Enhancing aquifer recharge efficiency through soil aeration

Abstract

This study experimentally investigates the effect of soil aeration using vertical perforated air vents on aquifer recharge efficiency in sandy soils. Although soil aeration has been proposed as a promising technique, there is a lack of experimental quantification of the optimal aerated surface area required to significantly enhance infiltration and recharge performance. Therefore, a laboratory-scale sand tank model was developed to evaluate recharge behavior under different aerated surface area ratios (2.25%–13.51%). Hydraulic conductivity and water level responses were systematically measured using falling-head tests and piezometers. The results reveal a non-linear relationship between aerated area and recharge efficiency, with a critical threshold around 9% coverage and a maximum average water level reduction of 34% at 13.51% coverage. These findings provide quantitative guidance for optimizing aeration design in artificial aquifer recharge systems under controlled laboratory conditions.