The Impact of Hydrogeological Properties on Mass Displacement in Aquifers: Insights from Implementing a Mass-Abatement Scalable System Using Managed Aquifer Recharge (MAR-MASS)

• Published in: Water (Basel) Vol. 17; no. 15; p. 2239
• Main Authors: Garcia Torres, Mario Alberto, Suhogusoff, Alexandra, Ferrari, Luiz Carlos
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Basel MDPI AG 27.07.2025
• Subjects: Agricultural production; Anisotropy; Aquifers; Boundary conditions; Conductivity; Efficiency; Groundwater flow; Hydraulics; Saline water; Salt; Simulation; Variables; Water quality; Water resources management
• ISSN: 2073-4441; 2073-4441
• DOI: 10.3390/w17152239

This study examines the use of a mass-abatement scalable system with managed aquifer recharge (MAR-MASS) as a sustainable solution for restoring salinized aquifers and improving water quality by removing dissolved salts. It offers a practical remediation approach for aquifers affected by salinization in coastal regions, agricultural areas, and contaminated sites, where variable-density flow poses a challenge. Numerical simulations assessed hydrogeological properties such as hydraulic conductivity, anisotropy, specific yield, mechanical dispersion, and molecular diffusion. A conceptual model integrated hydraulic conditions with spatial and temporal discretization using the FLOPY API for MODFLOW 6 and the IFM API for FEFLOW 10. Python algorithms were run within the high-performance computing (HPC) server, executing simulations in parallel to efficiently process a large number of scenarios, including both preprocessing input data and post-processing results. The study simulated 6950 scenarios, each modeling flow and transport processes over 3000 days of method implementation and focusing on mass extraction efficiency under different initial salinity conditions (3.5 to 35 kg/m3). The results show that the MAR-MASS effectively removed salts from aquifers, with higher hydraulic conductivity prolonging mass removal efficiency. Of the scenarios, 88% achieved potability (0.5 kg/m3) in under five years; among these, 79% achieved potability within two years, and 92% of cases with initial concentrations of 3.5–17.5 kg/m3 reached potability within 480 days. This study advances scientific knowledge by providing a robust model for optimizing managed aquifer recharge, with practical applications in rehabilitating salinized aquifers and improving water quality. Future research may explore MAR-MASS adaptation for diverse hydrogeological contexts and its long-term performance.