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Integral analysis of water resources applying nature-based solutions to meet the demands of an industrial poultry sector

Abstract:

Water availability in semi-arid areas is limited due to climate variability. The Isidro Ayora sector (Guayas, Ecuador) has been affected by declining rainfall, putting at risk the development of industrial poultry farming, which predominates in the area. Given this scenario, the aim of this research is to analyse water availability in a poultry production area through hydrological analysis and groundwater prospecting for proposing management strategies for the joint use of surface water and groundwater. The methodology includes three phases: i) Analysis of water availability, which included a review of historical rainfall and a simplified water balance; ii) Hydrogeological characterization, where surface storage points were determined using HEC-RAS and geophysical studies were conducted to identify water extraction points; and iii) Development of water management strategies, where recommendations are made for the joint use of surface water and groundwater. The results identified a deficit of 40,859.22 m³, which, according to estimated rainfall by 2050, could increase by 27 %. As a strategy for the joint use of surface water and groundwater, four reservoirs, a dam, and an extraction well were proposed to reduce the deficit to 66.7 % and meet the water demand for poultry production. This study offers an adaptable, scalable approach for other regions with similar challenges by combining surface water, groundwater, and nature-based solutions to improve water resilience.