Jeddah, January 27, 2024, King Abdulaziz University (KAU), based in Jeddah, played a significant role in a scientific research study focused on "the decline of groundwater," which has been published in the prestigious scientific journal Nature.
The study delves into the rapid decline of groundwater and explores cases of recovery in aquifers globally. It comprehensively reviews the impact of this decline on environmental sustainability, analyzes the crucial factors influencing groundwater depletion, assesses its consequences on agricultural masses, and considers the resulting environmental and social changes. Additionally, the study evaluates the use of modern scientific methods to address the challenges associated with groundwater depletion.
One noteworthy aspect of the research is its identification of specific cases where depletion trends were successfully reversed through procedural changes, managed aquifer recharge, and the diversion of surface water. These examples demonstrate the potential for restoring depleted aquifers through strategic interventions.
The study is a valuable scientific resource and reference point for researchers in the fields of water and environmental sustainability, given the substantial scope and importance of the addressed topic.
The collaborative effort involved researchers from 10 universities worldwide, including institutions in Saudi Arabia, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Switzerland. This global collaboration underscores the significance of addressing groundwater depletion as a shared concern that requires collective expertise and solutions.
