Microbial population changes during managed aquifer recharge (MAR)

Abstract

Managed aquifer recharge (MAR) is a technique that can be used to capture and store water in aquifers under managed conditions for later recovery and use for specific purposes. There is a need to predict water quality changes during MAR, particularly when recycled water is used as the recharged water. An understanding of the interaction between the geochemistry of the aquifer and the microbial population dynamics in the groundwater is important for understanding any water quality changes. A study was undertaken to monitor the changes in the microbial population and link this to changes in the geochemistry. The results obtained showed that the recharge of recycled water to aquifers causes a change in microbial population structure which has direct links to corresponding changes in geochemistry.