Characterization of the salinity of the alluvial aquifer in the upper valley of Wadi Rhumel (eastern Algeria)

Abstract

AbstractThe region explored is part of the western area of the large watershed, Kebir Rhumel, located in eastern Algeria. It characterizes the plain of Tadjenanet–Chelghoum Laid. From a geological point of view, the study area is characterized by the formation of sedimentary outcrops which predominantly corresponds to Mio-Plio-Quaternary formations. The present study aims at the study of the hydrodynamic behavior of the alluvial aquifer and determines the impact of natural and anthropogenic pollution on the physico-chemical water quality of the shallow aquifer in the area of Tadjenanet–Chelghoum Laid. The study of the chemistry of the alluvial aquifer concluded that the hydrochemical behavior is characterized by a large variability in space. Mineralization increases gradually from west to east coinciding with the main direction of groundwater flow. Very high concentration of nitrates in irrigated areas located on the outskirts of Oued Rhumel concentration reflects the agricultural vocation of the region, ...