Glaude et al. (2025) Innovative use of passive and active distributed temperature sensing for estimating infiltration rates in a managed aquifer recharge framework

Identification

• Journal: Journal of Hydrology
• Year: 2025
• Date: 2025-07-16
• Authors: Robin Glaude, Nataline Simon, Serge Brouyère
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jhydrol.2025.133848

Research Groups

• University of Liège, Urban and Environmental Engineering, Hydrogeology and Environmental Geology (Belgium)
• Université Gustave Eiffel, COSYS, IMSE (France)

Short Summary

This study evaluates the use of combined passive and active Distributed Temperature Sensing (DTS) via fiber optic cables to estimate and map infiltration rates in a Managed Aquifer Recharge (MAR) pilot site situated in loess sediments.

Objective

• To assess whether combining passive and active DTS measurements can provide a more accurate estimation of infiltration rates and a better understanding of recharge dynamics in a MAR framework.

Study Configuration

• Spatial Scale: Local scale (MAR pilot infiltration basin).
• Temporal Scale: Short-term (initial infiltration phase followed by an active measurement 24 hours later).

Methodology and Data

• Models used: Distributed Temperature Sensing (DTS) using fiber optic (FO) cables as heat tracers.
• Data sources: Temperature data recorded by a buried FO cable in loess sediments; passive monitoring of natural temperature gradients and active heating of the cable.

Main Results

• Infiltration rates were found to be significantly higher at the start of the infiltration test than during subsequent stages.
• The integration of both passive and active DTS techniques provided a more comprehensive understanding of infiltration dynamics compared to using a single method.
• The results demonstrated the technical viability of implementing MAR in loess-based systems at the specific study site.
• The DTS approach enabled the spatial mapping of recharge within the MAR system.

Contributions

• Introduces an innovative dual-sensing approach (combining passive and active DTS) to quantify the spatial and temporal variability of soil infiltration capacity.
• Provides empirical evidence for the feasibility of MAR in loess sediments, which are typically considered to have lower permeability.

Funding

• Not specified in the provided text.

Citation

@article{Glaude2025Innovative,
  author = {Glaude, Robin and Simon, Nataline and Brouyère, Serge},
  title = {Innovative use of passive and active distributed temperature sensing for estimating infiltration rates in a managed aquifer recharge framework},
  journal = {Journal of Hydrology},
  year = {2025},
  doi = {10.1016/j.jhydrol.2025.133848},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhydrol.2025.133848}
}