In the heart of Jordan, where the Amman-Zarqa Basin (AZB) fuels the nation’s agricultural and industrial engines, a groundbreaking study is redefining how we understand and manage groundwater resources. Led by Alsharifa Hind Mohammad from The University of Jordan, this research, published in the Kuwait Journal of Science, is a beacon of hope for sustainable water management in the region.
The AZB is a lifeline for Jordan, supporting most of the country’s agricultural and industrial activities. However, the basin’s groundwater resources are under threat from pollution and over-extraction. This is where Mohammad’s work comes in, offering a novel approach to assess groundwater potentiality and vulnerability, and manage artificial recharge processes.
At the core of the study is the use of managed aquifer recharge (MAR) tools, which help determine the groundwater potentiality of the basin. But Mohammad didn’t stop there. She also evaluated the sensitivity of groundwater to pollution, ensuring that the quality of water recharged in high-potential areas is maintained. “We need to consider groundwater vulnerability alongside MAR potentiality,” Mohammad explains. “This way, we can identify suitable areas for MAR projects and enhance the overall effectiveness of the process.”
The study, conducted under a geographic information system (GIS) environment, revealed intriguing findings. While very high and high potential areas for MAR covered over 57% of the total basin area, the story changed when groundwater vulnerability was factored in. Only 37% of the basin area remained suitable for MAR projects, highlighting the importance of considering both factors together.
So, what does this mean for the energy sector? Water is a critical input for many energy processes, from cooling power plants to extracting unconventional oil and gas. As water scarcity intensifies, so will the pressure on energy producers to adopt sustainable water management practices. This study provides a roadmap for doing just that, by identifying areas where artificial recharge can be effectively implemented, thus augmenting groundwater resources.
Moreover, the methodology developed by Mohammad can be applied to other basins, both in Jordan and beyond. This could revolutionize how we approach groundwater management, ensuring that we’re not just extracting water, but also replenishing it sustainably.
As we stand on the precipice of a water-scarce future, studies like Mohammad’s offer a glimmer of hope. They remind us that with the right tools and approaches, we can manage our water resources sustainably, ensuring a secure future for all. The research, published in the Kuwait Journal of Science, known in English as the Kuwait Journal of Scientific Research, is a testament to the power of scientific inquiry in addressing real-world challenges. As we look to the future, let’s hope more researchers follow in Mohammad’s footsteps, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in water management.