A review of groundwater sustainability crisis in the Pacific Island countries: challenges and solutions

Sharan, Ashneel and Lal, Alvin and Datta, Bithin (2021) A review of groundwater sustainability crisis in the Pacific Island countries: challenges and solutions. Journal of Hydrology, 603 . NA. ISSN 0022-1694

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Abstract

The population growth and rapid industrialization has imposed excessive demand for groundwater in Pacific Island countries (PICs). To meet this demand, over pumping of groundwater is practised in majority of the PICs, which eventually causes saltwater intrusion (SWI) in coastal aquifers. The geographical location of PICs makes it more vulnerable to natural means of SWI. However, anthropogenic activities also causes groundwater contamination in PICs. The main objectives of this review are to identify the water sources in PICs, the major challenges groundwater faces and solutions or strategies of monitoring, management and prevention of the identified challenges. This study has revealed that SWI is highly common is PICs and there is a knowledge gap with limited research on groundwater. This review also highlights that with the use of latest technologies, 3D modeling, simulation-optimization techniques, artificial intelligence, relevant policy and regulations on groundwater and mass awareness will help in monitoring, managing and preventing SWI and other ways of contamination in coastal aquifers for PICs.

Item Type:	Journal Article
Subjects:	T Technology > TA Engineering (General). Civil engineering (General)
Divisions:	School of Information Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Physics (STEMP)
Depositing User:	Ms Shalni Sanjana
Date Deposited:	24 Nov 2021 00:25
Last Modified:	03 Feb 2022 22:00
URI:	https://repository.usp.ac.fj/id/eprint/13131

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