Using simulation-optimization model in water resource management with consideration of environmental issues

Abstract

Fast progress of countries has led to the expansion of industrial units. If this expansion be done without
considering all aspects, especially environmental considerations, it may have some benefits in the shortterm,
but it causes sometimes heavy damages and sometimes irreparable damages in the long-term. So, a
management system should monitor by using scientific instruments and methods in locating, designing,
and exploiting these units. Modeling is a powerful tool that really helps in making decisions by
simulating future conditions. Also, in a case that several parameters are involved in decision making, the
best values of these parameters could be determined by using optimization technique and then the
changes could be seen by using created model. In this paper, a management system is developed using
MODFLOW and MT3DMS numerical models and SCE optimization technique for determining
qualitative and quantitative conditions of wastewater disposal with the aim of clearing contamination in
an assumed contaminated aquifer. Finally, considering the intended management goals, several different
approaches were assessed.