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

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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

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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

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References(44)

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