Multivariate modeling of groundwater quality using hybrid evolutionary soft-computing methods in various climatic condition areas of Iran

Abstract

In the current study, several soft-computing methods including artificial neural networks (ANNs), adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS), gene expression programming (GEP), and hybrid wavelet theory-GEP (WGEP) are used for modeling the groundwater's electrical conductivity (EC) variable. Hence, the groundwater samples from three sources (deep well, semi-deep well, and aqueducts), located in six basins of Iran (Urmia Lake (UL), Sefid-rud (SR), Karkheh (K), Kavir-Markazi (KM), Gavkhouni (G), and Hamun-e Jaz Murian (HJM)) with various climate conditions, were collected during 2004–2018. The results of the WGEP model with data de-noising showed the best performance in estimating the EC variable, considering all types of groundwater resources with various climatic conditions. The Root Mean Squared Error (RMSE) values of the WGEP model were varied from 162.068 to 348.911, 73.802 to 171.376, 29.465 to 351.489, 118.149 to 311.798, 217.667 to 430.730, and 76.253 to 162.992 μScm−1 in the areas of UL, SR, K, KM, G, and HJM basins. The WGEP model's performance (R-values) for deep wells, semi-deep wells, and aqueducts of the areas of the KM basin associated with the arid steppe cold (Bsk) dominant climate classification was the best. Also, the WGEP's extracted mathematical equations could be used for EC estimating in other basins. HIGHLIGHTS Iran's groundwater resources face a critical situation.; The Electrical Conductivity (EC) variable of various groundwater resources was estimated using single and hybrid wavelet theory methods.; The impact of various climatic categories on the EC estimation was evaluated.; The data de-noising by wavelet tools can improve the performance of EC estimation models.;

Keywords

• climatic condition
• groundwater quality
• modeling
• soft-computing
• wavelet theory