Analysis of the surface water/groundwater interaction using the gas
tracers during a dynamic test: a case of induced infiltration from the
river in the piedmont area
Abstract
We discuss a study that aimed to understand the genesis and inflow
conditions of abstracted water by intake with induced infiltration
located at a mountain river. A simple approach based on a combination of
two research techniques was used: two-component water mixing modelling
and studies of the variability of concentrations of environmental
tracers in a dynamic test. This approach is versatile, easy to apply and
modify, and can be good method for controlling surface/groundwater
interactions. We used the gas tracers because gas exchange and
dissolution of gases in infiltrating rainwater gives it a unique gas
signature that is largely retained in groundwater. We focus on
understanding river/aquifer interactions at the scale of reach of an
intake. To understand these issues, a two-day field hydrogeological
experiment based on a pumping test of increasing intensity was
conducted. At each pumping stage, groundwater and river samples were
collected to determine the concentration of noble gases, CFCs, SF6,
stable isotope content, and chemical composition of the water. The study
results indicate a short pressure propagation time between the intake
and the river, which results in inflow of water already at low water
abstract by the intake. Despite limited river water inflow, there was a
continuous hydraulic contact river/aquifer, largely independent of
changes in pumping intensity. As pumping intensity increased, the
river/aquifer hydraulic system tended towards stabilised conditions of
mixing and inflow to the intake. In general, a small proportion of river
water (up to 26%) was found in the exchange flux between the river and
groundwater.