Dynamics of the aquifer system in the Southwest region of Bangladesh

摘要

The study area is located in the Southwest region of Bangladesh where the agriculture is the dominant economic activity and the primary source of livelihood. About 74% of the area is cultivated and both surface water and groundwater are used for agricultural water supply. The main constraints to water use for agriculture are water shortage, faulty water management, saline water intrusion, and the presence of arsenic in groundwater. In the present study the time variation of maximum and minimum groundwater level and river water level, surface water and groundwater interaction, contribution of rainfall and river water to aquifer recharge and salinity intrusion in the rivers have been evaluated. In the analysis no significant change in both the maximum and minimum groundwater level for area near by the smaller river has observed. However, a noticeable change near the bigger river has been found. The aquifer is fully recharged during the monsoon and the rainfall plays the most important role to recharge. The salinity in the river increases with time.