Combined use of BEM and genetic algorithms in groundwater flow and mass transport problems

The boundary element method (BEM) can be used very efficiently, in solving groundwater flow problems. Genetic algorithms (GAs) constitute a very effic ient optimization tool. In this paper, BEM and GAs have been combined to fi nd optimal solutions in three classes of commonly encountered groundwater f low and mass transport problems: (a) determination of transmissivities in z oned aquifers (inverse problem), based on a restricted number of field meas urements; (b) minimization of pumping cost from any number of wells under v arious constraints; and (c) hydrodynamic control of a contaminant plume, by means of pumping and injection wells. Application examples show that the p roposed combination is very efficient in optimizing development and protect ion of groundwater resources. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights res erved.