Sustainable groundwater management on the small island of Manukan, Malaysia

Numerical models are capable of simulating various groundwater scenarios and relate it towards groundwater management. This paper focuses on numerical modeling and water balance approaches in the search for a sustainable management plan in Manukan Island. The impacts of pumping and recharge rates re...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:	Environmental earth sciences 2012-06, Vol.66 (3), p.719-728
Main Authors:	Praveena, Sarva Mangala, Abdullah, Mohd Harun, Bidin, Kawi, Aris, Ahmad Zaharin
Format:	Article
Language:	eng
Subjects:	Biogeosciences chemical concentration chlorides Earth and Environmental Science Earth Sciences ecological balance Environmental science Environmental Science and Engineering Geochemistry Geology groundwater Groundwater recharge Hydrology/Water Resources mathematical models Natural resource management natural resources Original Article Sustainability management Terrestrial Pollution water balance water table water treatment water utilization wells World Health Organization
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Summary:	Numerical models are capable of simulating various groundwater scenarios and relate it towards groundwater management. This paper focuses on numerical modeling and water balance approaches in the search for a sustainable management plan in Manukan Island. The impacts of pumping and recharge rates represented by groundwater scenarios were investigated by means of hydraulic heads, chloride concentrations and water balance components. Overpumping and inconsistency in recharge rate are the stresses shown in Scenario A. Scenario B involved with reduction pumping rate by 25% has shown an increase in groundwater levels, chloride concentration and groundwater storage. Scenario C showed the most promising finding compared with Scenarios A and B. Highest hydraulic heads, lowest chloride concentration (1,552.2 mg/L) and positive groundwater storage (254.3 m3/day) were obtained in Scenario C. Chloride concentration in pumping wells still exceeds World Health Organization International Standard limit in Scenario C which illustrates an additional water treatment is needed. Nevertheless, in view of a compromise groundwater management plan in study area, Scenario C is the best plan so far to protect the groundwater resources in the study area. More understanding of the artificial recharge method (percolation tank) and study site by means of modeling studies is needed. Additionally, further progress is needed in obtaining the water usage data from each part to determine the best pumping rate. A sustainable groundwater management plan is crucial to maintain the natural resources and social benefits as well as to protect the ecological balance of Manukan Island.
ISSN:	1866-6280 1866-6299