Analysing surface water-groundwater interactions on selected sites of the River Moselle: Identifying transport processes along an important inland waterway in Germany

Hydraulic engineering structures like locks affect the natural hydraulic conditions and have a relevant impact on surface water – groundwater interactions due to enlarging the hydraulic gradient. For this, these sites are excellent areas to study associated flow paths, mass transport and their spatial and temporal variability in higher detail. However, no large-scale study at an inland waterway is available in Germany until now.

Our work aims to close this gap by applying a multiparameter approach for analyzing surface water-groundwater-interactions by using pH, electrical conductivity, major ions in combination with various other tracers like stable water isotopes, 222-Rn, and tritium. In this context, we also investigate the usability of organic trace compounds and their associated transformation products as potential new tracers.

The main study approach is based on the hypothesis that i) gaining stream sections show relatively high 222-Rn concentrations originating from discharging groundwater and ii) losing stream sections which are characterized by low 222-Rn concentrations as well as lower tritium and organic trace compounds inventories compared to unaffected areas.

During different flow-scenarios of the river Moselle, we test these hypotheses by means of a high-resolution longitudinal sampling at 2 km intervals of the main stream (along 242 km) and its major tributaries in combination with groundwater sampling at numerous wells.

Here, we present the first results of the longitudinal sampling campaign of the river Moselle in October 2020, which took place during intermediate flow conditions (Q=200 m³/s). We used on-site and in-situ 222-Rn measurements and electrical conductivity as a tracer to immediately identify zones along the Moselle with increased groundwater inflow.

With the use of these tracers, we will deepen the conceptual process understanding of surface water – groundwater interactions occurring at larger streams and during different flow conditions, which may lead to a general river characterization of losing and gaining stream reaches. Moreover, understanding the sources of water compounds and the processes involved during transportation and transformation is crucial for maintaining a good quality of the water body, which is key for proper water management. The findings obtained in the region of the Moselle river might be further transferred to other waterways and support decision making.