Water Quality Evolution During Managed Aquifer Recharge (MAR) in Indian Crystalline Basement Aquifers: Reactive Transport Modeling in the Critical Zone

The present study investigates the role of MAR (Managed Aquifer Recharge) on groundwater quality overexploited crystalline aquifers in semi-arid context (South India). A 1D transient reactive transport model was conceived to simulate the infiltration of a recharge tank through the critical zone. The model takes into account hydrodynamics, evaporation, kinetic weathering of minerals (precipitation/dissolution), adsorption, cationic exchange. Results show the beneficial effect of MAR on groundwater quality, in particular on Fluoride accumulation, a widespread problem in the Indian context, strongly depending on seasonal climatic variations.