Publication Date
8-2025
Advisor(s) - Committee Chair
Jason Polk, Pat Kambesis, Zac Suriano, Megan Cox, Jamie Paul
Degree Program
Department of Earth, Environmental, and Atmospheric Sciences
Degree Type
Master of Science
Abstract
Barbados relies on karst aquifers for over 90% of its freshwater supply, making the protection of these vulnerable groundwater resources an urgent priority. Increasing demand, urbanization, and contamination risks have underscored the need for a detailed understanding of the island’s complex karst hydrogeology and aquifer vulnerability. Focusing on the southern part of the island, this study employs an integrated approach combining recharge analysis, hydrogeochemical monitoring, fluorescent dye tracing, and the development and application of site evaluation tools, including the Urban Karst Aquifer Resource Evaluation (UKARE) toolbox and the newly developed Scoring Index for Tracer Experiments (SITE). Findings show that effective recharge was limited and episodic, indicating that aquifer replenishment primarily occurs during the wet season, which sustains groundwater baseflow throughout the dry season. Hydrogeochemical data reveals a dual flow system: rapid conduit pathways facilitate swift transport of surface water and contaminants, while slower diffuse flow through the limestone matrix results in delayed and buffered responses. The dye tracing study produced multiple questionable positive detections across adjacent basins during dry-season conditions, suggesting a highly interconnected karst flow system may exist, even when recharge is minimal.
To support future research efforts, the SITE framework was developed to optimize tracer study design and site selection, while the UKARE toolbox provided a comprehensive assessment of system vulnerability and monitoring priorities. Together, these tools and findings represent a crucial step toward refining groundwater protection strategies that effectively address the dynamic and complex flow regimes of Barbados. Conducted in collaboration with the Barbados Water Authority (BWA) and the Caribbean Institute for Meteorology and Hydrology (CIMH), this research offers vital insights that will advance effective groundwater management not only in Barbados but also in other tropical karst environments worldwide.
Disciplines
Earth Sciences | Environmental Sciences | Hydrology | Physical Sciences and Mathematics
Recommended Citation
Hauschild, Benjamin, "INTEGRATED WATER RESOURCE MANAGEMENT IN BARBADOS USING APPLIED FORENSIC HYDROLOGY" (2025). Masters Theses & Specialist Projects. Paper 3866.
https://digitalcommons.wku.edu/theses/3866
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