Abstract
The Hammamet Plain, situated in the northwest of the Tezbent mountain range, northeast of Algeria, drains carbonate aquifers through some important karst springs. The physical and chemical characteristics of spring and well water samples were studied for 2 years to assess the origin of groundwater and determine the factors driving the geochemical composition. The ionic speciation and mineral dissolution/precipitation was calculated. Water wells, characterizing groundwater circulation at shallow depths, are moderate to high mineralized waters of Na–HCO3 type. In contrast to the shallow environment, the CO2-rich, deeper waters are of the Ca–HCO3–SO4 type and undergo significant changes in the baseline chemistry along flow lines with increasing residence time. The main factors controlling the groundwater composition and its seasonal variations are the geology, because of the presence of carbonate formations, the elevation and the rate of karst development. In both groups, the carbonate chemistry is diagnostic of the effect of karst development. The supersaturation with respect to calcite indicates CO2 degassing, occurring either inside the aquifer in open conduits, or at the outlet in reservoirs. The undersaturation with respect to calcite shows the existence of fast flow and short residence time conditions inside the aquifer. Interaction between groundwater and surrounding host rocks is believed to be the main process responsible for the observed chemical characteristics of groundwater in the study area.
Highlights
In contrast to the shallow environment, the CO2-rich, deeper waters are of the Ca–HCO3–SO4 type and undergo significant changes in the baseline chemistry along flow lines with increasing residence time
Water stored in karst aquifers represents an important source of drinking water in many countries around the world where the importance of water quality in human health has recently attracted a great deal of interest
Understanding the groundwater quality is important as it is the main factor determining its suitability for drinking, domestic, agricultural, and industrial purposes (Fehdi et al 2008)
Summary
Water stored in karst aquifers represents an important source of drinking water in many countries around the world where the importance of water quality in human health has recently attracted a great deal of interest. 80 % of all diseases are directly related to poor drinking water and unsanitary conditions (Olajire and Imeokparia 2001).These aquifers are used for irrigation. For all these reasons, water resources must be managed in a sustainable way (Bakalowicz 2005). Water quality of these springs is often not good (Ravbar and Kova 2006).
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