The aim of this dissertation was to fill the research gap in salinization studies for coastal aquifers. This was done by investigating the Holbeach aquifer to identify influential factors, explain the spatial distribution, and to relate physical parameters to its freshening times. This was done by modelling the freshening process for the different percolations of 51mm, 102mm, and 25.5mm, where model inputs included hydrochemical parameters associated with cation exchange. The model outputs were kriged to identify the spatial distribution of freshening across the Holbeach marsh area. The results highlighted variations between the overall combined flushing times under different percolations, which was reflected in cation exchange capacity (CEC) readings. This study concludes that percolation and costal proximity effect freshening, the cation exchange capacity (CEC) in the subsoil can explain the spatial distribution of freshening, which can be then be related to the Mg2+ meq per 100g. It is suggested that future research should focus on why percolation influences freshening.
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