Fluid Dynamics of a Stressed Freshwater Lens: Integrated Flow Modeling and Pathways for Material-Centric Interventions in Khadir Island, Gujarat

Year : 2026 | Volume : 14 | Issue : 02 | Page : 12 29
    By

    Sagar Vinodray Nimavat,

  • Mahendrasinh Shivraj Gadhavi,

  1. Research Scholar, Civil Engineering, Gujarat Technological University, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India
  2. Assistant Professor, Civil Engineering Department L.D. College of Engineering, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India

Abstract

This study applies principles of fluid dynamics and porous media mechanics to analyze the behavior and sustainability of the freshwater lens in Khadir Island, an arid sedimentary island in Gujarat, India. We develop an integrated fluid flow model that couples surface hydrology with aquifer dynamics to quantify recharge fluxes, extraction stresses, and hydraulic responses. Using 11-year hydro-meteorological data (2011–2021) and sectoral demand projections, we characterize the island’s water budget through a mass conservation framework. Results show total demand of 1,318.42 MLY, with agricultural extraction dominating the flux regime. Despite apparent annual surpluses, the system exhibits severe hydraulic stress, evidenced by a Water Exploitation Index of 72.1%, summer hydraulic head declines averaging 2.8 m, and a thinning freshwater lens (15–25 m). Flow analysis reveals critical temporal mismatches: monsoon recharge peaks are misaligned with dry-season demand peaks, creating a June deficit of 102.2 ML. Beyond diagnosis, the study transitions to a solution-oriented framework, arguing that the identified hydraulic inefficiencies represent classic problems of material performance [19]. We propose that the path to sustainability lies in engineered material interventions, specifically the development and deployment of advanced polymer and composite systems for seepage control [20], managed recharge [21], and monitoring [28]. This work thus provides a physically-based diagnostic methodology and lays a clear engineering blueprint for material scientists to develop targeted solutions for water security in data-scarce arid islands.

Keywords: Composite systems in hydrology, fluid transport modeling, materials for seepage control, polymer-based water retention, porous media flow, sustainable resource engineering

[This article belongs to Journal of Polymer & Composites ]

How to cite this article:
Sagar Vinodray Nimavat, Mahendrasinh Shivraj Gadhavi. Fluid Dynamics of a Stressed Freshwater Lens: Integrated Flow Modeling and Pathways for Material-Centric Interventions in Khadir Island, Gujarat. Journal of Polymer & Composites. 2026; 14(02):12-29.
How to cite this URL:
Sagar Vinodray Nimavat, Mahendrasinh Shivraj Gadhavi. Fluid Dynamics of a Stressed Freshwater Lens: Integrated Flow Modeling and Pathways for Material-Centric Interventions in Khadir Island, Gujarat. Journal of Polymer & Composites. 2026; 14(02):12-29. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/jopc/article=2026/view=238343


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Regular Issue Subscription Original Research
Volume 14
Issue 02
Received 28/01/2026
Accepted 17/02/2026
Published 12/03/2026
Publication Time 43 Days
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