https://doi.org/10.7343/as-2022-671
The influence of lithology and climatic conditions on the groundwater quality in the semi-arid-regions: case study of the Eastern Middle Cheliff alluvial aquifer (northwestern Algeria)
Submitted: 15 April 2023
Accepted: 26 October 2023
Published: 4 December 2023
Accepted: 26 October 2023
Abstract Views: 397
PDF: 381
Publisher's note
All claims expressed in this article are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of their affiliated organizations, or those of the publisher, the editors and the reviewers. Any product that may be evaluated in this article or claim that may be made by its manufacturer is not guaranteed or endorsed by the publisher.
All claims expressed in this article are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of their affiliated organizations, or those of the publisher, the editors and the reviewers. Any product that may be evaluated in this article or claim that may be made by its manufacturer is not guaranteed or endorsed by the publisher.
Authors
Over the last few years, the Eastern Middle Cheliff plain has witnessed remarkable economic growth, particularly in the agricultural sector. However, the overexploitation of the alluvial aquifer, coupled with agricultural practices involving the use of fertilizers and pesticides, significantly contributed to the degradation of groundwater quality. The primary objective of this study is to comprehend the mechanisms governing the water chemistry of the Eastern Middle Cheliff alluvial aquifer. A total of 42 samples were collected and analyzed during the dry periods of the 2012 and 2017. The data processing and representation involved the utilization of analytical tools including Principal Component Analysis (PCA), Piper diagram, Stabler classification, binary diagrams, base exchange indices, saturation indices, and geostatistical methods. The interpretation of these data revealed the following findings: i) the groundwater in both the dry periods of 2012 and 2017 is characterized by the presence of two dominant hydro-chemical facies, namely calcium chloride and sodium chloride, as indicated by the Piper and Stabler diagrams; ii) the hydrochemical quality of the groundwater varies across different regions of the aquifer, fair to poor in the eastern and central regions, with the presence of certain contaminants resulting from the application of nitrates in agricultural activities. The quality is classified as very poor in the western region, primarily due to high salinity influenced by the lithology of the aquifer, the rise of deep salty water through the Cheliff fault due to the earthquake of the year 1980 and possibility by two climatic factors, namely evaporation and rainfall. Overall, this study provides new insights into the water chemistry dynamics of the Eastern Middle Cheliff alluvial aquifer, highlighting the varying hydrochemical facies and the impact of agricultural activities and climatic factors on groundwater quality in different areas of the aquifer.
Alilouch, R., El Morabiti, K., El Mrihi, A., & Ouchar Al-Djazouli, M. (2020). Application of statistical methods to the hydrogeochemical study of groundwater in the Beni Hassan Dorsal (Northern Rif, Morocco). International Journal of Innovation and Applied Studies, 30(2), 546–562.
Al-Mashreki, M.H., Eid, M.H., Saeed, O., Székács, A., Szűcs, P., Gad, M., Abukhadra, M.R., AlHammadi, A.A., Alrakhami, M.S., Alshabibi, M.A., Elsayed, S., Khadr, M., Farouk, M., & Ramadan, H.S. (2023). Integration of Geochemical Modeling, Multivariate Analysis, and Irrigation Indices for Assessing Groundwater Quality in the Al-Jawf Basin, Yemen. Water, 15, 1496. https://doi.org/10.3390/w15081496
DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/w15081496
Ait Lemkademe, A., El Ghorfi, M., Zouhri, L., Heddoun, O., Khalil,A., & Maacha, L. (2023). Origin and Salinization Processes of Groundwater in the Semi-Arid Area of Zagora Graben, Southeast Morocco. Water, 15, 2172. https://doi.org/10.3390/w15122172
DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/w15122172
Bekhouche, N., Khiel, S., Ouldjaoui, A., Ababsa, L., & Marniche, F. (2022). Qualité Physico-chimique des eaux de l’oued Sigus (Nord-Est de l’Algérie) : Caractérisation et analyse en composantes principales. “Physico-chemical water quality of Sigus wadi (North-East of Algeria): Characterization and Principalcomponent analysis”. BioRessources, 12, 2–11.
Boufekane, A., Maizi, D., Madene, E., Busico, G., & Zghibi, A. (2022). Hybridization of GALDIT method to assess actual and future coastal vulnerability to seawater intrusion. Journal of Environmental Management, 318, 115580. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2022.115580
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2022.115580
Boulaine, J. (1957). Study of the soils of the Cheliff plains. PhD Thesis, University of Algiers, Algeria. 582p.
Bouzelboudjen, M. (1987). Hydrogeology and balance of the El Amra- El Abadia aquifer by mathematical models (Middle Cheliff basin, Algeria), PhD Thesis, University of Franche-Comté, France. 197p.
Busico, G., Kazakis, N., Cuoco, E., Colombani, N., Tedesco, D., Voudouris, K., & Mastrocicco, M. (2020). A novel hybrid method of specific vulnerability to anthropogenic pollution using multivariate statistical and regression analyses. Water Research, 171, 115386. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.watres.2019.115386
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.watres.2019.115386
Busico, G., Mastrocicco, M., Cuoco, E., Sirna, M., & Tedesco, D. (2019). Protection from natural and anthropogenic sources: A new rating methodology to delineate “Nitrate vulnerable zones”. Environmental Earth Sciences, 78(4) doi:10.1007/s12665-019-8118-2
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12665-019-8118-2
Djabri, L. (1996). Water pollution of the Seybouse valley - Guelma - Bouchegouf - Annaba regions, its geological, industrial, agricultural and urban origins. PhD Thesis, University of Annaba, Algeria. 247p.
El Jihad, M.D., & Taabni, M. (2019). L’eau au Maghreb : Quel mixl’hydrique face aux effets du changement climatique ? Eau et climat en Afrique du Nord et au Moyen Orient. “Water in the Maghreb: What “mix” facing the effects of climate change ? Water and climate in North Africa and the Middle East”. Editions Transversal: 1-25p.
Erostate, M., Huneau, F., Garel, E., Vystavna, Y., Santoni, S., & Pasqualini, V. (2019). Coupling isotope hydrology, geochemical tracers and emerging compounds to evaluate mixing processes and groundwater dependence of a highly anthropized coastal
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhydrol.2019.123979
hydrosystem. Journal of Hydrology, 578, 123979. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhydrol.2019.123979
Ghebouli, MS., & Bencheikh Elhocine, M. (2008). Origin of groundwater salinity. The case of Setif high plains (Eastern Algeria). Sciences & Technologie, 8, 37–46.
Gouaidia, L. (2008). Influence of the lithology and climatic conditions on the variation of the physico-chemical parameters of the aquifers in semi-arid zone, case of the Meskiana aquifer (North-East Algeria). PhD Thesis, University of Annaba, Algeria. 199p.
IFES. (2002). Design Office, Milianaa. Report of geophysical study by electrical prospection of the middle Cheliff (El Attaf), Algeria.
Jawadi, I., & Gaaloul, N. (2020). Qualitative and quantitative study of water resources in the Sidi Bouzid plain (central Tunisia). Journal International Sciences et Technique de l’Eau et de l’Environnement, l5(2), 109–114.
Johnbosco, C., Egbueri, J.C., Agbasi, D.A., Ayejoto, M.I.K., & Khan, M.Y.A. (2023). Extent of anthropogenic influence on groundwater quality and human health-related risks: an integrated assessment based on selected physicochemical characteristics. Geocarto International, 38, 1. https://doi.org/10.1080/10106049.2023.2210100
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/10106049.2023.2210100
Kanellopoulos, C., & Argyraki, A. (2022). Multivariate statistical assessment of groundwater in cases with ultramafic rocks and anthropogenic activities influence. Applied Geochemistry, 141, 105292. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apgeochem.2022.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apgeochem.2022.105292
Khan, M.Y.A., ElKashouty, M., & Bob, M. (2020). Impact of rapid urbanization and tourism on the groundwater quality in Al Madinah city, Saudi Arabia: a monitoring and modeling approach. Arabian Journal of Geosciences, 13, 922. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12517-020-05906-6
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12517-020-05906-6
Khan, M.Y.A., El Kashouty, M., Gusti, W., Kumar, A., Subyani, A.M., & Alshehri, A. ( 2022). Geo-Temporal Signatures of Physicochemical and Heavy Metals Pollution in Groundwater of Khulais Region - Makkah Province, Saudi Arabia. Frontiers in Environmental Science, 9, 800517. https://doi.org/10.3389/fenvs.2021.800517
DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fenvs.2021.800517
Khan, M.Y.A., ElKashouty, M., Subyani, A.M., & Tian F. (2023). Spatio-temporal evaluation of trace element contamination using multivariate statistical techniques and health risk assessment in groundwater, Khulais, Saudi Arabia. Applied Water Science. 13, 123. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13201-023-01928-z
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13201-023-01928-z
Kireche, O. (1977). Geological and structural study of the massifs with schistosity of Cheliff. PhD Thesis, University of USTHB/Algiers, Algeria. 199p.
Lentini, A., Meddi, E., Galve, J.P., Papiccio, C., & La Vigna, F. (2022). Preliminary identification of areas suitable for Sustainable Drainage Systems and Managed Aquifer Recharge to mitigate storm water flooding phenomena in Rome (Italy). Acque Sotterranee - Italian Journal of Groundwater, 11(4), 43–53. https://doi.org/10.7343/as-2022-590
DOI: https://doi.org/10.7343/as-2022-590
Madene, E., Meddi, H., Boufekane, A., & Meddi, M. (2020). Contribution of hydrogeochemical and isotopic tools to the management of Upper and Middle Cheliff Aquifers. Journal of Earth Science, 31(5), 993–1006. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12583-
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12583-020-1293-y
-1293-y
Madene, E., Boufekane, A., Meddi, M., Busico, G., & Zghib, A. (2022). Spatial analysis and mapping of the groundwater quality index for drinking and irrigation purpose in the alluvial aquifers of upper and middle Cheliff basin (north-west Algeria). Water Supply, 22(4), 4422– 4444. https://doi.org/10.2166/ws.2022.107
DOI: https://doi.org/10.2166/ws.2022.107
Mastrocicco, M., Gervasio, M.P., Busico, G., & Colombani, N. (2021). Natural and Mastrocicco, M., Gervasio, M. P., Busico, G., & Colombani, N. (2021). Natural and the Campania plains (southern Italy). Science of the Total Environment, 758, 144033. https://doi:10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.144033
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.144033
Mattauer, M. (1958). Geological study of the eastern Ouarsenis (Algeria). Pub. Serv. Map Algeria. PhD Thesis. University of Paris, France. 343p.
Meghraoui, M. (1982). Neotectonic study of the northwestern region of El Asnam. Relation with the earthquake of October 10, 1980. PhD Thesis, University of Paris VII, France. 182p.
Mehdaoui, R., Mili, E.M., & Mahboub, A. (2019). Using physicochemical and bacteriological parameters to characterize the quality of groundwater in the Ziz Valley (Errachidia province South-East of Morocco). La Houille Blanche, 5-6, 515.https://doi.org/10.1051/lhb/2019054
Messelmi, H. (2012). Evolution physico-chimique des eaux souterraines des différentes aquifères du Moyen Cheliff. “Physico chemical evolution of groundwater in the different aquifers of Middle Cheliff”. Mémoire de Master, Université Khemis Miliana, Algérie. 154p.
Messelmi, H. (2012). Evolution physico-chimique des eaux souterraines des différentes aquifères du Moyen Cheliff. Mémoire de Master, Université Khemis Miliana, Algérie. 154p.
Parkhurst, DL., Appelo, CAJ. (1999). User's guide to PHREEQC (Version 2)-A Computer program for speciation, batch-reaction, one-dimensional transport, and inverse geochemical calculations. United States Geological Survey, Water Resources Investigations. Report 99-4259, Washington, USA. 326p.
Orecchia, C., Giambastiani, B.M.S., Greggio, N., Campo, B., Dinelli, E. (2022). Geochemical Characterization of Groundwater in the Confined and Unconfined Aquifers of the Northern Italy. Applied Sciences, 12, 7944. https://doi.org/10.3390/app12157944
DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/app12157944
Perrodon, A. (1957). Geological study of the subliteral Neogene basins of northwestern Algeria. PhD Thesis. University of Paris, France.
Piper A, (1944): A graphic procedure in the geochemical interpretation of water analyses. Transactions American Geophysical Union, 25, 914–923. https://doi.org/10.1029/TR025i006p00914
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1029/TR025i006p00914
Prabakaran, K., Sivakumar, K., Aruna, C. (2020). Use of GIS-AHP tools for potable groundwater potential zone investigations - a case study in Vairavanpatti rural area, Tamil Nadu, India. Arabian Journal of Geosciences, 13(17), 866. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12517-020-05794-w
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12517-020-05794-w
Remaoun, M. (2007). Floods and droughts in Algeria, case of the Middle Cheliff. PhD Thesis, University of USTHB/Algiers, Algeria. 231p.
Rezig, A., Saggai, S., Baloul, D., Dahmani, S., Bouamria, M., Djafer Khodja, H. (2021). Groundwater pollution risk in the region of Bouira (North-Center of Algeria). Journal of Fundamental and Applied Sciences, 13(1), 58–74. https://doi.org/10.4314/jfas.v13i1.4
DOI: https://doi.org/10.4314/jfas.v13i1.4
Richa, A. (2010). Approche de l’origine de la salinite des eaux de la nappe alluviale d’Al Attaf. Mémoire de Magister, Université Khemis Miliana, Algérie. 163p.
Rodier, J. (1996). Water analysis, natural water, waste water, sea water. Edition Dunod, Paris, France. 1383p.
Rodier, J., Legube, B., Merlet, M., Brunet, R., (2009). Water analysis. Edition Dunod, Paris, France. 1600p.
Simler, R, (2009). Diagrammes software. Downloadable at http://www.lha.univavignon. fr/LHA-Logiciels.htm.
Stafford, J., Bodson, P. (2006). Multi-varied analysis SPSS. Presses the University of Quebec, Canada. 241p.
Touhari, F., Meddi, M., Mehaiguene, M., Razack M. (2015). Hydrogeochemical assessment of the Upper Cheliff groundwater (North West Algeria). Environmental Earth Sciences, 73, 3043–3061. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12665-014-3598-6
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12665-014-3598-6
Taherian, P., Joodavi, A.. (2021). Hydrogeochemical characteristics and source identification of salinity in groundwater resources in an arid plain, northeast of Iran: implication for drinking and irrigation purposes. AcqueSotterranee - Italian Journal of Groundwater, 10(2), 21–31. https://doi.org/10.7343/as-2021-502
DOI: https://doi.org/10.7343/as-2021-502
Vespasiano, G., Muto, F., Apollaro, C. (2021). Geochemical, Geological and Groundwater Quality Characterization of a Complex Geological Framework: The Case Study of the Coreca Area (Calabria, South Italy). Geosciences, 11, 121. https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences11030121
DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences11030121
How to Cite
Madene, E., Boufekane, A., Derardja, B., Busico, G., & Meddi, M. (2023). The influence of lithology and climatic conditions on the groundwater quality in the semi-arid-regions: case study of the Eastern Middle Cheliff alluvial aquifer (northwestern Algeria). Acque Sotterranee - Italian Journal of Groundwater, 12(4), 19–36. https://doi.org/10.7343/as-2022-671
Copyright (c) 2023 the Author(s)
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.
PAGEPress has chosen to apply the Creative Commons Attribution NonCommercial 4.0 International License (CC BY-NC 4.0) to all manuscripts to be published.
Similar Articles
- Maria Clementina Caputo, Lorenzo De Carlo, Antonietta Celeste Turturro, Manuel Sapiano, Julian Mamo, Oriana Balzan, Luke Galea, Michael Schembri, Hydraulic characterization of Pwales aquifer in Malta Island preparatory for planning managed aquifer recharge (MAR) pilot plant , Acque Sotterranee - Italian Journal of Groundwater: Vol. 13 No. 1 (2024)
- Alessio Fileccia, Some simple procedures for the calculation of the influence radius and well head protection areas (theoretical approach and a field case for a water table aquifer in an alluvial plain) , Acque Sotterranee - Italian Journal of Groundwater: Vol. 4 No. 3 (2015)
- Daniele Baldi, Alessio Iacobini, Stefano Di Nauta, Virgilio Pagliarani, Matteo Puerini, Remediation of BTEX contaminated groundwater: best technology assessment between pump&treat and bioremediation by oxygen injection , Acque Sotterranee - Italian Journal of Groundwater: Vol. 1 No. 1 (2012)
- Fabio Montagnani, Fausto Berti, Stefano Magini, Build quality of groundwater wells and contamination problems , Acque Sotterranee - Italian Journal of Groundwater: Vol. 2 No. 2 (2013)
- Luca Vettorello, Andrea Sottani, Using water level and temperature time series to improve hydrogeological parameterization in a complex alluvial system , Acque Sotterranee - Italian Journal of Groundwater: Vol. 8 No. 4 (2019)
- Matko Patekar, Mihaela Bašić, Marco Pola, Ivan Kosović, Josip Terzić, Alessio Lucca, Silvia Mittempergher, Luigi Riccardo Berio, Staša Borović, Multidisciplinary investigations of a karst reservoir for managed aquifer recharge applications on the island of Vis (Croatia) , Acque Sotterranee - Italian Journal of Groundwater: Vol. 11 No. 1 (2022)
- Andrea Chahoud, Luca Gelati, Addolorata Palumbo, Giuseppe Patrizi, Immacolata Pellegrino, Giacomo Zaccanti, Groundwater flow model management and case studies in Emilia-Romagna (Italy) , Acque Sotterranee - Italian Journal of Groundwater: Vol. 2 No. 1 (2013)
- Domenico Casarano, Vittoria Dragone, Maurizio Polemio, Groundwater resources at salinisation risk: effects of climate and utilisation changes in the case of Apulian coastal aquifers (Southeastern Italy) , Acque Sotterranee - Italian Journal of Groundwater: Vol. 8 No. 1 (2019)
- Roberto Mazza, Lucia Mastrorillo, Regional hydrogeology for groundwater resource management policies. The Latium volcanic domain (central Italy) , Acque Sotterranee - Italian Journal of Groundwater: Vol. 2 No. 4 (2013)
- Luca Pizzino, Daniele Cinti, Monia Procesi, Alessandra Sciarra, Preliminary chemical characterization of groundwater in the Rome Municipality , Acque Sotterranee - Italian Journal of Groundwater: Vol. 4 No. 4 (2015)
<< < 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 > >>
You may also start an advanced similarity search for this article.
