Papers by Ivan Portoghese
Mapping irrigated crops through Sentinel 2 satellite images: evidences from Southern Italy
Appraising water and nutrient recovery for perennial crops irrigated with reclaimed water in Mediterranean areas through an index-based approach
Science of The Total Environment, May 1, 2022
The use of reclaimed water for agricultural irrigation is among the agronomic practices being inc... more The use of reclaimed water for agricultural irrigation is among the agronomic practices being increasingly valued by policy-makers, water planners, and regulators to pursue more sustainable resource management in many arid and semi-arid agricultural production areas worldwide. This practice can make additional supply available in water-scarce areas, provide crop nutrients, and reduce the disposal of wastewater to the environment, thus providing considerable agronomic and environmental benefits. However, the process for treated wastewater reuse is complex because of multiple interactions among technical, economic, environmental, and public health related aspects. In this context, the application of quantitative indices capturing agronomic, engineering, and environmental factors and their possible inter-relations enable to appraise the potential benefits and risks of treated wastewater reuse at individual project's scale and for regional policies. The present article describes a quantitative approach that utilizes a set of proposed indices to characterize various aspects affecting water and nutrient recovery for specific combinations between the characteristics of the treatment facility and the attributes of the irrigation district supplied with reclaimed water. The proposed index-based approach was tested on datasets collected for 11 pilot reuse schemes located in the Apulia region of southern Italy with the aim to evaluate the potential for water and nutrient recovery resulting from irrigation with reclaimed water. Results from the data analysis and interpretation showed that the proposed indices enabled to quantify the environmental benefits of irrigation with RW that leads to divert less freshwater from conventional sources and dispose less reclaimed water into natural water receptors, as well as the agronomic advantages of using RW, which can partially fulfill the irrigation and nutrient requirements for the supplied districts' service areas. Overall, the proposed set of indices can provide valuable information for the successful implementation of water reuse policies for irrigated agriculture.
In water scarce regions irrigation farming is challenged by the capability of water supply facili... more In water scarce regions irrigation farming is challenged by the capability of water supply facilities to fulfill the crop water demand with appropriate timing and reliability. At the farm-scale, technical constraints to irrigation practices may depend on the performance of collective irrigation systems and/or the limited yield of groundwater wells. To respond to farmers' needs in terms of irrigation schedules, water storage tanks made of earth bunds with plastic linings are built to provide farms with adequate water stocks. A case study in Southern Italy is investigated where a rapid diffusion of irrigation tanks has been observed with increasing concerns for water resources. The Capitanata plain, an intensive agricultural district covering about 5,000 Km 2 , creates an opportunity to employ multispectral images to develop suitable tools for the detection and monitoring of widely distributed irrigation tanks. To this goal, an automatic Matlab® add-on app has been developed, exploiting the three RS indices NDVI, NDWI, and NDWI2 modified, applied to different optical images with 50cm to 10m of spatial resolution. A real-time comparison and validation between results and ground-truth data, help user to choose the best configuration to adapt this approach to the actual case study, allowing the weekly monitoring of the state of farm-scale water storage in both ordinary and drought conditions. As preliminary results, in August 2017, about 10,000 active tanks were detected with an average surface of 300 m 2 . Moreover, a specific function to retrieve the spatial nexus between storage tanks and surrounding irrigation fields has been developed.
Network dynamics for modelling artificial groundwater recharge by a cluster of infiltration basins
Hydrological Processes
Water
The coastal and carbonate Mean Sea Level Aquifer (MSLA) of Malta is characterised by high anisotr... more The coastal and carbonate Mean Sea Level Aquifer (MSLA) of Malta is characterised by high anisotropy and heterogeneity, which together make evaluating the aquifer system parameters a challenging task. In this paper, we present an approach for the determination of the hydrogeological parameters of this coastal aquifer based on tidal-induced groundwater fluctuations that can be applied in other similar contexts. This work presents an analysis of data undertaken on monitoring boreholes located in the Malta MSLA exhibiting tidal-induced groundwater fluctuations. This allowed us to determine the values of three main hydrogeological parameters: hydraulic diffusivity, transmissivity and hydraulic conductivity. These will subsequently be used as an input for groundwater flow and reactive transport modelling purposes. In this study, a methodology based on the fast Fourier transform (FFT) is proposed to improve the applicability of the Jacob–Ferris method to the observed groundwater level and...
Modeling dynamics of an infiltration trenches system
Proceedings of the 39th IAHR World Congress
Aestimum, 2019
In this research an empirical evaluation of the economic impacts on tomato production due to the ... more In this research an empirical evaluation of the economic impacts on tomato production due to the reduced water availability for irrigation is proposed. A 16-years’ time series is considered (2001-2016) with regard to the Tavoliere delle Puglie agricultural district. Drought events occurred in the period of interest have caused economic impacts in terms of gross product and irrigation costs, with losses reaching 30% compared to years with regular water availability. These preliminary results calls for a wider drought management plan in which also economic instruments are included with the aim of minimizing economic impacts of irrigation water shortage.
Use of Time-lapse Mise-á-la-Masse Measurements to Monitor a Saline Tracer Test: Advantages and Limitations
Time-lapse Mise-á-la-Masse measurements and modeling for tracer test monitoring in a shallow aquifer
Journal of Hydrology, 2018
Abstract The main goal of this study is to evaluate the reliability of the Mise-a-la-Masse (MALM)... more Abstract The main goal of this study is to evaluate the reliability of the Mise-a-la-Masse (MALM) technique associated with saline tracer tests for the characterization of groundwater flow direction and velocity. The experimental site is located in the upper part of the Alento River alluvial plain (Campania Region, Southern Italy). In this paper we present the hydrogeological setting, the experimental setup and the relevant field results. Subsequently, we compare those data against the simulated results obtained with a 3D resistivity model of the test area, coupled with a model describing the Advection – Dispersion equation for continuous tracer injection. In particular, we calculate a series of 3D forward solutions starting from a reference model, all derived from electrical tomography results, but taking into consideration different values of mean flow velocity and directions. Each electrical resistivity 3D model is used to produce synthetic voltage maps for MALM surveys. Finally, the synthetic MALM voltage maps are compared with the ones measured in the field in order to assess the information content of the MALM dataset with respect to the groundwater field characteristics. The results demonstrate that the information content of the MALM data is sufficient to define important characteristics of the aquifer geometry and properties. This work shows how a combination of three-dimensional time-lapse modeling of flow, tracer transport and electrical current can substantially contribute towards a quantitative interpretation of MALM measurements during a saline tracer test. This approach can thus revive the use of MALM as a practical, low cost field technique for tracer test monitoring and aquifer hydrodynamic characterization.
Quantitative Interpretation of Time-lapse MALM Measurements During a Saline Tracer Injection in an Alluvial Aquifer
Near Surface Geoscience 2015 - 21st European Meeting of Environmental and Engineering Geophysics, 2015
This study presents the results of a saline tracer test conducted on an unconfined alluvial aquif... more This study presents the results of a saline tracer test conducted on an unconfined alluvial aquifer placed in the Alento River Valley (Campania region, South-Western Italy) and monitored by Mise-a-la-Masse measurements. The aim of this test is the investigation of groundwater flow field by a time-lapse analysis. The work first introduces the local hydrogeology of the investigated system and the experimental set-up. The results of the geophysical tracer test are then described and followed by the discussion of several simulations conducted on a 3D electrical model of the system. Finally, the comparison between real and simulated datasets is discussed in order to highlight advantages and limitations of Mise-a-la Masse technique when applied for hydrogeological purposes.
Spatial-temporal dynamics of salinity profiles measured in the freshwater lens system of the Malta Mean Sea Level Aquifer (MSLA)
<p>The Mean Sea Level Aquifer (MSLA) of the island of Malta is a freshwater... more <p>The Mean Sea Level Aquifer (MSLA) of the island of Malta is a freshwater lens system sustained in a carbonate formation, floating on seawater in the bedrock. Given the specific hydrogeological and climatic conditions, the water table today reaches its maximum elevation at around 3 m amsl at the centre of the 316 Km<sup>2</sup> island, with a maximum thickness of freshwater lens being about 90 m. Seawater intrusion occurs as an unavoidable effect of groundwater abstraction and the situation is further exacerbated during the dry summer period when water demands are higher.</p><p>Groundwater plays a major role in meeting the water demand of the Maltese islands and in this regard, is a strategic resource which needs to be preserved in terms of quality and quantity. It is therefore critically important to have an accurate understanding of the volume of fresh groundwater stored in the aquifer and how it is changing in response to changes in recharge, withdrawal and climatic regimes, to support an effective management which ensures the sustainability of this resource.</p><p>The status of fresh groundwater in the MSLA is assessed through vertical profiles of salinity along the water column of Deep Monitor Boreholes (DMBs) which penetrate partly or entirely through the brackish-water transition zone that separates freshwater from the underlying higher density seawater in freshwater lens systems. Salinity profiles were measured using a multiparametric probe (SEBA HYDROMETRIE KLL-Q-2 with MPS-D8 probe) lowered from the water table till the bottom of the DMBs measuring electrical conductivity (as a proxy for salinity), temperature, pressure and pH in three DMBs on a weekly basis over one year during the wet seasons.</p><p>The monitoring of salinity profiles over time in these DMBs allowed the detection of typical patterns of fresh/sea-water interface fluctuations according to the occurrence of external driving forces like precipitation and/or local abstraction.  The profiles were correlated with aquifer characteristics such as, fractures and orientation of strata in the DMBs which were determined through high resolution images captured with an optical televiewer probe (MOUNT SOPRIS QL40-OBI-2G).</p><p>The results show that the thickness of the transition zone varies in the DMBs according to the succession of dry and wet periods with maximum fluctuations of about 8 m. Furthermore, the interface depth results about 32 times the freshwater head inferring a deviation from the standard Ghyben-Herzberg coefficient of 40 for sharp interfaces. By analysing local geological conditions and time-series of total rainfall, groundwater abstraction, piezometric levels and salinity profiles, we identified occurrence mechanisms of three typical transition zones: (i) sharp interface, (ii) diffused interface, and (iii) step-like changes of salinity with depth. These types of interfaces, which are rather recurrent in space and time, lead us to gain a clearer understanding of the seawater intrusion dynamics triggered by variable abstraction conditions and drought periods.</p><p>The outcomes of this study illustrate the value of DMBs in establishing an effective monitoring framework for island groundwater bodies status, since the development of the transition zone is an important factor for managing freshwater abstraction from near-coastal and island aquifer systems.</p>
Integrating SWAT and Participatory System Dynamics Modelling for analyzing the WEF Nexus: the Tarquinia plain case study
A safe access to water, energy, and food that does not impact the state of ecosystems and natural... more A safe access to water, energy, and food that does not impact the state of ecosystems and natural resources are needed for human well-being as well as for economic and environmental sustainability. As natural resources availability is threatened by a multiplicity of stressors (including e.g. climate change), the interconnections and interdependencies among resources become stronger and more critical to investigate. Sustainable resources use thus requires a holistic ‘Nexus’ approach, which can contribute to reduce conflicts among sectors and create more synergies compared to a silo approach to water, energy, food, and ecosystems realms.The importance of active stakeholder engagement in the management of natural resources is also increasingly acknowledged, although there is a lack of participation in policy planning phases and in the decision-making processes. When models are developed to support resources planning and management, the involvement of stakeholders from early stages is crucial to include their knowledge in model building, to tailor the model according to their needs, and to ensure that the potential implications of actions are correctly represented. This ultimately guarantees ownership of modelling results.System Dynamics Modelling (SDM) includes a multiplicity of tools and methods to describe, model, simulate, and analyse dynamically complex systems taking jointly into account both scientific information (e.g. from sectoral models) and stakeholders’ knowledge and perception. SDM has gained attention, in the recent scientific literature, in Nexus studies. Specifically, the use of qualitative SDM tools (such as Causal Loop Diagrams – CLDs) allows the analysis of the system behaviour based on a conceptual (mental) model focusing on linkages and feedback loops. Quantitative simulation models (stock-and-flow diagrams) use equations to quantify linkages between different types of variables over time. Stock and flow diagrams benefit from the information deriving from sectoral models, such as hydrological models, although the integration with such models has been limitedly explored to date.The present work proposes an approach based on the use of SDM tools for the development of an integrated model supporting the analysis of a complex Nexus system. Particular attention is given to the analysis of the interdependencies between water quantity, quality, and management, and to the implications of irrigation and agricultural practices for the state of the environment. The main elements of innovation are: i) the coupling between SDM, built in a participatory form with the key stakeholders in the study area, and the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT); ii) the combination scientific and stakeholder knowledge to appraise the socio-economic and ecological effects of the various management situations co-designed with the stakeholders. Reference is made to one of the pilot areas of the LENSES project (PRIMA Foundation, GA n. 2041), namely the Tarquinia plain watershed, located in Central Italy, an area with a relevant environmental value, but characterized by intensive irrigated agriculture with severe impacts on water and ecosystems.
Water Resources Management, Aug 22, 2022
The resilience assessment is crucial for many infrastructures, including water supply and distrib... more The resilience assessment is crucial for many infrastructures, including water supply and distribution networks. In particular, the identification of the 'critical' components (nodes or pipes) whose failure may negatively affect network performances and system resilience is a key issue, with a direct relevance for decision-makers involved in planning, management and improvement activities. Among the multiple methods and tools available, the use of graph-theory metrics is a cutting-edge research topic, as the analysis of topological properties may provide simple yet reliable information on the performance of complex networks. In the present work, we aim to overcome the limit associated to the use of individual graphtheory metrics, identifying a subset of relevant metrics that are directly connected to network resilience properties, using them to perform a 'network degradation analysis' in case of single pipe failure and finally proposing an aggregation of the results using a Bayesian Belief Network. Ultimately, the proposed methodology provides a ranking of the most critical pipes, i.e. those that contribute most to system resilience. A real water distribution network in Italy is used for model development and validation.
Basin-scale evaluation of RCM bias using rainfall observation networks
Fresenius Environmental Bulletin, 2010
The local downscaling of rainfall predictions provided by climate models is crucial for the asses... more The local downscaling of rainfall predictions provided by climate models is crucial for the assessment of climate change impacts on most ecological processes related to the land/water cycle, such as vegetation dynamics, soil-bacteria activity, and ecological response of water-bodies. ...
Modeling salt and water dynamics in the root zone
AGU Fall Meeting Abstracts, Dec 1, 2020
Integrating SWAT and Participatory System Dynamics Modelling for analyzing the WEF Nexus: the Tarquinia plain case study
A safe access to water, energy, and food that does not impact the state of ecosystems and natural... more A safe access to water, energy, and food that does not impact the state of ecosystems and natural resources are needed for human well-being as well as for economic and environmental sustainability. As natural resources availability is threatened by a multiplicity of stressors (including e.g. climate change), the interconnections and interdependencies among resources become stronger and more critical to investigate. Sustainable resources use thus requires a holistic ‘Nexus’ approach, which can contribute to reduce conflicts among sectors and create more synergies compared to a silo approach to water, energy, food, and ecosystems realms.The importance of active stakeholder engagement in the management of natural resources is also increasingly acknowledged, although there is a lack of participation in policy planning phases and in the decision-making processes. When models are developed to support resources planning and management, the involvement of stakeholders from early stages is c...
Water
Climate change and anthropogenic pressures are the main drivers of the quantitative and qualitati... more Climate change and anthropogenic pressures are the main drivers of the quantitative and qualitative depletion of water bodies, worldwide. Nowadays, in many urban areas, discharging effluents from wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) into surface water bodies is a management solution to face the problem of water scarcity and sustain environmental flows. Although this practice can cause some concerns in public opinion about possible ecological side-effects and impairment of quality on receiving streams, it is an important contribution to the environmental baseflow of ephemeral streams, but also to groundwater recharge, especially during dry seasons, and in semi-arid and arid regions. This latter occurs through losing reaches along the streambed, though many factors may affect the infiltration rate, such as spatial distribution of streambed sediments and bedrock or the presence of channel lining. Moving from such premises, this study focuses on the Canale Reale River, an effluent-fed st...
Calibration of a large-scale water balance model in a semi-arid ungauged catchment of southern Italy
Proceedings of the 39th IAHR World Congress
Assessing groundwater use in irrigation districts with multiple resources (MIGRAD)
European Water, 2017
Sensors
At the local scale, environmental parameters often require monitoring by means of affordable meas... more At the local scale, environmental parameters often require monitoring by means of affordable measuring techniques and technologies given they need to be frequently surveyed. Streamflow in riverbeds or in channels is a hydrological variable that needs to be monitored in order to keep the runoff regimes under control and somehow forecast floods, allowing prevention of damage for people and infrastructure. Moreover, measuring such a variable is always extremely important for the knowledge of the environmental status of connected aquatic ecosystems. This paper presents a new approach to assessing hydrodynamic features related to a given channel by means of a beamforming technique that was applied to video sensing. Different features have been estimated, namely the flow velocity, the temperature, and the riverbed movements. The applied beamforming technique works on a modified sum and delay method, also using the Multiple Signal Classification algorithm (MUSIC), by acting as Synthetic Ap...
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Papers by Ivan Portoghese