Impacts of Artificial Underground Reservoir on Groundwater Environment in the Reservoir and Downstream Area

Ya Sun, Shi Guo Xu, Ping Ping Kang, Yan Zhao Fu and Tian Xiang Wang
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Ya Sun: School of Hydraulic Engineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China
Shi Guo Xu: School of Hydraulic Engineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China
Ping Ping Kang: School of Water Conservancy, North China University of Water Resources and Electric Power, Zhengzhou 450045, China
Yan Zhao Fu: School of Hydraulic Engineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China
Tian Xiang Wang: School of Hydraulic Engineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China

IJERPH, 2019, vol. 16, issue 11, 1-21

Abstract: Artificial underground reservoirs have changed the hydrological cycle from its natural condition. This modification may trigger a series of negative environmental effects both at the local and regional levels. This study investigated the impact of the Wanghe artificial underground reservoir on groundwater flow and quality in the reservoir and its downstream area. Wanghe is a typical artificial underground reservoir scheme in China, which assumes the dual function of fresh-water preservation and control of seawater intrusion. The groundwater flow pattern has changed after the reservoir construction, and the water level in the reservoir rose rapidly. Evaluation of long-term groundwater level fluctuation suggested that the reservoir deprived the downstream aquifer of the runoff, which it received under the natural flow regime. A preliminary isotopic evaluation using 3 H was developed to understand the groundwater flow and renewal rates in the study area. The uniform distribution of tritium levels in the reservoir indicated that the stored water was well-mixed in both horizontal and vertical directions. The intervention on groundwater circulation also made differences in groundwater renewal rates between stored and downstream water. Field investigations on groundwater nitrogen pollution showed that the construction of the artificial underground reservoir resulted in nitrate accumulation in the stored water. Agriculturally derived nitrate was the largest contributor, and NO 3 ? concentration varied considerably over time due to fertilization and irrigation activities, rainfall, and denitrification. NO 3 ? -N distributed homogeneously in the reservoir, which was attributed to the construction of the subsurface dam, land use pattern and artificial groundwater flow.

Keywords: artificial underground reservoir; environmental impact; groundwater flow; nitrogen pollutant distribution (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2019
References: View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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