Why modelling? Numerical models are important tools in the study of water resources. They can help understand processes (and their importance) that occur in a certain geological context. The rapid progress in the development of numerical models and computer hardware has improved simulation capability to an extent where we can routinely develop basin scale models. One of the main driving forces for hydrogeological model is the need to assess water supply potential of aquifers. Over the past 20 years, however, the emphasis has shifted from water supply problems to water quality issues. This means that while formerly the focus was almost exclusively on developing methods to assess and measure the water-yielding properties of aquifers, now the focus is largely on transport and dispersion processes, retardation and degradation of chemical contaminants.
Numerical models are also applied to describe and interpret the reactive processes affecting contaminant transport through the porous media during laboratory-level experiments.
IMDEA-WATER SOLUTIONS
Numerical models and, occasionally, analytical models are developed at the Imdea-Water facilities to identify processes affecting the occurrence and behaviour of contaminants during infiltration through the vadose zone and passage through the aquifer. Imdea Water can act as a consultant to propose remediation strategies, forecast contamination plume propagation and decontamination times in the case of contaminant spills.
In this context, the knowledge of our Institute is also applied to provide an overview of the impact on water quality during activities such as irrigation, artificial recharge, etc. with the aim of proposing ad-hoc strategies to improve water application programs.
Contaminants routinely investigated by the Imdea Water working group include inorganic contaminants, organic substances and emerging compounds(e.g. pharmaceuticals, personal care products, life-style compounds).
Modelling is also applied as a tool to assist in water resource managementat groundwater basin level, defining abstraction well rates, well distributions and well protection zones.
Up to now, both field-scale and laboratory-scale data have been successively simulated using several modelling software packages, such as: CXTFIT, MT3DMS, PHREEQC-2, PHT3D, PMWIN, HYDRUS, etc.
IMPLEMENTATION SECTOR
IMDEA Water, a research Institute focused on water management issues, is directed towards optimizing public and private decision-making processes, emphasizing on the link between water, public services, the economy and institutions. The scientific program of the Institute is based on the development of strategic lines for the integrated water management: management of sustainable bodies of water, quality pollution, water treatment and reuse and economic and institutional analysis.
The institute is equipped with high-level up-to-date specialized laboratories as: water, soils, geomatic, ecotoxicology and water biology labs, and pilot plants (mesocosms, microbial electrochemical technologies, land application systems and membranes technologies) for conducting the research activities.
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