Contribution of the multivariate analysis and origin for groundwater quality of mixed aquifer in the Msila plain (Algeria)

Abstract

The change of climate and intensive exploitation of groundwater resources in the plain of M'sila has influenced the hydrochemical functioning of the complex aquifer. This resulted in a decrease in the piezometric level of groundwater. The multivariate statistical techniques were used to determine the main factors and regrouping parameters/wells and to understand the origin of groundwater chemistry. Multivariate analysis (principal component analysis and cluster analysis) was performed to identify a common source for sampling data of a semi-arid aquifer. Physicochemical analyses were conducted on the waters of 17 wells. The chemical water classification shows the dominance of a chlorinated calcium and magnesium sulphate type facies, which has a very remarkable tendency towards the salinisation. Cluster analysis based on major parameters contents defined four main chemical water groups with increased water-rock interaction. Some parameters presented the highest concentrations of the total of dissolved salts provoking a poor quality of water.