Evaluation of Salinity, Organic and Metal Pollution in Groundwater of the Mafragh Watershed, NE Algeria

Abstract

This study was conducted in northeast Algeria along the Tunisian border. The principal goal of this study was to characterize the groundwater quality of the Mafragh Watershed and the space variation. Hydrochemical analyses of salinity (Cl, SO4), organic pollution (BOD5, dissolved oxygen DO) and dissolved metals (Fe, Cu, Zn) were conducted at 22 stations located in the proximity of the Kebir East and Bounamoussa rivers, which constitute the Mafragh Watershed. Sampling was conducted during the end of the high-water period (May 2007). This study revealed a DO content of 5 mg/l, as well as high BOD5 (40 mg/l), Cl (400 mg/l) and SO4 (250 mg/l) values. Conversely, metals did not show high concentrations, with Fe ranging from 0.01 to 0.032 mg/l, and Cu and Zn being near the detection limit.