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This paper studies the control of seawater intrusion using numerical modelling. A coupled transient density-dependent finite element model was used for modelling seawater intrusion. Also, a new cost-effective method for effectively controlling seawater intrusion in coastal aquifers was presented. This methodology (ADR -Abstraction, Desalination and Recharge) involves abstracting saline water and subsequently desalinating it. This desalinated water is then used for domestic consumption while any excess desalinated water is recharged to the aquifer.

The numerical model was integrated with a genetic algorithm (GA) to simulate different scenarios to control seawater intrusion. The effects that different combinations of abstraction, desalination and recharge have on seawater intrusion were also simulated.

The main objectives of the model were to minimise:

- the total capital and operational costs of the abstraction and recharge wells and

- the salt concentrations in the aquifer.

The results showed that the proposed ADR system performs significantly better than using abstraction or recharge wells alone, as it is the least costly and results in lower salt concentrations in aquifers. From the study, it was found that the cost of the ADR system is about 50% of the abstraction only scenario and 25% of the recharge scenario. This is because the water needed for recharge is provided primarily from the treatment of abstracted saline water. Moreover, excess treated water can be directly used for other purposes. The other aspect of the system’s efficiency is about minimising the total concentration of salinity in the aquifer as it has reduced the total concentration in the system by 15%. This is due to the system’s capability of moving the aquifer transition zone further to the coast.

Numerical modelling and control of seawater intrusion in coastal aquifers. (2013). In: 18th International Conference on Soil Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering. [online] Available at:

https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/db85/1041116c39b47a614b8036af9c553118d13b.pdf [Accessed 1 Feb. 2018].

Wastewater reuse is currently considered globally as the most critical element of sustainable water management. Water scarcity, foreseen to aggravate, pushes for maximum utilization of non-conventional water. Although reuse is accompanied by a number of benefits, several potential drawbacks still puzzle scientists. The applied treatments fail to completely remove microcontaminants, antibiotic-resistant bacteria and/or their genes (ARB&Gs). Knowledge on the actual effects of reuse with regard to these aspects is currently not consolidated. This Action will answer critical questions through a European multidisciplinary network, structured in interactive Working Groups (WGs), to achieve: a) identification of the microbiome and mobile antibiotic resistome in treated wastewater, b) assessment of the potential for uptake/transmission of microcontaminants and ARB&Gs in crops, c) determination of effect-based bioassays required for wastewater reuse, d) identification of efficient/economically viable technologies able to meet the current challenges and, e) development of a relevant risk assessment and policy framework. The Action will establish criteria on technologies/assessment methods for wastewater treatment and suggest new effluent quality criteria to overcome current barriers and safeguard the reuse practice. The Action will have a major impact on the enhancement of sustainable wastewater reuse in light of current challenges at technological, economical and societal level.

Emerging environmental substances are not necessarily new chemicals. They are substances that have often long been present in the environment but whose presence and significance are only now being elucidated. NORMAN has identified a list of the currently most frequently discussed emerging substances and emerging pollutants. These substances are selected by the NORMAN Prioritisation Working Group, based on citations in the scientific literature, and taking into account the definition of "emerging substances" and "emerging pollutants" given in the NORMAN Glossary of terms.

NORMAN systematically collects in the EMPODAT database monitoring data and information on effects and hazardous properties for these substances. On the basis of this information, the substances are assigned to priority action categories by the NORMAN Prioritisation Working Group.  "Emerging substances" can be defined as substances that have been detected in the environment, but which are currently not included in routine monitoring programmes at EU level and whose fate, behaviour and (eco)toxicological effects are not well understood. "Emerging pollutants" can be defined as pollutants that are currently not included in routine monitoring programmes at the European level and which may be candidates for future regulation, depending on research on their (eco)toxicity, potential health effects and public perception and on monitoring data regarding their occurrence in the various environmental compartments. Examples from the LIST OF EMERGING SUBSTANCES are surfactants, flame retardants, pharmaceuticals and personal care products, gazoline additives and their degradation products, biocides, polar pesticides and their degradation products and various proven or suspected endocrine disrupting compounds (EDCs). The NORMAN experts regularly revise the list of emerging substances.

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