Modeling groundwater/surface-water interactions and their effects on hydraulic barriers, the case of the industrial area of Mantua (Italy)

Groundwater and surface water interactions in Mantua, Italy, dynamically shift throughout the year due to varying groundwater levels and surface channel discharges, significantly impacting the performance of hydraulic barriers used for industrial purposes. A transient numerical model developed using MODFLOW-2005 and SFR2 over a three-year period (2016–2018) revealed these complex relationships, which are influenced by intensive pumping activities within the Site of National Interest (SIN) 'Laghi di Mantova e Polo Chimico.' The calibrated model offers stakeholders a tool for optimizing future groundwater management strategies, ensuring sustainable operation of hydraulic barriers in this ecologically and industrially sensitive area.

Bonomi, T., Sartirana, D., Toscani, L., Stefania, G. A., Zanotti, C., Rotiroti, M., Redaelli, A., & Fumagalli, L. (2022). Modeling groundwater/surface-water interactions and their effects on hydraulic barriers, the case of the industrial area of Mantua (Italy). Acque Sotterranee - Italian Journal of Groundwater, 11(2), 43–55. https://doi.org/10.7343/as-2022-569