Management zones in transboundary aquifers: A review of delineation methods under a new framework of cross-border groundwater impacts

Attention on the use of transboundary aquifers (TBAs) and their cross-border impacts is growing as countries become increasingly concerned about their long-term water security. Cross-border impacts, in groundwater quality and quantity, tend to concentrate in specific parts of TBAs, as they largely d...

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Veröffentlicht in:Journal of environmental management 2024-04, Vol.357, p.120677-120677, Article 120677
Hauptverfasser: Maass-Morales, Constanza, Stigter, Tibor, Fraser, Christina, Van Breukelen, Boris M., Jewitt, Graham
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Sprache:eng
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Zusammenfassung:Attention on the use of transboundary aquifers (TBAs) and their cross-border impacts is growing as countries become increasingly concerned about their long-term water security. Cross-border impacts, in groundwater quality and quantity, tend to concentrate in specific parts of TBAs, as they largely depend on the transboundary flow dynamics where anthropogenic actions operate. Thus, there is a growing consensus that strategies intended to prevent or mitigate such impacts should be implemented in strategic zones rather than in the whole TBA. These transboundary groundwater management zones (TGMZs) are relatively recent but have become a prominent topic in TBA management. However, until now, limited effort has been put into exploring the concept of TGMZs and the methods for their delineation. This research aims to fill these gaps and provide a basis for the delineation of TGMZs, thus helping neighbouring countries meet international responsibilities regarding the right to use and enjoy groundwater in TBAs. By reviewing academic and grey literature accessible from public sources, we present an overview of the concept and terminology of TGMZs, the approaches proposed for their delineation, and current operating examples. Additionally, we build a conceptual framework for assessing cross-border groundwater impacts by identifying their typologies and causal factors. We then apply our framework to evaluate and compare three reported methods which identify and delineate TGMZs from distinct perspectives, thereby gaining insights into their principles, performances, and limitations. Finally, we provide recommendations for further research towards optimising methods for delineating TGMZs. •We define the concept of Transboundary Groundwater Management Zone (TGMZ).•We identify and analyse delineation methods and operational experiences of TGMZs.•We develop a conceptual framework to assess cross-border groundwater impacts.•We use this framework to compare the inputs and outcomes of the delineation methods.•We offer recommendations for ways forward to optimise the delineation of TGMZs.
ISSN:0301-4797
1095-8630
DOI:10.1016/j.jenvman.2024.120677