate objectives are established. The formulated model uses the embedding technique for simulating the flow and the transport processes in the aquifer. The constraint method is used to transform the multiobjective optimization model into a single objective optimization model. The resulting model is solved using the exterior penalty function method in conjunction with the Hooke-Jeeves method. The proposed model is easily adoptable for various agroclimatic regions and cropping patterns. For illustrative purposes, the model is applied to a specified study area. Although solutions of the model are presented and discussed as per agricultural requirements in terms of both quality and quantity, solutions for other kinds of water demands can be obtained using the same model with minor modifications. Results show that an optimal pumping strategy can be effectively utilized for controlling contamination in the aquifer.     

抽水试验反演水文地质参数的多线全程加权法

抽水试验是反演场地水文地质参数的重要依据,针对多观测井全程抽水试验的水文地质参数反演问题,提出了描述观测井数据可靠性的权重概念,构建了利用多个观测井的抽水阶段与水位恢复阶段实测数据、反映观测井数据可靠性的多线全程加权法,并利用遗传算法杂交策略改进的杂交粒子群算法,实现了多线全程加权目标函数的最优求解。在此基础上,以南京江北新区现场抽水试验为背景,基于场地水文地质条件概化的越流承压含水层计算模型,反演了场地含水层的导水系数、贮水系数和越流因数,分析了多观测井抽水试验反演水文地质参数问题引入观测井权重的必要性,验证了多线全程加权法反演水文地质参数的合理性,探讨了杂交粒子群算法求解多线全程加权目标函数的有效性。研究表明,多线全程加权法与杂交粒子群算法结合,为利用多观测井现场抽水试验合理反演水文地质参数提供了一条新的途径。     

An Artificial Intelligence Approach for the Stochastic Management of Coastal Aquifers

Aquifer recharge rates and patterns are often uncertain, especially in arid areas due to sporadic and erratic rainfall. Therefore, determining the optimal groundwater abstraction using classical approaches such as Monte Carlo Simulation (MCS) requires a large number of groundwater simulations and exorbitant computational efforts. The problem becomes even more complex and time consuming for regional coastal aquifers whose domains must be discretized using high-resolution meshes. In fact, even fast evolutionary multi-objective optimization techniques generally require a large number of simulations to determine the Pareto-front among the objectives. This study explores the performance of a Decision Tree (DT) approach for the generation of the Pareto optimal solutions of groundwater extraction. This paper applies the DTs for the optimal management of the Al-Khoud coastal aquifer in Oman. The learning process of the developed DT-based model uses the output of a numerical simulation model to assess the aquifer response based on different abstraction policies. The trained DT network then utilizes the NSGA-II to determine the Pareto-optimal solutions. The simulation show that the general flux pattern in the study area is toward the sea and the hydraulic head following a similar pattern in both best and worst recharging scenarios downstream of the studied recharging dam. Statistical tests showed a good correlation between the DT-based and simulation-based results and demonstrate the capability of the DT approach to obtain high-quality solutions by incorporating a large number of recharge scenarios. Moreover, the required runtime of the DT-based approach is extremely low (5 min) compared to that of the simulation-based method (several days). This means that including additional Monte-Carlo simulations can be readily done in few minutes using the obtained DTs, instead of the long computational time needed by the simulation-based approach.     

Analysis of pumping tests data from mutually leaky aquifers

Abstract:

Pumping tests in aquifers separated by semipervious layer are generally analyzed by using solutions for leafy aquifers that assume constant head distribution in the unpumped source bed. This may not be true under prolonged pumping. Hantush (1967) solutions take into account head decline in the unpumped source bed. The objective of this paper is to present procedures for pumping test analysis using some of these solutions. Both type curve matching and straight‐line methods have been presented. Procedures described in this paper can be used to analyze early‐time drawdown data of the pumped aquifer and the late late‐time drawdown data of the pumped and unpumped aquifer above the semipervious layer. The hydraulic properties for the pumped and unpumped aquifer and the semipervious layer estimated by different methods are quite comparable.