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Delineation of groundwater potentials of Sfax region, Tunisia, using fuzzy analytical hierarchy process, frequency ratio, and weights of evidence models

Author

Listed:
  • Emna Boughariou

    (ENI-Sfax)

  • Nabila Allouche

    (ENI-Sfax)

  • Fatma Ben Brahim

    (ENI-Sfax
    University of Gabes)

  • Ghada Nasri

    (ENI-Sfax)

  • Salem Bouri

    (ENI-Sfax
    University of Sfax)

Abstract

Groundwater in semiarid regions is of extreme importance due to limited water resources and increasing population demand. Hence, a better knowledge of aquifer potentialities is required for better management of this precious resource. This study aims to assess the groundwater potential map (GPM) by both statistical methods and geographical information system (GIS) in Sfax region, Tunisia. A number of 11,868 wells in the region were mapped in GIS and divided into two data sets: 8308 wells (70%) were selected in a random way and defined as training, wells while the remaining ones (3560 as 30%) were considered as testing wells for model validation. First, the groundwater conditioning factors, namely altitude, slope, lithology, drainage density, lineament density and land use maps, were evaluated and then processed by the fuzzy analytical hierarchy process (FAHP), frequency ratio (FR), and weights of evidence (WOE) statistical models. Then, the groundwater potential index (GWPI) was generated from an overlap of the weighted and rated of all the conditioning factors for the three methods. The groundwater potential maps were produced in ArcGIS 10.3 for the three models and classified by means of the quantile classification method. As a final step, the receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curves validated these maps. The validation results show from the areas under the curves (AUC) that the WOE model (AUC = 71.4%) performs similarly to the FR model (AUC = 71.1%), and both are slightly better than the FAHP (AUC = 65.1%) model. Thus, the delineation of groundwater potential zones supports the decision makers for the management of the aquifer exploitation. The appropriate groundwater potential map is established for a suitable management and a better planning of the water resources. Preventive works in low potential coastal areas should be conducted in the present and considered for a long-term management. Given the close results of the three adopted methods, it is possible to apply them in other regions with a consideration of their specific characteristics.

Suggested Citation

  • Emna Boughariou & Nabila Allouche & Fatma Ben Brahim & Ghada Nasri & Salem Bouri, 2021. "Delineation of groundwater potentials of Sfax region, Tunisia, using fuzzy analytical hierarchy process, frequency ratio, and weights of evidence models," Environment, Development and Sustainability: A Multidisciplinary Approach to the Theory and Practice of Sustainable Development, Springer, vol. 23(10), pages 14749-14774, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:endesu:v:23:y:2021:i:10:d:10.1007_s10668-021-01270-x
    DOI: 10.1007/s10668-021-01270-x
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Mahenthiran Sathiyamoorthy & Uma Shankar Masilamani & Aaron Anil Chadee & Sreelakhmi Devi Golla & Mohammed Aldagheiri & Parveen Sihag & Upaka Rathnayake & Jyotendra Patidar & Shivansh Shukla & Aryan K, 2023. "Sustainability of Groundwater Potential Zones in Coastal Areas of Cuddalore District, Tamil Nadu, South India Using Integrated Approach of Remote Sensing, GIS and AHP Techniques," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(6), pages 1-15, March.
    2. Soumaya Hajji & Nabila Allouche & Salem Bouri & Awad M. Aljuaid & Wafik Hachicha, 2021. "Assessment of Seawater Intrusion in Coastal Aquifers Using Multivariate Statistical Analyses and Hydrochemical Facies Evolution-Based Model," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(1), pages 1-18, December.

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