Groundwater hydrochemistry and nitrate pollution assessment in the Bousaada region of Algeria
Keywords:
Hydrochemistry; Groundwater quality; Pollution Index (PIG); Nitrate Pollution Index (NPI); Bousaada.Abstract
In the arid Bousaada region south of Chott Hodna in Algeria, the mixed aquifer serves as the primary water source. Overexploitation of aquifers due to population growth, expanding irrigated agriculture, and recent climate change in North Africa has led to chemical imbalances and pollution. This study aims to classify groundwater, identify pollution-prone areas, assess nitrate pollution, and determine its causes. In 2021, 60 samples and 13 physico-chemical parameters were analyzed. The dominant hydrochemical facies of the samples were chloride and sulfated calcium and magnesium. The Gibbs diagram suggests the water is young and influenced by evaporation. Groundwater pollution index (PIG) results reveal 16.6% not polluted, 33.33% low pollution, 40% moderate pollution, and 10% high pollution. Spatially, the agricultural zone of Maadher exhibits higher pollution levels (78.3% exceeding WHO nitrate standards). Nitrate pollution index (NPI) indicates 8.33% clean, 5% lightly polluted, and 16.67% moderately polluted samples; 70% are heavily polluted. Interpolated NPI results highlight Maadher's agricultural perimeter as heavily polluted, while high-altitude and non-agricultural areas remain unpolluted. Excessive agricultural practices, such as animal manure use, traces of sewage, solid waste in the Bousaada wadi, and septic tank use by farmers, contribute to increased nitrate levels.
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