Numerical modeling constrained by environmental isotopes for sustainable development of partially renewable aquifers in desert area

Abstract Sustainable groundwater resources are a critical issue for national development in developing countries like Egypt, which is characterized by semi-arid to arid climate and low per capita share of fresh water as result progressive population increase especially after the construction Great Ethiopian Renaissance Dam. It mandatory adopt modify methods suitable preserving efficient use available resources. The Eocene carbonate aquifer desert area under study (West El-Minia, Mid-Upper Egypt) partially renewable; its sustainable irrigation explored this work. (recharge–withdraw–exploit) regimes have been optimized keeping well abstraction below fraction renewable recharge maximizing exploit selecting -consuming crops high economic value. A novel approach introduced work integrating isotope hydrology techniques with numerical modeling; environmental isotopes ( 18 O D) contents 62 samples used determine map contribution recent (from 10 95%) constrain acceptable reduction hydraulic head allowed an withdraw usage regime. Different scenarios were proposed changing (rate pumping, number wells, wells distribution irrigated crops) simulating behavior achieve yield goals best plan management area. Graphical abstract