Water Quality in Algerian Sahara (Case of Bordj Omar Driss Region)

• Published in: 2023 1st International Conference on Renewable Solutions for Ecosystems: Towards a Sustainable Energy Transition (ICRSEtoSET) pp. 1 - 7
• Main Authors: Zegait, Rachid, Azlaoui, Mohamed
• Format: Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• Published: IEEE 06.05.2023
• Subjects: Albian aquifer; Alkalinity; Calcium; Chemical facies; Electrical conductivity; Ions; Irrigation; Quality; Salinity (geophysical); Soil texture; Water pollution; Water quality
• DOI: 10.1109/ICRSEtoSET56772.2023.10525519

In southern Algeria, particularly Bordj Omar Driss's region, the climatic water deficit is such that recourse to irrigation is vital for agricultural production. Groundwater is the only resource to meet the needs of irrigation and various domestic uses, hence the need to carefully study the quality of this water and protect it against any risk of contamination. Currently, there is no research to assess the hydrochemical situation and the risk of water salinization in this region. Therefore, this work aims to evaluate groundwater quality in the study region through a hydrochemical and statistical study, with a view to their use of drinking water supply and irrigation. The results showed that the waters of the Albian aquifer are most often chlorides and sulfate, with calcium and magnesium as dominant ions. This water is of acceptable quality for drinking water supply or irrigation, except for high conductivity and nitrate levels exceeding the levels recommended by the WHO and the Council of European Communities.