Sustainable groundwater modeling using single- and multi-objective optimization algorithms

• Published in: Journal of hydroinformatics Vol. 19; no. 1; pp. 97 - 114
• Main Authors: Sadeghi-Tabas, S., Samadi, S. Z., Akbarpour, A., Pourreza-Bilondi, M.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: London IWA Publishing 01.01.2017
• Subjects: Adaptive algorithms; Adaptive search techniques; Algorithms; Annealing; Aquifers; Arid regions; Arid zones; Computer simulation; Decision making; Drawdown; Elitism; Finite difference method; Fuzzy sets; Genetic algorithms; Groundwater; Groundwater management; Groundwater table; Linear programming; Mathematical models; Methods; Modelling; Multiple objective analysis; Objectives; Optimization; Parameters; Pareto optimum; Problems; Pumping; Pumping rates; Solutions; Specific yield; Subsidence; Sustainability; Sustainability management; Three dimensional models; Water shortages; Water table
• ISSN: 1464-7141; 1465-1734; 1465-1734
• DOI: 10.2166/hydro.2016.006

This study presents the first attempt to link the multi-algorithm genetically adaptive search method (AMALGAM) with a groundwater model to define pumping rates within a well distributed set of Pareto solutions. The pumping rates along with three minimization objectives, i.e. minimizing shortage affected by the failure to supply, modified shortage index and minimization of extent of drawdown within prespecified regions, were chosen to define an optimal solution for groundwater drawdown and subsidence. Hydraulic conductivity, specific yield parameters of a modular three-dimensional finite-difference (MODFLOW) groundwater model were first optimized using Cuckoo optimization algorithm (COA) by minimizing the sum of absolute deviation between the observed and simulated water table depths. These parameters were then applied in AMALGAM to optimize the pumping rate variables for an arid groundwater system in Iran. The Pareto parameter sets yielded satisfactory results when maximum and minimum drawdowns of the aquifer were defined in a range of −40 to +40 cm/year. Overall, ‘Modelling – Optimization – Simulation’ procedure was capable to compute a set of optimal solutions displayed on a Pareto front. The proposed optimal solution provides sustainable groundwater management alternatives to decision makers in arid region.