Formation mechanism of hydrochemical and quality evaluation of shallow groundwater in the Upper Kebir sub-basin, Northeast Algeria

Allia Zineb; Lalaoui Meriem

doi:10.26599/JGSE.2024.9280007

Volume 12 Issue 1

Mar. 2024

Turn off MathJax

Article Contents

Article Navigation > Journal of Groundwater Science and Engineering > 2024 > 12(1): 78-91

Zineb A, Meriem L. 2024. Formation mechanism of hydrochemical and quality evaluation of shallow groundwater in the Upper Kebir sub-basin, Northeast Algeria. Journal of Groundwater Science and Engineering, 12(1): 78-91 doi: 10.26599/JGSE.2024.9280007

Citation:

PDF( 2901 KB)

Formation mechanism of hydrochemical and quality evaluation of shallow groundwater in the Upper Kebir sub-basin, Northeast Algeria

doi: 10.26599/JGSE.2024.9280007

Allia Zineb^{1, 2
,
,},
Lalaoui Meriem^{1, 2}

1.
Natural Sciences and Materials Laboratory (LSNM), University Center A. Boussouf of Mila, Po Box 26 RP 43000 Mila, Algeria
2.
Institute of Science and Technology, university Center A. Boussouf of Mila, Po Box 26 Postal Reference 43000 Mila, Algeria

More Information

Corresponding author: z.chebbah-allia@centre-univ-mila.dz
Received Date: 2022-12-17
Accepted Date: 2023-05-20

Available Online: 2024-03-15

Publish Date: 2024-03-15

Abstract

Abstract

This study investigates the hydrochemical formation mechanism of shallow groundwater in the Upper Kebir upstream sub-basin (Northeastern Algeria). The objective is to evaluate water quality suitability for domestic purposes through the application of water quality index (WQI). A total of 24 water points (wells and borewells) evenly distributed in the basin were collected and analyzed in the laboratory for determining the major ions and other geochemical parameters in the groundwater. The groundwater hydrochemical types were identified as Cl–Na and Cl–HCO₃–Na, with the dominant major ions were found in the order of Na⁺ > Ca²⁺ > Mg²⁺ for cations, and Cl⁻ > SO₄²⁻ > HCO₃^– > NO₃⁻ for anions. Results suggest that weathering, dissolution of carbonate, sulfate, salt rocks, and anthropogenic activities were the major contributors to ion content in the groundwater. The Water Quality Index (WQI) was calculated to assess the water quality of potable water. Approximately 50% of the sampled sites exhibited good water quality. However, the study highlights significant NO₃ contamination in the study area, with 50% of samples exceeding permissible limits. Therefore, effective treatment measures are crucial for the safe consumption of groundwater.
- Semi-arid,
- Salinization process,
- Nitrate,
- Water Quality Index,
- Domestic use

FullText(HTML)

References(44)

References

Abdelhamid K. 2016. Caractérisation des paramètres hydrodynamiques de l'aquifère deTadjnant –Chelghoum Laid et impact de la pollution des eaux desurface sur les eaux souterraines. Thèse Doc. Es. Sci., Univ. Batna2: Algérie: 162.

ABH. 2014. Le bassin du Khébir Rhumel. Cahiers de l'agence 15 : Alger.

Adimalla N, Qian H. 2019. Groundwater quality evaluation using water quality index (WQI) for drinking purposes and human health risk (HHR) assessment in an agricultural region of Nanganur, South India. Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety, 176: 153−161. DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2019.03.066.

Allia Z, Lalaoui M, Chebbah M. 2022. Hydrochemical assessment for the suitability of drinking and irrigation use of surface water in Grouz Dam Basin, Northeast Algeria. Sustainable Water Resources Management, 8(3): 88. DOI: 10.1007/s40899-022-00663-8.

Allia Z, Chebbah M, Ouamane A. 2018. Analyse et évaluation de la qualité des eaux du système aquifère mio-pliocène dans le Zab Chergui, Bas Sahara Septentrional. Courrier du Savoir, univ Biskra, Algérie, 26: 235-244

Ameen HA. 2019. Spring water quality assessment using water quality index in villages of Barwari Bala, Duhok, Kurdistan Region, Iraq. Applied Water Science, 9(8): 176. DOI: 10.1007/s13201-019-1080-z.

APHA. 2005. Standard methods for examination of water and wastewater 21st ed. American Public Health Association, Washington D. C.

Bouderbala A, Gharbi BY. 2017. Hydrogeochemical characterization and groundwater quality assessment in the intensive agricultural zone of the Upper Cheliff plain, Algeria. Environmental Earth Sciences, 76(21): 744. DOI: 10.1007/s12665-017-7067-x.

Campo M, Esteller MV, Exposito J. et al. 2014. Impacts of urbanization on groundwater hydrodynamics and hydrochemistry of the Toluca Valley aquifer (Mexico). Environmental Monitoring and Assessment, 186: 2979−2999. DOI: 10.1007/s10661-013-3595-3.

Chebbah M, Allia Z. 2014. Geochemistry and hydrogeochemical process of groundwater in arid region: A case study of the water table in the Souf Valley (Low Septentrional Sahara, Algeria). African Journal of Geo-Science Research, 2(3): 23−30.

Durozoy G. 1960. Etude géologique de la région de Châteaudun du Rhumel, publ. Serv. Carte Géol. Algérie, Nlle sér. 22, Alger.

Fakharian K, Narany TS. 2016. Multidisciplinary approach to evaluate groundwater salinity in Saveh Plain, Iran. Environmental Earth Sciences, 75(7): 624. DOI: 10.1007/s12665-015-5104-1.

Freeze RA, Cherry JA. 1979. Groundwater, Prentice-Hall, Inc. Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey 07632, United States of America. p 589.

Ganiyu SA, Badmus BS, Olurin OT, et al. 2018. Evaluation of seasonal variation of water quality using multivariate statistical analysis and irrigation parameter indices in Ajakanga area, Ibadan, Nigeria. Applied Water Science, 8(1): 35. DOI: 10.1007/s13201-018-0677-y.

Ghouili N, Hamzaoui-Azaza F, Zammouri M, et al. 2018. Groundwater quality assessment of the Takelsa phreatic aquifer (Northeastern Tunisia) using geochemical and statistical methods: Implications for aquifer management and end-users. Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 25(36): 36306−36327. DOI: 10.1007/s11356-018-3473-1.

Gibbs RJ. 1970. Mechanisms controlling world water chemistry. Science, 170(3962): 1088−1090. DOI: 10.1126/science.170.3962.1088.

Hassen I, Hamzaoui-Azaza F, Bouhlila R. 2016. Application of multivariate statistical analysis and hydrochemical and isotopic investigations for evaluation of groundwater quality and its suitability for drinking and agriculture purposes: Case of Oum Ali-Thelepte aquifer, central Tunisia. Environmental Monitoring and Assessment, 188(3): 135. DOI: 10.1007/s10661-016-5124-7.

Horton RK. 1965. An index number system for rating water quality. Journal of the Water Pollution Control Federation. 37(3): 300–306.

Hounslow AW. 1995. Water quality data analysis and interpretation. CRC Press, Boca Raton, CRC Press LLC.

Kachroud M, Trolard F, Kefi M, et al. 2019. Water quality indices: Challenges and application limits in the literature. Water, 11(2): 361. DOI: 10.3390/w1020361.

Khan A, Qureshi FR. 2018. Groundwater quality assessment through water quality index (WQI) in New Karachi Town, Karachi, Pakistan. Asian Journal Water Environment Pollution, 15(1): 41−46. DOI: 10.3233/AJW-180004.

Kundu A, Kanti Nag, S. 2015. Delineation of groundwater quality for drinking and irrigation purposes: A case study of chhatna block, Bankura District, West Bengal. International Journal of Water Resources Development, 3(1): 5−23.

Lalaoui M, Allia Z, Chebbah M. 2020. Hydrogeochemical processes and suitability assessment of surface water in the Grouz Dam Basin, northeast Algeria. Journal of Fundamental and Applied Sciences, 12(3): 1452−1474. DOI: 10.4314/jfas.v12i3.29.

Liu F, Song X, Yang L, et al. 2015. Identifying the origin and geochemical evolution of groundwater using hydrochemistry and stable isotopes in the Subei Lake Basin, Ordos energy base, Northwestern China. Hydrology and Earth System Sciences, 19(1): 551−565. DOI: 10.5194/hess-19-551-2015.

Liu JT, Feng JG, Gao ZJ, et al. 2019. Hydrochemical characteristics and quality assessment of groundwater for drinking and irrigation purposes in the Futuan River Basin, China. Arabian Journal of Geosciences, 12(18): 560. DOI: 10.1007/s12517-019-4732-2.

Long DT, Pearson AL, Voice TC, et al. 2018. Influence of rainy season and land use on drinking water quality in a karst landscape, State of Yucatán, Mexico. Applied Geochemistry, 98(11): 265−277. DOI: 10.1016/j.apgeochem.2018.09.020.

Marco R, Tullia B, Elisa S. et al. 2019. The effects of irrigation on groundwater quality and quantity in a human-modified hydro-system: The Oglio River Basin, Po Plain, northern Italy. Science of the Total Environment, 672: 342−356. DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.03.427.

Maskooni EK, Naseri-Rad M, Berndtsson R. 2020. Use of heavy metal content and modified Water Quality Index to assess groundwater quality in a semiarid area. Water Quality and Contamination, 12(1115).

Perera TANT, Herath HMMSD, Piyadasa RUK, et al. 2022. Spatial and physicochemical assessment of groundwater quality in the urban coastal region of Sri Lanka. Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 29(11): 16250−16264. DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-16911-x.

Qasemi M, Farhang M, Biglari H, et al. 2018. Health risk assessments due to nitrate levels in drinking water in villages of Azadshahr, northeastern Iran. Environmental Earth Sciences, 77(23): 782. DOI: 10.1007/s12665-018-7973-6.

RadFard M, Seif M, Ghazizadeh Hashemi AH, et al. 2019. Protocol for the estimation of drinking water quality index (DWQI) in water resources: Artificial neural network (ANFIS) and Arc-Gis. MethodsX, 6: 1021−1029. DOI: 10.1016/j.mex.2019.04.027.

Selvakumar S, Chandrasekar N, Kumar G. 2017. Hydrogeochemical characteristics and groundwater contamination in the rapid urban development areas of Coimbatore, India. Water Resources and Industry, 17: 26−33. DOI: 10.1016/j.wri.2017.02.002.

Shah KA, Joshi GS. 2017. Evaluation of water quality index for River Sabarmati, Gujarat, India. Applied Water Science, 7(3): 1349−1358. DOI: 10.1007/s13201-015-0318-7.

Tampo L, Gnazou DTM, Kodom T, et al. 2015 Suitability of groundwater and surface water for drinking and irrigation purpose in Zio River Basin (Togo). Journal of Scientific Research of the University of Lomé (Togo), 17(3): 35-51.

Tyagi S, Sharma B, Singh P, et al. 2020. Water quality assessment in terms of water quality index. American Journal of Water Resources, 1(3): 34−38. DOI: 10.12691/ajwr-1-3-3.

Villa JM. 1977. Carte géologique de Sétif au 1/200 000. Publication SONATRACH, Algérie : 98. (In French)

Villa JM. 1980. La chaîne alpine d’Algérie orientale et des confins algéro-tunisiens. Thèse Docteur ès Sciences. Paris VI, France: 665. (In French)

Voute C. 1967. Essais de synthèse de l’histoire géologique des environs d’Ain Fakroune, Ain Babouche, et des environs limitrophes. Publ. Serv. Carte géol. Algérie, Nlle Série, 2 t. Essais de synthèse de l’histoire géologique des environs d’Ain Fakroune, Ain Babouche, et des environs limitrophes. Publ. Serv. Carte géol. Algérie, Nlle Série: 192. (In French)

WHO 2008. World Health Organisation Guidelines for Drinking Water Quality, Third Editions. 20 Avenue Appia, 1211 Geneva 1227, Switzerland.

WHO. 2011 World Health Organization Guidelines for Drinking Water Quality, 4rd editions. Incorporating the First and Second ADDENDA, Vol 1. Recommendation, Geneva.

WHO. 2017. World Health Organization Guidelines for Drinking-water quality, 4rd editions. Incorporating the First addendum, Geneva.

Yang L, Zhang YP, Wen XR, et al. 2020. Characteristics of groundwater and urban emergency water sources optimazation in Luoyang, China. Journal of Groundwater Science and Engineering, 8(3): 298−304. DOI: 10.19637/j.cnki.2305-7068.2020.03.010.

Yang QC, Li ZJ, Ma HY, et al. 2016. Identification of the hydrogeochemical processes and assessment of groundwater quality using classic integrated geochemical methods in the Southeastern part of Ordos Basin, China. Environmental Pollution, 218: 879−888. DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2016.08.017.

Zhang QY, Xu PP, Qian H. 2020. Groundwater quality assessment using improved water quality index (WQI) and human health risk (HHR) evaluation in a semi-arid region of northwest China. Exposure and Health, 12(3): 487−500. DOI: 10.1007/s12403-020-00345-w.

2305-7068/© Journal of Groundwater Science and Engineering Editorial Office. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0)

Relative Articles

[1]	Masoud H Hamed, Rebwar N Dara, Marios C Kirlas, 2024: Groundwater vulnerability assessment using a GIS-based DRASTIC method in the Erbil Dumpsite area (Kani Qirzhala), Central Erbil Basin, North Iraq, Journal of Groundwater Science and Engineering, 12, 16-33. doi: 10.26599/JGSE.2024.9280003
[2]	Marwa M Aly, Shymaa AK Fayad, Ahmed MI Abd Elhamid, 2024: Assessment of groundwater suitability for different activities in Toshka district, south Egypt, Journal of Groundwater Science and Engineering, 12, 34-48. doi: 10.26599/JGSE.2024.9280004
[3]	Fatemeh Einlo, Mohammad Reza Ekhtesasi, Mehdi Ghorbani, Parviz Abdinejad, 2023: Determine the most appropriate strategy for groundwater management in arid and semi-arid regions, Abhar Plain, Iran, Journal of Groundwater Science and Engineering, 11, 97-115. doi: 10.26599/JGSE.2023.9280010
[4]	Xiu-bo Sun, Chang-lai Guo, Jing Zhang, Jia-quan Sun, Jian Cui, Mao-hua Liu, 2023: Spatial-temporal difference between nitrate in groundwater and nitrogen in soil based on geostatistical analysis, Journal of Groundwater Science and Engineering, 11, 37-46. doi: 10.26599/JGSE.2023.9280004
[5]	Khan Tanzeel, Akhtar Malik Muhammad, Malghani Gohram, Akhtar Rabia, 2022: Comparative analysis of bacterial contamination in tap and groundwater: A case study on water quality of Quetta City, an arid zone in Pakistan, Journal of Groundwater Science and Engineering, 10, 153-165. doi: 10.19637/j.cnki.2305-7068.2022.02.005
[6]	Laouni Benadela, Belkacem Bekkoussa, Laouni Gaidi, 2022: Multivariate analysis and geochemical investigations of groundwater in a semi-arid region, case of superficial aquifer in Ghriss Basin, Northwest Algeria, Journal of Groundwater Science and Engineering, 10, 233-249. doi: 10.19637/j.cnki.2305-7068.2022.03.003
[7]	Ruo-xi Yuan, Gui-ling Wang, Feng Liu, Wei Zhang, Wan-li Wang, Sheng-wei Cao, 2021: Evaluation of shallow geothermal energy resources in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei Plain based on land use, Journal of Groundwater Science and Engineering, 9, 129-139. doi: 10.19637/j.cnki.2305-7068.2021.02.005
[8]	Fei Gao, Feng Liu, Hua-jun Wang, 2021: Numerical modelling of the dynamic process of oil displacement by water in sandstone reservoirs with random pore structures, Journal of Groundwater Science and Engineering, 9, 233-244. doi: 10.19637/j.cnki.2305-7068.2021.03.006
[9]	Yan WANG, Yan-guang LIU, Kai BIAN, Hong-liang ZHANG, Shen-jun QIN, Xiao-jun WANG, 2020: Seepage-heat transfer coupling process of low temperature return water injected into geothermal reservoir in carbonate rocks in Xian County, China, Journal of Groundwater Science and Engineering, 8, 305-314. doi: 10.19637/j.cnki.2305-7068.2020.04.001
[10]	Abdelhakim LAHJOUJ, Abdellah EL HMAIDI, Karima BOUHAFA, 2020: Spatial and statistical assessment of nitrate contamination in groundwater: Case of Sais Basin, Morocco, Journal of Groundwater Science and Engineering, 8, 143-157. doi: 10.19637/j.cnki.2305-7068.2020.02.006
[11]	Mohammad Tofayal Ahmed, Minhaj Uddin Monir, Md Yeasir Hasan, Md Mominur Rahman, Md Shamiul Islam Rifat, Md Naim Islam, Abu Shamim Khan, Md Mizanur Rahman, Md Shajidul Islam, 2020: Hydro-geochemical evaluation of groundwater with studies on water quality index and suitability for drinking in Sagardari, Jashore, Journal of Groundwater Science and Engineering, 8, 259-273. doi: 10.19637/j.cnki.2305-7068.2020.03.006
[12]	HU Zun-fang, KANG Feng-xin, ZOU An-de, YU Lin-song, LI Yang, TIAN Tong-liang, KANG Gui-ling, 2019: Evolution trend of the water quality in Dongping Lake after South-North Water Transfer Project in China, Journal of Groundwater Science and Engineering, 7, 333-339. doi: DOI: 10.19637/j.cnki.2305-7068.2019.04.004
[13]	T K G P Ranasinghe, R U K Piyadasa, 2019: Visualizing the spatial water quality of Bentota, Sri Lanka in the presence of seawater intrusion, Journal of Groundwater Science and Engineering, 7, 340-353. doi: DOI: 10.19637/j.cnki.2305-7068.2019.04.005
[14]	LI Yang, KANG Feng-Xin, ZOU An-de, 2019: Isotope analysis of nitrate pollution sources in groundwater of Dong’e geohydrological unit, Journal of Groundwater Science and Engineering, 7, 145-154. doi: 10.19637/j.cnki.2305-7068.2019.02.005
[15]	MA Zhi-yuan, XU Yong, ZHAI Mei-jing, WU Min, 2017: Clogging mechanism in the process of reinjection of used geothermal water: A simulation research on Xianyang No.2 reinjection well in a super-deep and porous geothermal reservoir, Journal of Groundwater Science and Engineering, 5, 311-325.
[16]	JIA Rui-liang, ZHOU Jin-long, LI Qiao, LI Yang, 2015: Analysis of evaporation of high-salinity phreatic water at a burial depth of 0 m in an arid area, Journal of Groundwater Science and Engineering, 3, 1-8.
[17]	Wang Qian, Zhang Lizhong, Cai Zizhao, Huo Zhibin, Zhang Huaidong, 2013: Evaluation Index System of Hydrogeological Investigation Software, Journal of Groundwater Science and Engineering, 1, 96-103.
[18]	Jiankang Zhang, Yanpei Cheng, Hua Dong, Qingshi Guo, Kun Liu, Fawang Zhang, 2013: Study on Ecological Environment and Sustainable Land Use Based on Satellite Remote Sensing, Journal of Groundwater Science and Engineering, 1, 89-96.
[19]	B.T. Hiller, N. Jadamba, 2013: Groundwater Use in the Selenge River Basin, Mongolia, Journal of Groundwater Science and Engineering, 1, 11-32.
[20]	Li Manzhou, Pang Zhenlei, 2013: Water Resources Issues and Control Policy Recommendations in the Process of “Industrialization, Urbanization and Agricultural Modernization” in Henan Province, Journal of Groundwater Science and Engineering, 1, 32-40.