Investigation of mathematical and numerical models arising in Sahelian irrigation: application to water resource management and pollutant transport in saturated and non-saturated porous media.

Project SNSF/SDC No. 2170-059584

The development of irrigated fields on clayey soils induces important environmental problems in the Sahel region. These problems concern the underground water pollution. It is necessary to optimize the water resources in these regions. Using mathematical modeling, numerical analysis and simulation, we intend to investigate the following problems:

1. The mathematical and numerical properties of the pollutant transport (fertilizers, pesticides, etc.) in unsaturated porous media.
2. The mathematical models for dissolution and crystallization of salt in porous media.
3. The mathematical properties of the water management in irrigated fields using optimal control theory.
4. The mathematical models for deformed porous media (for example, swelling clays).

The mathematical solution of these problems will allow a better knowledge of phenomena such as the subsurface water pollution and surrender of salt polluted fields. Furthermore, this investigation will lead to a better use of the water resources which are very rare
in the Sahel region.

Contact address

Prof. Olivier Besson
Institut de Mathématiques
Université de Neuchâtel
11 Rue E. Argand
2007 Neuchâtel
Suisse Prof. Mary Teuw Niane
UFR de mathématiques et informatique
Université Gaston Berger
BP 234
Saint-Louis
Sénégal