Original Article | 2012, Vol.34, No.6, pp. 679-687
Physical model simulations of seawater intrusion in unconfined aquifer
Tanaphol Sriapai, Chaowarin Walsri, Decho Phueakphum and Kittitep Fuenkajorn
pp. 679 - 687
Abstract
The objective of this study is to simulate the seawater intrusion into unconfined aquifer near shoreline and to assess the effectiveness of its controlling methods by using scaled-down physical models. The intrusion controlled methods studied here include fresh water injection, saltwater extraction, and subsurface barrier. The results indicate that under natural dynamic equilibrium between the recharge of fresh water and the intrusion well agree with the Ghyben-Herzberg mathematical solution. Fresh water pumping from the aquifer notably move the fresh-salt water interface toward the pumping well, depending on the pumping rates and the head differences (h) between the aquifer recharge and the salt water level. The fresh water injection method is more favorable than the salt water extraction and subsurface barrier method. The fresh water injection rate of about 10% of the usage rate can effectively push the interface toward the shoreline, and keeping the pumping well free of salinity
