1 Advances in Managed Aquifer Recharge

This session will present an interdisciplinary overview of the hydrological, geochemical, and geobiological processes and interactions associated with the practical implementation and operation of managed aquifer recharge strategies.

Sunday, 19 October 2025
8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
HBGCC, 209

Modified infiltration basins to enhance water quantity and quality: Potential managed aquifer recharge (MAR) in Lower Rio Grande Valley, Texas

Paper number: 1-8
Program: Technical Sessions
Time: 9:55 AM – 10:10 AM

Authors

  • Sumiaya Preota
    University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Edinburg, Texas
  • Chu-Lin Cheng Presenting Author
    University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Edinburg, TX
  • Jongsun Kim
    University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Brownsville, Texas
  • Myung Hwangbo
    University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Brownsville, Texas

Abstract

Intensified and yet uneven climate extremes have greatly impacted many semi-arid and arid regions.  This research investigated the viability of conjunctive water resource management, i.e., mitigating droughts and floods, using carbon-modified infiltration basins as managed aquifer recharge (MAR) strategy. Water availability model was first applied to assess unappropriated flow and high magnitude flow (HMF) from flood events.  With subsurface 3D hydrogeological analysis, regional soil vadose zones were examined for accommodating stormwater.  Sites identified within vicinity of the Arroyo Colorado River and North floodway could store up to 96% of the floodwater from June 2018 flood event.  Integrated HYDRUS--MODFLOW-MT3DMS simulations demonstrated more than 99% of lead and 92–100% of ammonia been removed.  In addition, the diverted floodwater was able to fully infiltrate within EPA regulated duration.  This study highlights that MAR can not only be an effective solution for groundwater recharge with minimal energy input, it also improves water quality and mitigates natural hazards (floods/droughts).  This study offers low-cost alternatives for conjunctive water management, and it also helps build better water resilience and security for the region.

Geological Society of America Abstracts with Programs. Vol. 57, No. 6

doi: 10.1130/abs/2025AM-414579

© Copyright 2025 The Geological Society of America (GSA), all rights reserved. Permission is hereby granted to the author(s) of this abstract to reproduce and distribute it freely, for noncommercial purposes. Permission is hereby granted to any individual scientist to download a single copy of this electronic file and reproduce up to 20 paper copies for noncommercial purposes advancing science and education, including classroom use, providing all reproductions include the complete content shown here, including the author information. All other forms of reproduction and/or transmittal are prohibited without written permission from GSA Copyright Permissions.