Modelling Groundwater Systems: Understanding and Improving Groundwater Quantity and Quality Management

Groundwater is increasingly subjected to excessive over-exploitation and contamination in many parts of the world. It faces the challenge of balancing its multiple functions in a sustainable manner. This thesis explores several specific problems related to contaminant migration, groundwater-surface water interactions and managed aquifer recharge, using a variety of simulation methods and combined simulation-optimization modelling approaches. The validity of these approaches for evaluating groundwater quantity and quality management options is explored. Case studies were performed on field applications in Belgium, Germany and Oman. The results of these studies demonstrate that better insights and improved groundwater resource management can be achieved through a combination of different simulation and optimization methods that take into account data availability and specific site conditions.

Mr. Girma Yimer Ebrhaim received his Bachelor degree in Hydraulic Engineering in 2001 from Arbaminch Water Technology Institute, Ethiopia, and his Masters Degree in Water Science and Engineering, specialization Hydroinformaitcs in 2008 from UNESCO-IHE Institute for Water Education, The Netherlands. His practical experience and research interest include groundwater flow and contaminant transport modelling, Quantifying groundwater-surface water interaction at various spatial scales using field methods and modelling, Application of Simulation-Optimization modelling approaches for optimal management of groundwater systems, applications of environmental and artificial tracers, managed aquifer recharge assessment, modelling the impact of climate change on groundwater and surface water systems, and application of geophysical and remote sensing techniques.