Simulation of chloride migration rates in Paleo Pennar Delta Region, Coastal Andhra Pradesh, India

Abstract

 Quaternary alluvial aquifers in the paleo Pennar delta region of Andhra Pradesh (Long. 80°0′ and 80°12′; Lat. 14°40′ and 14°20′) constitute an important coastal strip, with potential fresh groundwater resources and several well fields in operation. The lineament patterns and traces of paleo channels provide basic information on the configuration and boundaries of paleo delta and the possible neotectonic movements in the region. The paleo delta region is essentially characterized by freshwater aquifer systems at the near-surface depths, (up to 50 m from ground level) with transmissivity values in the system ranging from 1200 to 2500 m²/day. This groundwater system has been subjected to heavy draft situation over the last two decades, parlicularly near the outer rim of the delta where an unlined brackish-water canal runs parallel to the coast imparting chloride contamination to the adjoining fresh aquifers. A two-dimensional solute transport model solution was applied to assess chloride migration rates inland under different hydraulic stresses, combining finite difference solution of flow equation and the method of characteristic solution of solute transport equation. Groundwater flow and chloride migration patterns/rates were obtained for different simulated stress events in the delta system, and measures required to protect the freshwater resources ara outlined.