Optimal Groundwater Monitoring Network Design Using the Entropy Theory

Abstract

This paper presents a methodology for optimal design of groundwater monitoring networks using the criteria of maximizing information and minimizing monitoring cost. The measure of Transinformation in the Discrete Entropy Theory is used for quantifying the efficiency of the monitoring network. The existing uncertainty in the Transinformation-Distance (T-D) curve is incorporated using the fuzzy set theory. The fuzzy T-D curve is then used in a multi-objective GA-based optimization model, which provides the best locations for monitoring stations. The proposed methodology is applied to groundwater resources in the southern part of Tehran, Iran. The results show the applicability and the efficiency of the model for the optimal design of groundwater monitoring systems.

Keywords

• Groundwater Quality Monitoring
• Discrete Entropy
• Transinformation
• Fuzzy Set Theory
• Genetic algorithm