Flow and Transport Numerical Model of a Coastal Aquifer Based on the Hydraulic Importance of a Dyke and Its Impact on Water Quality. Manglaralto—Ecuador

Abstract

Coastal aquifers are part of the natural resources contributing to local development and promote resilience in the most vulnerable communities near the sea. Manglaralto, an Ecuadorian coastal parish, is affected by water resource scarcity. The increase in salinity and deterioration of the water quality is generated by the local and floating population’s demand, causing an increase in the Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) concentrations and decreasing the aquifer’s piezometric levels. The aim is to establish a numerical model of flow and transport of the Manglaralto coastal aquifer by using hydrogeological data and Visual Transin software, relating the hydraulic importance of a dyke’s design (“tape”) and its impact on the quality of the water. The methodology is (i) hydrogeological database analysis, (ii) the system’s recharge concerning the soil water balance, (iii) the boundary conditions of the flow and transport model and, (iv) the results and validation of the numerical simulation. The results configure the importance of the coastal aquifer’s artificial recharge in the area where the tape is located, as reflected in the increase in piezometric levels and the decrease in salinity in wells near the sea. In conclusion, the numerical model of flow and transport allows expanding the knowledge of the variation of the piezometric levels and TDS concentrations over time, the importance of recharge in the hydrogeological system’s operation, and correct community management resilience and projection to sustainable development.