Application of vulnerability modeling techniques in groundwater resources management: a comparative study

Abstract The sustainability management of groundwater resource globally is challenged by its vulnerability to pollution resulting from anthropogenic activities. In order to address this problem, the DRASTIC index model (DIM) method among the existing vulnerability modeling techniques is commonly used. OWA-DRASTIC index model (ODIM) technique is another recently developed method for the same task. This study investigated the application of these vulnerability-biased modeling methods in a multi-faceted geologic setting at Perak Province, Malaysia with the view of establishing their efficiencies. The models considered seven pollution potential conditioning factors (PPCFs) obtained from difference data sources. Applying the GIS-based multi-criterial algorithm of these models, the PPCFs were related for developing multi-parameters-based vulnerability index model equations. Groundwater vulnerability to pollution index (GVPI) maps was produced from the synthesized estimated results of the applied multi-parameters-based vulnerability index model equations. The reliability of the produced GVPI maps was established using analyzed groundwater quality data results. The obtained prediction accuracy results for the ODIM-based GVPI map and DIM-based GVPI map are 85.71 and 64.29%, respectively. Besides, the regression coefficient results obtained from the spatially estimate from the DIM and ODIM’ vulnerability index’s values relationship with the pH and manganese concentrations give 83 and 85% for the ODIM technique and 68 and 63% for the DIM technique, respectively. The overall results indicated that the applied ODIM method in the area is a better alternative to the conventional DIM method. The produced GVPI maps can be useful to regional planners and environmental managers entrusted with the protection of groundwater resource.