A multi-step approach to evaluate the sustainable use of groundwater resources for human consumption and agriculture

• DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2023.119041
• Publication Date: 2023-09-30T04:37:06Z
• Authors: Mojgan Bordbar; Gianluigi Busico; Maurizio Sirna; Dario Tedesco; Micol Mastrocicco
• Keywords: 13. Climate action; Water Quality; Water Resources; Humans; Agriculture; 15. Life on land; Artificial intelligence; Groundwater suitability; Quality index; Vulnerability map; Groundwater; 6. Clean water; Water Pollutants, Chemical; Environmental Monitoring

The rapid decline in both quality and availability of freshwater resources on our planet necessitates their thorough assessment to ensure sustainable usage. growing demand for water industrial, agricultural, domestic sectors poses significant challenges managing surface groundwater resources. This study tests proposes a hybrid evaluation approach determine Groundwater Quality Indices (GQIs) irrigation (IRRI), seawater intrusion (SWI), potability (POT), finalized the spatial distribution suitability involving indicator along with hydrogeological socio-economic factors. Mean Decrease Accuracy (MDA) Information Gain Ratio (IGR) were used state importance chosen factors such as level above sea, thickness aquifer, land cover, distance from coastline, silt soil content, recharge, river lagoons, depth table ground, agricultural wells, hydraulic conductivity, lithology each index, separately. results methods showed that recharge is most important parameter GQIIRRI GQIPOT, while coastline rivers, are GQISWI. modelling GQIPOT area has been achieved applying three machine learning (ML) algorithms: Boosted Regression Tree (BRT), Random Forest (RF), Support Vector Machine (SVM). Validation RF highest prediction GQIIRRI, SVM model index. It worth mention future utilization testing new algorithms could produce even better results. Finally, combined compared using two combine overlay prepare map multi-GQIs. 69% suitable potable use, due geogenic anthropogenic activities which contribute make some unsuitable either use. Specifically, northern, western, eastern portions "very high quality" classes southern portion shows low classes. In conclusion, developed can serve practical guide enhancing management, identifying areas various uses pinpointing regions requiring improved management practices.