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Prediction of Nitrate Distribution Process in the Groundwater via 3D Modeling

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Abstract

The main purpose of this study was to model nitrate and its spatial and temporal variations under hydrological tensions. For this purpose, the hydrodynamic characteristics and transmission of Varamin plain groundwater were modeled after collecting and organizing the field data. Qualitative data were imported to the quantitative GMS model constructed by using the MODLFLOW code. Then, quantitative and qualitative models were calibrated. Measured and model predicted values were compared and relatively acceptable results were obtained. The most important factor in deteriorating the groundwater quality was nitrate pollution related to the agricultural areas which will exceed the permissible limits of drinking water during a 10-year period. Also, according to the model maps of the unconfined aquifer, the highest content of nitrate was related to downstream areas of the big cities. Since the confined aquifer is overlaid by an impermeable layer, it is less affected by nitrate pollution and contains high-quality drinking water. However, population growth and subsequent increase in agricultural activities and human sewage disposal may lead to further pollution of the unconfined aquifer by nitrate.

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  1. Department of Mining and Metallurgical Engineering, Amirkabir University of Technology (Tehran Polytechnic), P-O Box: 15875-4413, 424. Hafez Ave., Tehran, Iran

    Fereshteh Valivand & Homayoon Katibeh

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  1. Fereshteh Valivand
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  2. Homayoon Katibeh
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Correspondence to Homayoon Katibeh.

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Valivand, F., Katibeh, H. Prediction of Nitrate Distribution Process in the Groundwater via 3D Modeling. Environ Model Assess 25, 187–201 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10666-019-09671-z

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