Advanced Applied Geology

Advanced Applied Geology

Assessment of Groundwater Resources Sustainability in Varamin Plain with Emphasis on Sustainability Indicators

Authors
1 Faculty of Earth Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran
2 Department of Geology, Payam Noor University, Tehran, Iran
Abstract
Assessing the sustainability of aquifers based on water resource sustainability indices is essential for protecting aquifers against future events. In the present study, with the aim of protecting and preserving the Varamin Plain aquifer, sustainability indices have been used to assess the sustainability of this aquifer against stresses and damages. For this purpose, the quantitative hydrogeological index and environmental indices of the DPSIR conceptual model have been used. Also, the DRASTIC method has been used to assess the vulnerability of the aquifer. The rating and integration of information layers in the GIS environment have been performed, and then an inherent vulnerability map and a risk map have been obtained. The final sustainability of the quantitative hydrogeological index and the environmental index has been evaluated by the AHP weighted averaging method. According to the vulnerability map, the northeastern, central and western regions of the region have high vulnerability, and the potential for contamination is lower in the northwest, east and south. Also, the aquifer risk map shows that many parts of the west, central and northeastern regions of the aquifer area have high risk. The assessment of the Varamin Plain aquifer using the results obtained from the quantitative hydrogeological index and the environmental index indicates that the status of this aquifer is in a non- sustainable state in terms of sustainability and requires urgent management measures to protect groundwater resources.
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