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Modeling interactions between saturated and un-saturated zones by Hydrus-1D in semi-arid regions (plain of Kairouan, Central Tunisia)

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A Correction to this article was published on 03 October 2018

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Abstract

In semi-arid areas like the Kairouan region, salinization has become an increasing concern because of the constant irrigation with saline water and over use of groundwater resources, soils, and aquifers. In this study, a methodology has been developed to evaluate groundwater contamination risk based on the unsaturated zone hydraulic properties. Two soil profiles with different ranges of salinity, one located in the north of the plain and another one in the south of plain (each 30 m deep) and both characterized by direct recharge of the aquifer, were chosen. Simulations were conducted with Hydrus-1D code using measured precipitation data for the period 1998–2003 and calculated evapotranspiration for both chosen profiles. Four combinations of initial conditions of water content and salt concentration were used for the simulation process in order to find the best match between simulated and measured values. The success of the calibration of Hydrus-1D allowed the investigation of some scenarios in order to assess the contamination risk under different natural conditions. The aquifer risk contamination is related to the natural conditions where it increased while facing climate change and temperature increase and decreased in the presence of a clay layer. Hydrus-1D was a useful tool to predict the groundwater level and quality in the case of a direct recharge and in the absence of any information related to the soil layers except for the texture.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Faculté des Sciences de Tunis, UR13ES26 Paléo-environnement, Géomatériaux et Risques Géologiques, Université de Tunis El Manar, 2092, Tunis, Tunisie

    Mariem Saâdi & Adel Zghibi

  2. Institut National de Recherche en Génie Rural, Eau et Forêts, Rue Hédi EL Karray El Menzah IV, BP 10, Ariana, 2080, Tunisie

    Sabri Kanzari

Authors
  1. Mariem Saâdi
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  2. Adel Zghibi
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  3. Sabri Kanzari
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Correspondence to Adel Zghibi.

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Saâdi, M., Zghibi, A. & Kanzari, S. Modeling interactions between saturated and un-saturated zones by Hydrus-1D in semi-arid regions (plain of Kairouan, Central Tunisia). Environ Monit Assess 190, 170 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10661-018-6544-3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10661-018-6544-3

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