Abstract: A large-scale groundwater depression cone has been induced by over-pumping groundwater in the plain of Daqing River basin. As the main current recharge way of groundwater， river infiltration has limited effect, which calls for comprehensive management of aquifer recharge for groundwater level recovery to avoid further adverse effects on ecological environment and social environment. In this study, a potential evaluation system for artificial aquifer recharge was established involving 5 indexes: Elevation, slope, groundwater level, recharge water source, and distance to available water sources. ArcGIS was applied for mapping the potential of managed aquifer recharge in the study area. Besides, a series of field tests were carried out in the typical high-potential recharge areas to explore appropriate and feasible recharge methods. The results show that the aquifer recharge potential is huge in the northwest and south part of the study area, but low in the central, north and southwest parts. For the best potential area along the Baigou Channel, the permeability of vadose zone and aquifer is suitable for surface recharge with the overall permeability coefficient is 5 m/d or higher, while the permeability of riverbed is poor (0.01-0.09 m/d). Measures, such as silt removal are recommended to be taken before recharge through river in such area. Finally, three artificial recharge methods are suggested in different sections: Artificial or natural infiltration ponds can be adopted along the upper and middle-lower reaches of the river where water comes from river through ecological channels; Well injection can be used in the east of middle-upper and lower reaches under the condition of river water purification by strict water treatment processes before recharge; Dams can be built in the lower reaches of the Baigou Channel to increase infiltration through the channel bed.

Key words: managed aquifer recharge, plain of Daqing River basin, field tests, recharge potential, ArcGIS spatial analysis