Groundwater flow modeling and advective transport at Engenho Nogueira Basin, in UFMG Pampulha Campus, Belo Horizonte, MG

Abstract

The objectives of this study were the construction and calibration of a groundwater flow permanent numerical model with secondary data and its theorical application in advective transport of particles assessment for identifications of transport zones for pumping wells belonging to UFMG, in Pampulha campus. The study area are part of the Belo Horizonte Complex that forms a gneiss fissure aquifer system superimposed by granular aquifer formed by residual soils and sandy-clay to clayey-sand colluvium, and clayey-sand alluvial deposits with plastic organic clay lenses. Both aquifers have strong hydraulic connection with each other. Five hydrogeological units were divided and five recharging zones were defined in the study area ranging from 100 to 400 mm/year according to land use, material texture and altitudes. Numerical modeling of groundwater flow proved satisfactory and consistent with the conceptual model designed for the area. The advective transport modeling of particles identified transport zones for pumping wells which contamination can affect pumped water quality to tens of meters away over time. The water pumped from wells amounts to approximately 50% of direct recharge made by rain. The results should contribute to the quantitative and qualitative management of groundwater in the Pampulha campus of UFMG. The tools used were Visual MODFLOW 2011.1 and MODPATH.

Keywords

• Modelagem Numérica. Hidrogeologia. Bacia do Córrego do Engenho Nogueira. Advecção.