Ain Sefra Research Articles

Characterization of Jben: Microbiological and Physicochemical Analysis of Traditional Raw Cow’s Milk Cheese with Dried Lamb Rennet from Ain Sefra, Algeria

Background: Jben is a traditional cheese produced in the northwest of Algeria’s Ain Sefra province. It is made from cow raw milk, coagulated using “el Hakka” animal rennet. Methods: Sixteen cheeses prepared during winter and summer were collected, to analyse seasonal effects on their physicochemical characteristics. Result: The analysis revealed a higher prevalence of lactic acid bacteria, molds, Bacillus, and total coliforms in the winter season. Conversely, mesophilic aerobic bacteria, Micrococcaceae, Enterobacteriaceae, yeasts, and faecal coliforms were most abundant in the summer. No anaerobic spores or Salmonella spp. were detected in any samples. The cheeses had an average pH of 5.76 and a dry matter content of 45.20% (w/w). The average values for fat, protein, ash content, acidity and fat/dry matter were 20.02%, 18.64%, 3.2%, 33.93oD and 44.23%, respectively. Statistical analyses revealed a highly significant difference between the two seasons at p less than 0.05. Traditional Jben is classified as a semi-soft, quarter-fat, and non-ripened cheese.

A novel comprehensive approach to soil and water conservation: integrating morphometric analysis, WSA, PCA, and CoDA-PCA in the Naama sub-basins case study, Southwest of Algeria.

This research paper presents a detailed investigation into the morphometric characteristics of sub-basins within the Naama region of Algeria, aiming to prioritize areas vulnerable to soil erosion and runoff risks. Focusing on five key sub-basins that collectively represent 75% of the Wilaya of Naama, the study employs a comprehensive methodological framework, integrating morphometric analysis (MA), weighted sum analysis (WSA), principal component analysis (PCA), and the novel approach of compositional data analysis (CoDA). Through the rigorous evaluation of sixteen distinct morphometric parameters selected based on their relevance to hydrological and geomorphological processes that influence erosion and runoff, this research provides a nuanced understanding of the factors influencing erosion susceptibility within each sub-basin. The analysis reveals a clear hierarchy of sub-basins based on their calculated compound parameters, effectively classifying them into high, moderate, and low priority categories for targeted intervention and resource allocation. The results highlight the Ain Sefra and Wadi Er Rosafa sub-basins as the highest priority areas, collectively encompassing 31.51% of the wilaya and posing the most significant threats of runoff and soil erosion. This identification allows for the prioritization of conservation efforts and the implementation of tailored management strategies in these critical areas. Furthermore, the integration of multiple prioritization approaches, including the innovative application of CoDA, ensures a robust and comprehensive assessment of the sub-basin landscapes. This multi-faceted approach provides a more nuanced understanding of the complex interplay between various morphometric parameters and their influence on erosion and runoff potential. The findings of this research have significant implications for sustainable land and water resource management within the Naama region. By identifying and prioritizing vulnerable sub-basins, the study provides a crucial foundation for informed decision-making, enabling stakeholders to implement targeted interventions and mitigate the detrimental impacts of soil erosion and excessive runoff. Moreover, the methodological framework presented in this research paper offers a valuable blueprint for similar studies in other regions facing comparable challenges. The cost-effective and time-efficient nature of the approach makes it a practical tool for prioritizing erosion and runoff risks in arid and semi-arid environments worldwide, contributing to the broader goals of environmental sustainability and land degradation neutrality.

Hydrochemical assessment of groundwater using multivariate statistical methods and water quality indices (WQIs)

Groundwater quality assessment is crucial for the sustainable management of water resources in arid regions, where groundwater is the primary source of water supply and increasing demand raises concerns. The study area in Southwest Algeria relies heavily on groundwater as a source of water supply, and the increasing demand for freshwater raises concerns about the quality of groundwater. To assess the hydrochemical characteristics and water quality of groundwater in the Ain Sefra region, multivariate statistical methods, geochemical modeling and water quality indices were employed. The study revealed that the groundwater samples could be classified into four water groups using hierarchical cluster analysis Q mode (HCA), namely Ca–Mg–HCO3, Ca–Mg–Cl–SO4, Ca–SO4 and Na–Cl. Factor analysis was used to identify the main factors controlling the study area’s hydrochemical processes. The results indicated that water–rock interaction, reverse ion exchange and anthropogenic pollution were the main hydrochemical processes affecting groundwater chemistry. The water quality index indicated that the groundwater was suitable for human consumption, with only 2.32% of the samples being unsuitable. Additionally, the groundwater was suitable for agricultural use, but salinity control was necessary. The saturation index values showed that the groundwater was supersaturated with aragonite, calcite, dolomite, anhydrite and gypsum, and undersaturated with halite. Ca-smectite, Mg-smectite and kaolinite were identified as the primary processes controlling the chemical composition of groundwater. The application of multivariate statistical methods, geochemical modeling and water quality indices provided a comprehensive understanding of the hydrochemical characteristics and water quality of groundwater in the Ain Sefra region. The findings of the study can serve as a useful basis for future studies on groundwater quality assessment in the region.

Groundwater quality assessment for sustainable human consumption in arid areas based on GIS and water quality index in the watershed of Ain Sefra (SW of Algeria)

Groundwater quality in arid areas is an issue that requires attention, as often the only source of irrigation and drinking. In this manuscript, a research area of 4590.2 Km2, which depicts important problems of water scarcity and water-poor quality in an arid environment, was assessed. Therefore, GIS-based mapping of the region was carried out to examine the adequacy of groundwater quality. Forty-three (43) groundwater samples were gathered in the fieldwork in March 2022, and various physicochemical limits were analysed within Gibbs and Piper diagrams. Likewise, spatial distribution maps of twelve (12) main water quality parameters were performed using the Inverse Distance Weighted interpolation method (IDW) in the ArcGIS tool. The Water Quality Index (WQI) has been calculated considering Algerian drinking water quality standards and to know the suitability of water for human consumption. A Pearson’s test was carried out to explore the correlations among the different variables. Major results of the study showed that, among anions and cations, sulphates (SO_{4}^{ - 2}) and calcium (Ca) were the most common ions. The WQI showed that 30.23% of the samples have excellent water quality, 62.79% belong to the good water category, and 6.97% fall into the poor water quality category. Thus, the correlation study between many physicochemical properties also showed significant positive relationships between WQI, TDS, EC, TH, {text{SO}}_{4}^{ - 2}, {text{Ca}}^{ + + }, and {text{Mg}}^{ + + }. In agreement with the Gibbs diagram, most of the samples fall into the field of rock-water interaction dominance. Hence, this research shows that using GIS and WQI as joint approaches could be useful tools for the decision-making process of local and international authorities and water resources management.

Assessing the Quality of Treated Wastewater for Irrigation: A Case Study of Ain Sefra Wastewater Treatment Plant

This study aimed to assess the water quality parameters in the wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) of Ain Sefra, southwestern Algeria. Various methods were employed to analyze the performance and suitability of the WWTP for irrigation. The results revealed effective removal of nitrates, with levels below the limit set for irrigation water. The dissolved oxygen content showed efficient biological processes and good degradation of organic matter. Phosphate levels were found to be within FAO and Algerian irrigation standards. However, elevated ammonia levels were observed, exceeding typical ranges for irrigation. The suitability of groundwater for irrigation was evaluated by calculating groundwater suitability indices. These indices categorized all samples as either excellent or good based on their Sodium Adsorption Ratio (SAR) and Kelly’s ratio. However, the sodium percentage values raised concerns about potential negative effects on the soil. Some samples were deemed unsuitable for irrigation because of high magnesium hazard and potential salinity values. These findings offer valuable insights into the performance and suitability of treated wastewater for irrigation in the Ain Sefra region. They can inform decision makers and stakeholders involved in agriculture and water management.

Assessment of Land Degradation and Droughts in an Arid Area Using Drought Indices, Modified Soil-Adjusted Vegetation Index and Landsat Remote Sensing Data

Ain Sefra is part of the Ksour Mountains and it's situated in southwestern Algeria, where the climate is arid. The study area is progressively facing regression and degradation exacerbated by climate change. These trends point to a significant acceleration of desertification and drought and the loss of production systems that play a critical social, ecological, and economic role in the region. To better understand the natural hazard of dryness in Ain Sefra and the impact of climate change, we used various drought indices and remote sensing data. Hence, analyzing precipitation records from 1965 to 2021, through several drought indices, droughts were identified as a recurring phenomenon. Moreover, the frequency of successive dry years is relatively high. There were three most extended continuous dry periods. The first phase lasted seven years from 1980 to 1987, the second twelve years from 1994 to 2006, and the third nine years from 2012 to 2021. Calculation of the Modified Soil-Adjusted Vegetation Index (MSAVI) for five multidate satellite images allowed us to follow the evolution of land use elements in this region from 1977 to 2017. Indeed, the study of these multi-temporal images reveals a considerable growth of sands, moving towards the north and northeast of the zone during the last decades. The combination of drought indices and remote sensing seems to be most promising; whose results are valuable tools for guidance and decision support to local and regional authorities.

GIS and remote sensing – desertification and progression of silting-up in the high plains of Oran in Western Algeria

The expansion of silting in the Algerian High Plains of south Oran (northwestern Algeria) is the ultimate manifestation of desertification. The presence, accumulation or deposition of sands in areas that previously did not contain any is the most visible sign of this silting up phenomenon that has begun to appear in recent decades. The present study focuses on the evolution and progression of silting up in the region under study. It is worth noting that assessing the narrowing of the vast endorheic depressions in this area is a very complicated task due to the vastness of the place. In order to deal with this problem in an efficient manner, it was deemed necessary to use remote sensing as it offers possibilities of global vision of the area to be studied and allows a precise description in time and space of this region. In order to efficiently identify and apprehend the phenomenon mentioned above, it was decided to adopt an analysis methodology that is based on the processing and interpretation of multi-date satellite images, combined with exogenous data. It should be noted that the topographic maps of Mecheria and Ain Sefra are given at a scale of 1/200,000 and are supplemented by some field data, along with some wind data. The analysis of data brought from different sources has made it possible to locate, characterize and map the evolution and the spatio-temporal dynamics of the recent extension of sandy accumulations, old Quaternary dune belts, and shrinking of vast endorheic depressions (Chott El Gharbi and Sebkhat Nâama). It is widely acknowledged that areas that are most affected by the progression of silting are the Plain of Naama, that is surrounded by the first Saharan Atlas ranges and by the orographic corridor formed by the double SW/NE alignment of Djebel (Mount) Morhad, Djebel Suigua, Djebel Aissa and Djebel Mekter located south of Ain Sefra. It is important to note that all this information, which is extracted from satellite images and exogenous data, will be integrated into a GIS.

Spatio-temporal assessment of drought in the semi-arid region of Algerian steppe through index and remote sensing

The scarcity of annual rainfall, which sometimes spreads over successive years, causes persistent droughts. In order to study the drought severity on the Algerian steppe, we analysed precipitation data (1985–2015) from the weather stations of Ain Sefra, El Bayadh, Tiaret and Djelfa, using drought meteorological indices: the mean deviation, the standardised precipitation index, the rainfall index and the frequency analysis of the rainfall series. Thus, we adopted the diachronic study by satellite remote sensing for the years 2002 (the driest year) and 2009 (the wettest year), which allowed us to better understand the evolution of the steppe rangelands surface and to better interpret their spatial-temporal changes. Drought, as determined by the mean deviation index, occurred during two periods (in sequence and corresponds to 55% the sequences of deficit years), one over 12 years (from 1994/1993 to 2006/2005) and the other over 5 years (1985–1990) and with isolated years. The results of the diachronic study of the vegetation change demonstrate the obvious divergence of the vegetation cover between 2002 and 2009. Drought has impacts on vegetation composition, growth, productivity, structure and functioning of ecosystems, which limits regeneration of vegetation cover.

Assessing Aeolian Sand Potential in Ain Sefra Region - Southwestern of Algeria

Ain Sefra is a semi-arid area located in south-western Algeria carried out by sand barring, which has made any development in the area impossible. Thus, to understand this phenomenon, it is useful to estimate the displacement of the quantity of sand and the directions of the effective winds during 30 years (1985-2015) to quantify the phenomenon of silting and categorize the danger. Using the method of Fryberger, anemometric (wind) data from meteorological stations were analyzed to examine the potential for sand drift potential (DP) at Ain Sefra between 1985 and 2015. The objective is to identify the hazard level by estimating the sand displacement and effective wind directions over 30 years (1985-2015). The resulting (potential displacement) DP and directional wind variability are estimated and discussed. The average annual sand DP is expected to be 222VU (vector units). These figures have led to the classification of the Ain Sefra location as a wind environment with intermediate energy levels (medium energy wind environment) (Fryberger and Dean 1979). It is determined that the drift potential is 76 with a migration coefficient of 0.3 and that the area has a medium classification. It is also shown that the complex system of wind erosion and its interrelationship with other components are in play. The sand drift potential environment varies greatly from location to location, and 80% of the resulting annual PDR occurs during the fall season from March to June. In addition, effective winds often blow from the southwest to the northeast at an angle of 234°. In addition, the sand can be in different directions, leading it to drift. We should also mention that the directional variability is also quite high

Groundwater Potentiality Assessment of Ain Sefra Region in Upper Wadi Namous Basin, Algeria Using Integrated Geospatial Approaches

Water demand has been increasing considerably around the world, mostly since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. It has caused many problems for water supply, especially in arid areas. Consequently, there is a need to assimilate lessons learned to ensure water security. In arid climates, evaluating the groundwater potential is critical, particularly because the only source of drinking water and irrigation for the community is groundwater. The objective of this report is to locate and identify probable groundwater basins in the upper Wadi Namous basin’s Ain Sefra area. GIS and RS were used to evaluate the parameters of morphometry and to demarcate groundwater potential zones by using eight different influencing factors, viz., geology, rainfall, height, slope, land cover, land use, and lineaments density are all factors to consider. The analytical hierarchical process (AHP) was used to give weightages to the factors, and definitions within each attribute were sorted in order of priority for groundwater potentiality. The major findings of the research were the creation of groundwater-potential zones in the watershed. The hydrogeological zone of the basin was assessed as follows: very poor (0.56%), poor (26.41%), moderate (44.72%), good (25.22%), and very good (3.1%). The groundwater recharge potential zones are concentrated in low cretaceous locations, according to analytical data. The groundwater potential regions were checked to field inventory data from 45 water locations to corroborate the findings. The qualitative findings and the groundwater inventory data agreed 77.78%, according to the cross-validation study. The produced groundwater potential map might substantially assist in the development of long-term management plans by enabling water planners and decision-makers to identify zones appropriate for the placement of productive wells and reducing investment losses caused by well drilling failures. The results of the study will also serve as a benchmark for further research and studies, such as hydrogeological modeling.

Assessment of the impacts of climate change on drought in an arid area using drought indices and Landsat remote sensing data

Abstract Located in the arid climatic zone of Algeria, the region of Ain Sefra is a victim of climatic change, which faces several geographical, ecological, economic and even social problems. The present study investigated the relationships between various drought indices and the evolution of land use elements in Ain Sefra from 1977 to 2017 using the Modified Soil-Adjusted Vegetation Index. It was revealed that there is a considerable growth of sands estimated at 286.61% of the area, moving toward the north and northeast of the study area during the last decades. The combination of drought indices and remote sensing seems to be most promising, whose results are valuable tools for guidance and decision support to local and regional authorities.

Note about the New Distribution Area of Atlantoxerus getulus LINNAEUS, 1758 ( Mammalia, Rodentia ) in Algeria

A rodent of the family of the Sciuridae, the Barbary ground squirrel Atlantoxerus getulus is one of the 111 species of mammals living in Algeria, it is listed in the IUCN Red List as "Least Concern". It is the only species of squirrel to inhabit Africa north of the Sahara in arid rocky ground at the South Western of Algeria and Morocco. It is a small colonial species growing to a length of between 160 and 220 millimetres with a bushy tail of a similar length. It weighs up to 350 grams and has short wiry hair and its belly is paler grey and the tail is longitudinally barred in black and grey. It feeds on plants and a major part of its diet is the fruit and seeds of the argan tree (Argania spinosa). Initially since 1991 several authors stipulated that the species is only present in the western part of Saharan Atlas from the Moroccan border to the vicinities of Bechar ( Labiod Sidi cheikh, Bechar, Ain Sefra ). Recently the species was observed in the Targent locality near Tindouf distant of 807 km from Bechar, 1191 km from Labiod Sidi Cheikh, and 1057 km from Ain Sefra . This is the first time this species has been reported in this region, this led us to suggest that its range has extended to the South West and further studies of its ecology in this new area is recommanded.

Morphometrical Variation of Carob tree (Ceratoniasiliqua L) in Algeria.

Mediterranean ecosystems are subject to the influence of particular climatic conditions characterized by scarcity or irregular rainfall and long dry summer periods. These climatic restrictions generally disturb the vegetation. In order to overcome these problems. The use of pioneer tree species, adapted to climatic hazards, remains the most recommended solution. The carob tree (C.siliqua) is an agro-sylvo-pastoral species with enormous socio-economic and ecological interests. This Mediterranean tree is favourably established in semi-arid and arid areas. For the success of reforestation projects, the management and preservation of this species requires prior assessment and characterization of their variability. This approach is based on multidisciplinary studies involving the analysis of the diversity of agro-morphological, adaptive traits. In this context, the present study aims to explore, using agro-morpho-metric markers of the carob tree in central and north-western Algeria. We use the pods and leaves to identify, label or characterize the different collections or germplasm of the carob tree in the world. This study was carried out on the variability of nine morpho-metric traits related to fruits (pods) and leaves through a comparative study at the level of provenances (Larabaa, BordjBounaama, Aflou, Remchi and Ain Sefra). Carob plants from three contrasting ecotypes of Ceratoniasiliqua (Remchi ecotype from the sub-humid stage, Tissemsilt and BordjBounaama ecotype from the semi-arid stage and Ain Sefra and Aflou ecotype from the arid stage) were subjected to a thorough biometric study of the leaves and pods collected after a field survey in June-July 2013. The results showed the highest mean values for the majority of the traits studied, thus indicating the importance of the provenance factor. Based on the analyses of variance and their decomposition, and depending on the biometric traits studied, the carob resource management strategy can be chosen either for the pod factor (pod weight, pod length, number of seeds per pod and number of infested seeds per pod) or the leaf factor (petiole length and leaf area). In the case of our collections, the longest size was recorded in the Bordj Bounaama population (16.66 cm ± 2.36) and Remchi (16.10 cm ± 2.78) and the smallest in the Aflou population (9.40 cm ± 1, 27). Indeed, a positive correlation between the measured parameters (length, width, thickness and weight of the pod) was observed. Differences between ecotypes were observed for all morphological traits studied.

Morphometrical Variation of Carob tree (Ceratoniasiliqua L) in Algeria.

Mediterranean ecosystems are subject to the influence of particular climatic conditions characterized by scarcity or irregular rainfall and long dry summer periods. These climatic restrictions generally disturb the vegetation. In order to overcome these problems. The use of pioneer tree species, adapted to climatic hazards, remains the most recommended solution. The carob tree (C.siliqua) is an agro-sylvo-pastoral species with enormous socio-economic and ecological interests. This Mediterranean tree is favourably established in semi-arid and arid areas. For the success of reforestation projects, the management and preservation of this species requires prior assessment and characterization of their variability. This approach is based on multidisciplinary studies involving the analysis of the diversity of agro-morphological, adaptive traits. In this context, the present study aims to explore, using agro-morpho-metric markers of the carob tree in central and north-western Algeria. We use the pods and leaves to identify, label or characterize the different collections or germplasm of the carob tree in the world. This study was carried out on the variability of nine morpho-metric traits related to fruits (pods) and leaves through a comparative study at the level of provenances (Larabaa, BordjBounaama, Aflou, Remchi and Ain Sefra). Carob plants from three contrasting ecotypes of Ceratoniasiliqua (Remchi ecotype from the sub-humid stage, Tissemsilt and BordjBounaama ecotype from the semi-arid stage and Ain Sefra and Aflou ecotype from the arid stage) were subjected to a thorough biometric study of the leaves and pods collected after a field survey in June-July 2013. The results showed the highest mean values for the majority of the traits studied, thus indicating the importance of the provenance factor. Based on the analyses of variance and their decomposition, and depending on the biometric traits studied, the carob resource management strategy can be chosen either for the pod factor (pod weight, pod length, number of seeds per pod and number of infested seeds per pod) or the leaf factor (petiole length and leaf area). In the case of our collections, the longest size was recorded in the Bordj Bounaama population (16.66 cm ± 2.36) and Remchi (16.10 cm ± 2.78) and the smallest in the Aflou population (9.40 cm ± 1, 27). Indeed, a positive correlation between the measured parameters (length, width, thickness and weight of the pod) was observed. Differences between ecotypes were observed for all morphological traits studied.

Using RUSLE and GIS for the soil loss assessment in arid regions: The case of the Ain Sefra catchment in the Ksour Mountains, Algeria

The loss of soil quality due to erosion is a global problem, particularly affecting natural resources and agricultural pro-duction in Algeria. In this study, the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) is applied to estimate the risk of water erosion in the Ain Sefra arid watershed (Algeria). The coupling of this equation with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) allows to assess and map the soil loss rates. The land erosion is influenced by many control variables, such as the topographic factor of the terrain and the length of slope (LS factor), rainfall erosivity (R factor), sensitivity of soil to erosion (K factor), presence of vegetation (C factor) and the anti-erosion cultivation techniques (P factor). To calculate the average annual soil loss, these five factors were considered and multiplied in the RUSLE Equation. The result shows that the aver-age rate of soil loss is estimated at about 5.2 t·ha–1·y–1 over the whole watershed. This study is the first of its kind in the region and aims to assess the soil loss caused by water erosion processes in this arid zone. Consequently, it is essential to take real intervention measures in these upstream areas in order to combat this scourge, based on priorities ensuring the sustainable management of natural resources in the study area.

Analysis of water and soil conservation techniques at the Ain Sefra arid watershed (Ksour Mountains, southwest Algeria).

In Algeria, the arid steppe watershed currently suffers from serious environmental problems, including land degradation, poor water resource management, soil conservation, and land cover management. This situation is manifested by several events such as soil erosion, depletion of water resources, and loss of biodiversity, which are partly related to the acceleration of the soil degradation process. In order to improve the functioning of ecosystems in these watersheds, public authorities and farmers have undertaken restoration and protection efforts through land-use planning programs. The objective of this study is to test the stability, reliability, and anti-erosion effectiveness of these anti-erosion developments that currently exist on three sites, Sfissifa, Belguered, and Ain Sefra, in the face of the exceptional extreme rainfall events recorded especially in 2007-2008 (250mm), both on cultivated land and in pasture and forest areas. We found that the traditional techniques generally used by farmers (terraces, stone cordons, toub walls, use of manure, cultivation in tanks and on ridges) have a great positive impact on water and soil conservation at the level of the cultivated plots. In addition, the modern techniques developed by the State (torrential correction, hill retention, reforestation) have proved to be very useful for water and soil conservation on a large scale, i.e., at the level of watersheds. This combination of these two types of development is almost indispensable to ensure a very positive impact on land productivity and the reduction of the risk of degradation.

Study of genetic polymorphism of some populations of Atriplex halimus.L by isoenzymatic markers

Atriplex halimus is a bush na ve to North Africa where it occurs abundantly. It spreads also along the Meditearnean coastal areas of Europe. This plant cons tutes a renewable richness and presents a great exibility against abiotic stress. An evalua on of its elemental and ecological use needs a determinism of the gene c pro le of its popula ons represen ng this species. In this context, a compara ve study of gene c polymorphism of six A. halimus representing different regions of Algeria : (Bechar, Ain Sefra, Mascara, Arzew, Mostaganem and Chle) was realized by the isoenzyma cs markers, which were represented by the esterases and phosphatases acids. This study show that the esterases are less polymorphes at the level of ecotypes stu- died. We no ced three isoesterases in Bechar, Ain Sefra, Mascara, Arzew and Mostaganem and an addi onal one that characterized Chle ’s ecotype and show its gene c diversity. The phosphatases acids demonstated also a weak interspeci c variability. However, it was signi cant with characteris c Chle ’s ecotype than others. The zymogram of acid phosphatases revealed the presence of 5 alleles coded by the same locus for the Bechar Ain Sefra, Mascara, Arzew and Mostaganem ecotypes and 4 alleles for the Chle eco- type.

Identification of indigenous Lactobacillus isolated from artisanal Algerian dairy product by 16S rRNA Gene Sequencing and MALDI-TOF Mass Spectrometry

El-klila, Jben, Rayeb and Lben are artisanal dairy products typical of the North African region. These products are considered a good source of nutrients and a vector par excellence of indigenous lactic acid bacteria with significant technological and therapeutic potential. In this study, fifty-two Lactobacillus isolates from traditional dairy products (El-Klila, Jben and Rayeb) from the Ain Sefra region (southwestern of Algeria) were identified by phenotypic, genotypic and MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry methods. Phenotypic characterization allowed dividing the isolates into two groups: 7.69% of isolates mesophilic and strict heterofermentative and 92.31% isolates mesophilic and optional heterofermentative. The isolates identification by sequencing 16S rDNA was performed using the universal primers w02 and w18. Comparing the sequences of the isolates with the GenBank database (NCBI) revealed a high percentage with five species of Lactobacillus. Of the 52 isolates, thirteen were identified as Lactobacillus paracasei, four isolates were L. brevis, five isolates were L. rhamnosus and ten isolates were L. plantarum. The lasting twenty isolates were related, at the same time, to the plantarum species and the pentosus species. The use of MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry confirmed the identity of 36 strains of Lactobacillus. Of the 20 isolates related to the plantarum / pentosus group by 16S rDNA, 50% were identified as L. plantarum. Finally, the results of the two combined methods allowed us to correctly identify 80.76% of the Lactobacillus isolates at the genus and species level. The analysis by MALDI-TOF SM has proved to be a very reliable, fast (less than an hour) and inexpensive tool for identifying native Lactobacillus species from artisanal dairy products. This method can constitute a major tool for the study of the microbial biodiversity of artisanal food products.

Coupling HEC-RAS and HEC-HMS in rainfall–runoff modeling and evaluating floodplain inundation maps in arid environments: case study of Ain Sefra city, Ksour Mountain. SW of Algeria

Ain Sefra watershed is located in the south-west of Algeria that has an area of 1957 km2. In its downstream part located Ain Sefra city where wadi Ain Sefra (junction of wadi Breidj and Tirkount) takes place. It crosses the completely urbanized areas where it was liable to many inundations causing lots of losses either economic or loss of life, these damages resulted from growth population and the spreading of the city over the natural space of this wadi. In this paper, the methodological approach adopted, focused on the hydrologic modeling through the Hydrologic Engineering Center’s Hydrologic Modeling System and the hydraulic modeling under the Hydrologic Engineering Center’s River Analysis System with combination of Watershed Modeling System model and Geographic Information System. The aim of this study is to analyze the inundation behavior of Ain Sefra city during extreme flood events by considering concrete retaining walls existence built by local authorities and without it. In this case, three types of simulation are performed with the return periods of 10, 100, and 1000 years. The hydraulic modeling revealed that the existence of retaining walls resulted in decrease of flood zone area, and so much less lands are endangered by floods, so that damages of flood at the study area decrease clearly, but they still been insufficient for all return periods. The simulations also highlighted that the region most affected by the flood is the downtown area. Finally, a protection concept is proposed to ensure a better passage of floods in Ain Sefra city, to reduce the risk and to protect the city against the floods.

FLOODS TYPOLOGY IN SEMIARID ENVIRONMENT: CASE OF AIN SEFRA WATERSHED (KSOUR MOUNTAINS, SAHARIAN ATLAS, SW OF ALGERIA)

The watershed of Ain Sefra covers an area of 1957 km 2 , which is located in the southwestern of Algerian territory in an area called Ksour Mountains. It is moderately elongated and characterized by a fairly widespread network, steep slopes and relatively impermeable terrains with variety lithology, providing a favorable environment for the development of flashfloods. The surface flow regime in this semi-arid region is consistent with the rainfall. Floods are highly variable and irregular, short and stormy, with very high peak flows if compared to the average modules, they are characterized by a very fast rise, leading severe damages in Ain Sefra city, and a slow decline followed by a prolonged dry period. Autumn is reported as risky season. The flow in dry periods demonstrates a groundwater potential, which is produced by the Atlas relief that shows a fairly strong hydrological relationship between surface water and groundwater.