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Sustainable Development of Hydrogeology

A special issue of Sustainability (ISSN 2071-1050). This special issue belongs to the section "Sustainable Water Management".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 28 February 2025 | Viewed by 4819

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Institute of Geological Sciences of the Polish Academy of Science (ING PAN), 00-818 Warsaw, Poland
Interests: isotope hydrogeology; groundwater origin; hydrogeochemistry; geothermics; saline water and brines; mine drainage water; thermal waters; formation of water chemical and isotopic composition; water–rock interaction; groundwater mixing; groundwater monitoring; sampling techniques; water quality protection
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Guest Editor
Super Bock Group, S. Mamede de Infesta, 4450-000 Matosinhos, Portugal
Interests: hydrogeology; natural mineral waters; chemical and microbiological profile of underground waters; hydrogeochemical processes; aquifer protection
Geological Survey of Slovenia (GeoZS), 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
Interests: groundwater dynamics; mineral and thermal water; CO2 springs; hydrogeochemistry; water–rock interaction; groundwater monitoring; flow and heat simulation; regional flow systems; evaluation of state; overexploitation of aquifers; water management
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

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Guest Editor
Water Resources Research Team, Jeju Province Development Corporation, Jeju 63000, Republic of Korea
Interests: groundwater level simulation; artificial intelligence; deep learning; climate change; hydrology; hydrological modelling; water balance analysis; flood analysis; model calibration period analysis; sens
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Hydrogeology, due to its area of interest, occupies a special place in science and industry, and its development, especially in practical aspects for increasing the quality of our lives, deserves more attention and a better demonstration to be implanted into the public consciousness.

The purpose of this Special Issue is to show the most interesting examples of recent developments in hydrogeology with exclusive emphasis on their practical applications and/or industrial implementation potential. We intend to collect a series of high-quality papers/reports/reviews presenting the case studies of successful applications of novel research methods, innovative technologies or new approaches to solve current real-life environmental problems involving groundwater systems, or to meet burning societal or industrial needs for increasing quality of life. Taking into account that applied hydrogeology encompasses a wide spectrum of methods and techniques from various fields, we are not defining the priority research areas for contributions to this Special Issue. We are looking for research outputs from different parts of the world that are cross-cutting and interdisciplinary and which clearly demonstrate a practical application supported by the presentation and interpretation of credible hydrogeological data.

In this Special Issue, we would like to address not only to academic community but a wider audience of professionals in the field, including hydrogeologists and engineers who are engaged in private or public sectors. By sharing this collection of practical research in the field of hydrogeology, we expect to present new ideas for decision-makers or stakeholders on how they can tackle similar problems in their local communities.

All original research within the scope of this Special Issue is highly welcome.

We look forward to receiving your contributions.

Dr. Adam Porowski
Dr. Manuel Antunes Da Silva
Dr. Nina Rman
Dr. Mun-Ju Shin
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Sustainability is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • applied hydrogeology
  • hydrogeochemistry
  • isotope hydrogeology
  • chemical composition
  • isotopic composition
  • groundwater origin
  • water quality
  • groundwater resources
  • groundwater monitoring
  • sampling techniques
  • mineral water
  • thermal water
  • mine drainage waters
  • drinking water
  • water–rock interaction
  • groundwater–surface water interaction
  • groundwater mixing
  • climate change
  • tracer methods
  • flow system modelling geochemical modelling
  • groundwater protection
  • hydroclimatic extreme events
  • aquatic ecosystems
  • emerging contaminants
  • useful minerals
  • critical elements
  • rare earth elements
  • bottling water industry
  • bottled water
  • geothermics
  • balneology

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

22 pages, 10418 KiB  
Article
Update of the Interpretive Conceptual Model of Ladeira de Envendos Hyposaline Hydromineral System (Central Portugal): A Contribution to Its Sustainable Use
by José M. Marques, Paula M. Carreira, Pedro Caçador and Manuel Antunes da Silva
Sustainability 2024, 16(12), 5179; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16125179 - 18 Jun 2024
Viewed by 646
Abstract
The aim of this paper is to describe the surveys performed in order to update the interpretive conceptual circulation model of the Ladeira de Envendos hyposaline hydromineral system (Central Portugal). The geology of the Ladeira de Envendos region is strongly controlled by the [...] Read more.
The aim of this paper is to describe the surveys performed in order to update the interpretive conceptual circulation model of the Ladeira de Envendos hyposaline hydromineral system (Central Portugal). The geology of the Ladeira de Envendos region is strongly controlled by the Amêndoa-Carvoeiro synform, of Ordovician-Silurian age, presenting continuous and aligned quartzite ridges on the NE flank, that form the basic structure of a set of inselbergs. The physico-chemical analysis of the Ladeira de Envendos natural mineral spring and borehole waters was provided by the Super Bock Group Enterprise (Concessionaire of the Ladeira de Envendos). Furthermore, two sampling campaigns took place to increase knowledge on the isotopic composition of the studied natural mineral waters. The stable (δ2H, δ18O) isotopic data indicate that local meteoric waters infiltrate around 400 m altitude and evolve to the natural mineral waters (of Cl-Na facies) through a NW–SE underground flow path ascribed to the highly fractured and permeable quartzite rocks. From recharge to discharge, the infiltrated meteoric waters acquire silica (±9 mg/L) due to water–quartzite rock interaction. These natural mineral waters emerge at temperatures around 21 °C, being the up flow of these waters controlled by the rock fractures and local faults. The natural mineral waters mean residence time range between 25 and 40 years, as indicated by the 3H content of these waters, enhancing an active recharge of this hydromineral system. The results obtained indicate existence of three hydrogeological subsystems, ascribed to three inselbergs, with similar groundwater circulation paths. These multi and interdisciplinary studies should be seen as an important contribution to the sustainable management of this type of natural mineral water resources. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Development of Hydrogeology)
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36 pages, 30037 KiB  
Article
Black Sea Eutrophication Comparative Analysis of Intensity between Coastal and Offshore Waters
by Luminita Lazar, Oana Vlas, Elena Pantea, Laura Boicenco, Oana Marin, Valeria Abaza, Adrian Filimon and Elena Bisinicu
Sustainability 2024, 16(12), 5146; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16125146 - 17 Jun 2024
Viewed by 953
Abstract
Eutrophication, driven by excessive nutrient enrichment from sources like agricultural runoff, industrial discharge, and urbanisation, has severely impacted the Black Sea since the 1980s. This study aimed to assess eutrophication dynamics in the Romanian Exclusive Economic Zone from 2020 to 2022 using the [...] Read more.
Eutrophication, driven by excessive nutrient enrichment from sources like agricultural runoff, industrial discharge, and urbanisation, has severely impacted the Black Sea since the 1980s. This study aimed to assess eutrophication dynamics in the Romanian Exclusive Economic Zone from 2020 to 2022 using the Black Sea Eutrophication Assessment Tool (BEAST), an integrated approach to the causes and effects of eutrophication. Data were collected from 68 stations during five oceanographic expeditions, analysing 617 water samples for nutrients, chlorophyll a, zooplankton species Noctiluca scintillans, and dissolved oxygen. Additionally, 179 zoobenthic and 251 phytobenthic community samples were collected. The results indicate that coastal waters exhibit higher nutrient levels and algal blooms compared to offshore waters, necessitating significant reductions in nutrient concentrations to achieve good environmental status. In transitional waters, within the Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve, a 55% reduction in inorganic phosphorus and a 43% reduction in inorganic nitrogen concentrations are required, while coastal waters need reductions of 38% and 37%, respectively. The study highlights the need for improved wastewater treatment, stricter agricultural runoff controls, and continuous monitoring. Effective ecosystem-based management strategies, integrated coastal zone management, and international cooperation are essential to mitigate eutrophication and promote the long-term health of the Black Sea ecosystem. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Development of Hydrogeology)
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11 pages, 2090 KiB  
Article
A Simple Water Sample Storage Test for Water Isotope Analysis
by Matteo Nigro, Klara Žagar and Polona Vreča
Sustainability 2024, 16(11), 4740; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16114740 - 2 Jun 2024
Viewed by 481
Abstract
Water is pivotal for human societies’ sustainability and resilience. Isotope hydrology and hydrogeology research plays an important role in understanding and managing water resources. Reliable scientific results hinge on high-quality data. Preventing water sample evaporation is essential for accurate isotopic analysis. In this [...] Read more.
Water is pivotal for human societies’ sustainability and resilience. Isotope hydrology and hydrogeology research plays an important role in understanding and managing water resources. Reliable scientific results hinge on high-quality data. Preventing water sample evaporation is essential for accurate isotopic analysis. In this study, the impacts on the quality of isotopic data were tested for the storage of water samples and the repetitive opening of a laboratory reference material (LRM) sub-sample replica during daily operation. Twenty 15 mL water samples were stored in high-density polyethylene (HDPE) bottles at room temperature and humidity to simulate storage conditions. One 60 mL water sample was collected from the same starting batch to simulate the LRM sub-sample. Each 15 mL sample was analysed once over 80 days for the isotopic composition of oxygen (δ18O) and hydrogen (δ2H). The 60 mL sample was repeatedly analysed in the same period. The data were tested to identify shifts in the isotopic composition induced by evaporative processes. The main results of the work are the following: (i) storage of the 15 mL water samples did not cause detectable evaporation in the testing period; (ii) the 60 mL δ18O values showed evidence of evaporation as proved by the positive shift of the isotopic data; (iii) the repetitive opening of the 60 mL sample was the main cause of evaporation; (iv) five openings can already cause detectable isotopic enrichment. Careful manipulation and frequent replacement of the LRM are thus necessary to prevent deterioration of the quality of the analyses. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Development of Hydrogeology)
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13 pages, 1534 KiB  
Article
Responses of Freshwater Invertebrates to Imhoff Tank Sewage Effluents: A Preliminary Study in Four Watercourses with Different Ecological Status (Abruzzo, Central Italy)
by Antonio Di Sabatino, Giovanni Damiani, Giada Ercolino, Floriana Rossi and Lino Ruggieri
Sustainability 2024, 16(6), 2452; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16062452 - 15 Mar 2024
Viewed by 749
Abstract
In many EU countries, a large proportion of domestic effluents is treated in small, decentralized wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) which often lack appropriate treatment technologies. The low efficiency of these systems and their incorrect maintenance often contribute to environmental deterioration, with a large [...] Read more.
In many EU countries, a large proportion of domestic effluents is treated in small, decentralized wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) which often lack appropriate treatment technologies. The low efficiency of these systems and their incorrect maintenance often contribute to environmental deterioration, with a large quantity of inadequately treated sewage dispersed in the soil or discharged into superficial watercourses. In the Abruzzo region (Central Italy), almost all rivers and streams receive wastewater from Imhoff tanks with only primary treatments. The ecological impacts of these effluents have rarely been investigated. This paper aimed to evaluate the response of freshwater invertebrates to Imhoff effluents in receiving watercourses with different ecological status. Our results showed that wastewater from Imhoff plants negatively affected the structure and composition of freshwater communities, with a reduction in the richness and abundance of more sensitive taxa and an increase in the most tolerant ones. These negative effects were more accentuated during low flow periods and in streams with moderate ecological status. To improve the ecological status of rivers and streams and to limit the diffusion of pathogens and micropollutants in freshwater, a more efficient (secondary treatments, possibly with nature-based solutions) and sustainable (water reuse or sewage sludge recycling) approach to wastewater treatment in decentralized WWTPs is urgently needed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Development of Hydrogeology)
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16 pages, 4064 KiB  
Article
A New Approach to the Development of Geothermal Water Utilization in the Context of Identifying and Meeting the Social Needs of Local Communities: A Case Study from the Mogilno–Łódź Trough, Central Poland
by Anna Wachowicz-Pyzik, Anna Sowiżdżał, Tomasz Maćkowski and Michał Stefaniuk
Sustainability 2024, 16(1), 37; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16010037 - 19 Dec 2023
Viewed by 930
Abstract
For many years, geothermal energy has been successfully used for both energy as well as balneological, healing, and recreational purposes. It should be emphasized that, along with the great interest in geothermal investments, the development of other economic sectors (i.e., tourism, cosmetology, food [...] Read more.
For many years, geothermal energy has been successfully used for both energy as well as balneological, healing, and recreational purposes. It should be emphasized that, along with the great interest in geothermal investments, the development of other economic sectors (i.e., tourism, cosmetology, food production, and many other sectors related directly or indirectly to geothermal waters) are also noted in this paper. That kind of development is seen both in regions where centers using geothermal energy are created, as well as in their immediate vicinity. An important aspect of the use of geothermal energy is also its positive impact on the environment by reducing the emission of pollutants that could end up in the environment as a result of using conventional energy sources, namely coal or natural gas. Given the high level of air pollution in Poland, according to data from the European Environment Agency, 12 Polish cities are among the 20 most polluted cities in Europe (data for 2021–2022), and this aspect seems to be key for achieving sustainability while maintaining economic balance. In this article, a new approach to the development of geothermal water utilization in the context of identifying and meeting the social needs of local communities in the Mogilno–Łódź Trough region is described. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Development of Hydrogeology)
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