Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya · BarcelonaTech

Hydrogeology for Sustainable Development (250MAG003) – Course 2025/26 PDF

Contents

This topic introduces the hydrological cycle and the role of groundwater in sustainable development. It explores interactions with human activities, ecological and social value, and the ecosystem services groundwater provides.

Dedication

3h Large group
Total: 3h

This topic covers the physical foundations of groundwater flow and aquifer characteristics. It includes basic geological concepts, types of aquifers, hydrogeological properties, and key principles like Darcy’s law and the flow equation.

Dedication

6h Large group
Total: 6h

This topic explores the hydraulic behavior of wells and other abstraction systems. Students learn to perform and interpret aquifer tests, use diagnostic plots, evaluate well capacity and efficiency, and understand design considerations.

Dedication

9h Large group
Total: 9h

This topic focuses on the balance between groundwater inputs and withdrawals. It includes designing piezometric networks, identifying balance components, estimating natural and artificial recharge, and assessing sustainability at the regional scale.

Dedication

9h Large group
Total: 9h

This topic introduces the physicochemical and microbiological parameters that define groundwater quality. It examines water composition, key chemical reactions, and data processing for understanding the origin and evolution of water chemistry.

Dedication

2h Large group
Total: 2h

This topic covers the main sources of contamination, common pollutants, and transport mechanisms in subsurface environments. It includes analytical methods and aquifer remediation techniques using tracer tests and modeling solutions.

Dedication

2h Large group
Total: 2h