Evaluation of strategies for pumping optimization of coastal aquifers using numerical simulation and game theory

In this study, after simulating 5 years of saltwater intrusion with SEAWAT package in Astaneh-Kouchesfahan coastal aquifer, Iran, 19 strategies, including managerial, structural, and combined strategies, were investigated to reduce the saltwater intrusion. Since managerial solutions cause users' dissatisfaction and structural solutions increase the costs, two-player game theory was used to identify the most appropriate solution. According to the results obtained from game theory, the two strategies of implementing artificial recharge and the construction of an underground dam had the greatest impact on preventing the saltwater intrusion with the highest satisfaction of stakeholders, and these strategies decreased the extent of saltwater intrusion into the aquifer from 740 m by 150 and 300 m, respectively, after 5 years. Therefore, the combined simulator-optimizer method presented in this study can be used to evaluate various solutions, and the most appropriate solution can be proposed with the lowest cost and maximum satisfaction for the sustainable management of coastal aquifers.