Evaluation of strategies for pumping optimization of coastal aquifers using numerical simulation and game theory

In this study, after simulating 5 years of saltwater intrusion with SEAWAT package in Astaneh–Kouchesfahan coastal aquifer, Iran, 19 strategies, including managerial, structural, and combined were investigated to reduce the intrusion. Since managerial solutions cause users’ dissatisfaction structural increase costs, two-player game theory was used identify most appropriate solution. According results obtained from theory, two strategies implementing artificial recharge construction an underground dam had greatest impact on preventing highest satisfaction stakeholders, these decreased extent into aquifer 740 m by 150 300 m, respectively, years. Therefore, simulator–optimizer method presented study can be evaluate various solutions, solution proposed lowest cost maximum for sustainable management aquifers.