Abstract
The aim of this study was to perform a preliminary assessment of the hydrochemical and microbial groundwater quality of the Merdja plain (Tebessa area). Twenty samples of groundwater collected from Bekkaria (Site 1) to Ain Chabro (Site 2) were assessed for their suitability for human consumption. Groundwater from the aquifer in the Merdja area can be divided into two major groups according to geographical locations and chemical compositions. Water in the center part of the study area is characterized by the dominance of chloride, sulfate, sodium, and potassium; whereas waters in the limestone aquifers in the west are dominated by the same cations but have higher concentrations of bicarbonate. Microbiological parameters were determined in 13 groundwater samples collected from the study area. Total coliforms, thermotolerant coliforms, E. coli, Enterococcus spp., Salmonella sp., Staphylococcus spp., and P. aeruginosa were detected in 96.36, 88.18, 100, 47.5, 97.27, 96.7, and 75 % of the groundwater samples, respectively. The pollution of groundwater comes from a variety of sources, Ouadi El Kebir River, including land application of agricultural chemicals and organic wastes, infiltration of irrigation water, septic tanks, and infiltration of effluent from sewage treatment plants, pits, lagoons, and ponds used for storage.
Highlights
Water dissolves minerals present in soil and rock portions during its flow, which deteriorates groundwater quality by natural processes of geogenic origin
Microbiological parameters were determined in 13 groundwater samples collected from the study area
As most of the industries are not adhering to the strict environmental norms, the industrial activities can overtake the impacts of agricultural practices and municipal waste waters on groundwater quality, leading to severe groundwater pollution
Summary
Water dissolves minerals present in soil and rock portions during its flow, which deteriorates groundwater quality by natural processes of geogenic origin. Abstract The aim of this study was to perform a preliminary assessment of the hydrochemical and microbial groundwater quality of the Merdja plain (Tebessa area). Groundwater from the aquifer in the Merdja area can be divided into two major groups according to geographical locations and chemical compositions.
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