Eduardo Emilio Kruse

Bio: Eduardo Emilio Kruse is an academic researcher from National University of La Plata. The author has contributed to research in topics: Aquifer & Groundwater. The author has an hindex of 19, co-authored 123 publications receiving 1145 citations. Previous affiliations of Eduardo Emilio Kruse include National Scientific and Technical Research Council.

Impact of sea-level rise on saltwater intrusion length into the coastal aquifer, Partido de La Costa, Argentina

Abstract: The impact to water resources of a potential 1-m rise in sea level against the low-lying coast of Partido de La Costa, Argentina was modeled using two scenarios. The first scenario was calculated under the assumption of a constant lateral flux of freshwater. A constant water-table elevation was assumed in the second scenario. Maintaining the lateral flux of freshwater from the land (the first scenario) resulted in an approximately linear increase of the inland extent of saltwater intrusion with rising sea level; saltwater penetrated landward between 25 and 40 m. Meanwhile holding the water-table elevation constant (the second scenario), caused the movement of the saltwater interface to be non-linear. In this case, landward migration in excess of 200 m or more might be expected. The second scenario is more likely to be the situation in Partido de La Costa. The variation of hydrogeological parameters from north to south along the barrier conspire to make the southern reaches, where both the hydraulic conductivity and aquifer thickness are greater, more sensitive to saltwater intrusion from sea-level rise than the northern part of the barrier. These findings may be applicable to similar sandy coastal aquifers in other parts of the global coastline.

Coastal processes and environmental hazards: the Buenos Aires (Argentina) and Venetian (Italy) littorals

Abstract: The Buenos Aires (Argentina) and Venice (Italy) coastlands have experienced significant saltwater contamination of the phreatic aquifer, coastal erosion, hydrodynamic changes and relative sea level rise processes due to natural and man-induced factors. These factors expose coastal areas to morpho-hydro-geological hazards, such as soil desertification, frequency and degree of flooding, littoral erosion, and the silting of river mouths and channels. Man-made interventions and actions, such as beach mining, construction of coastal structures and exploitation of aquifers without an adequate knowledge of the hydrology setting and an adequate management program, worsen these natural hazards. Uncontrolled human activity induces environmental damage to the overall coastal plains. The coastal plains play an important role in the social/economic development of the two regions based on land use, such as agriculture, horticulture, breeding, and tourism, as well as industry. Results of investigations on saltwater contamination, sea level rise and morphological changes recently performed in these two coastal areas are presented here.

Fluoride variations in groundwater of an area in Buenos Aires Province, Argentina

Abstract: Spatial variations of fluoride concentration in groundwater in the town of Saldungaray, Argentina affect water quality for human supply and decrease the aquifer reserves The study region is a piedmont area, located near a hill area (west) and the fluvial valley of the Sauce Grande River (east) Two hydrogeological units can be identified: bedrock and clastic sediments These sediments consist of sandy silt with a variable amount of calcium carbonate Its greatest thickness occurs near the river where it is 60 m Groundwater flow coincides with topography Fresh water is exploited from this unit and it has low salt contents (dissolved solids 400 to 800 mg/l) Fluoride concentration varies between 02 and 5 mg/l The groundwater flow and hydrogeological characteristics related to spatial variations of fluoride content are analyzed The quality of water is a critical parameter in determining the overall quality of human lives, and the occurrence of high fluoride concentrations can have a pronounced impact on groundwater quality

Threats to sandy beach ecosystems: A review

Abstract: We provide a brief synopsis of the unique physical and ecological attributes of sandy beach ecosystems and review the main anthropogenic pressures acting on the world's single largest type of open shoreline. Threats to beaches arise from a range of stressors which span a spectrum of impact scales from localised effects (e.g. trampling) to a truly global reach (e.g. sea-level rise). These pressures act at multiple temporal and spatial scales, translating into ecological impacts that are manifested across several dimensions in time and space so that today almost every beach on every coastline is threatened by human activities. Press disturbances (whatever the impact source involved) are becoming increasingly common, operating on time scales of years to decades. However, long-term data sets that describe either the natural dynamics of beach systems or the human impacts on beaches are scarce and fragmentary. A top priority is to implement long-term field experiments and monitoring programmes that quantify the dynamics of key ecological attributes on sandy beaches. Because of the inertia associated with global climate change and human population growth, no realistic management scenario will alleviate these threats in the short term. The immediate priority is to avoid further development of coastal areas likely to be directly impacted by retreating shorelines. There is also scope for improvement in experimental design to better distinguish natural variability from anthropogenic impacts. Sea-level rise and other effects of global warming are expected to intensify other anthropogenic pressures, and could cause unprecedented ecological impacts. The definition of the relevant scales of analysis, which will vary according to the magnitude of the impact and the organisational level under analysis, and the recognition of a physical–biological coupling at different scales, should be included in approaches to quantify impacts. Zoning strategies and marine reserves, which have not been widely implemented in sandy beaches, could be a key tool for biodiversity conservation and should also facilitate spillover effects into adjacent beach habitats. Setback and zoning strategies need to be enforced through legislation, and all relevant stakeholders should be included in the design, implementation and institutionalisation of these initiatives. New perspectives for rational management of sandy beaches require paradigm shifts, by including not only basic ecosystem principles, but also incentives for effective governance and sharing of management roles between government and local stakeholders.

Global patterns of groundwater table depth.

Abstract: Shallow groundwater affects terrestrial ecosystems by sustaining river base-flow and root-zone soil water in the absence of rain, but little is known about the global patterns of water table depth and where it provides vital support for land ecosystems We present global observations of water table depth compiled from government archives and literature, and fill in data gaps and infer patterns and processes using a groundwater model forced by modern climate, terrain, and sea level Patterns in water table depth explain patterns in wetlands at the global scale and vegetation gradients at regional and local scales Overall, shallow groundwater influences 22 to 32% of global land area, including ~15% as groundwater-fed surface water features and 7 to 17% with the water table or its capillary fringe within plant rooting depths

The Water Balance

Abstract: The ultimate source of water for plants is precipitation; rain falling upon soil penetrates it at a rate depending upon the physical properties of that particular soil; snow and hail do the same after melting. If the rate of rainfall or the rate of production of water by melting exceeds the infiltration rate, then surface runoff occurs and the excess water drains into streams and eventually reaches the sea. That water which penetrates the soil replenishes the soil reservoir and when this is filled to capacity (see chapter 3) the surplus drains through into the aquifers. These are strata such as sand or chalk which can hold substantial quantities of recoverable water. Water held in the soil reservoir is drawn into plant roots and up their stems to be evaporated from the leaves back into the atmosphere, where it rejoins water evaporated from the sea, lakes and rivers and from the surface of wet soil. This so-called hydrological cycle (figure 1.2) depends for its continuance upon energy derived from the sun’s radiation and as will be shown in later chapters its rate is governed largely by meteorological factors.