Potential pollution of groundwater in the valley of the Seybouse River, north-eastern Algeria

• Published in: Environmental earth sciences Vol. 44; no. 6; pp. 738 - 744
• Main Authors: DJABRI, L, HANI, A, LAOUAR, R, MANIA, J, MUDRY, J, LOUHI, A
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Berlin Springer 01.09.2003; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Earth sciences; Earth, ocean, space; Engineering and environment geology. Geothermics; Exact sciences and technology; Groundwater data; Groundwater levels; Groundwater pollution; Groundwater runoff; Hydrogeology; Hydrologic data; Hydrology. Hydrogeology; Industrial areas; Industrial pollution; Infiltration; Infiltration rate; Irrigation water; Land use; Mountains; Pollution sources; Pollution, environment geology; Rivers; Runoff; Water pollution; Water resources; North Africa; Algeria; Algeria, Seybouse R; impact statements; ground water; pollution; Oued Seybouse; human activity; irrigation; land use; aquifers; Algeria; rivers; maps; fertilizers; Africa; water table; runoff; vulnerability; industrial waste; infiltration; pollutants; surface water; Aquifer vulnerability; Groundwater pollution; water quality; water resource management; valleys; wadis
• ISSN: 0943-0105; 1866-6280; 1432-0495; 1866-6299
• DOI: 10.1007/s00254-003-0824-z

In north-eastern Algeria, the Seybouse River is an important source of water used mainly for irrigation of large agricultural areas extending from the Guelma region to Annaba city. Industrial activities in this region contribute substantial water pollution to the river and the groundwater. Based on the different sources of pollution, mapping of areas vulnerable to groundwater pollution has been accomplished by combining land use and data on groundwater levels. The resulting maps show that the most vulnerable areas are those with large industrial activities-in Meboudja, Bouchegouf and Guelma. Infiltration and runoff contribute to pollution, and the highest infiltration rate is generally observed in areas of agricultural and industrial activities. Pollution of the aquifers in this area is of concern. Mountains, such as the Edough and Gelaat Bou Sbaa, contribute high runoff that carries pollutants towards the groundwater.