Northwest Algeria Research Articles

Comparative study of different estimation approaches to quantify suspended sediment transport at hydrometric stations: case of the wadi Mina basin, Northwest Algeria

Comparative study of different estimation approaches to quantify suspended sediment transport at hydrometric stations: case of the wadi Mina basin, Northwest Algeria

Evaluation of mixed biofilm production by Candida spp. and Staphylococcus aureus strains co-isolated from cystic fibrosis patients in northwest Algeria

Cystic fibrosis patients' lungs are chronically colonized by multiple microbial species capable of forming biofilms. This study aimed to characterize the polymicrobial biofilm formed by Candida spp. and S. aureus, co-isolated from sputum samples of cystic fibrosis patients regarding microbial density, metabolic activity, and structure. 67 samples from 28 patients were collected with a 96% alteration rate. 34% showed alterations by both Candida spp. and Gram-positive bacteria, predominantly Candida spp. and S. aureus in 77% of cases, accounting for 6 associations. Biofilm biomass was quantified using the crystal violet assay, and metabolic activity was assessed using the MTT reduction assay. Scanning electron microscopy analyzed the C. tropicalis/S. aureus24 biofilm architecture. Candida spp. isolates demonstrated the ability to form mixed biofilms with S. aureus. The C. tropicalis/S. aureus24 association exhibited the highest production of biofilm and metabolic activity, along with the C. albicans17/C. rugosa/S. aureus7 in both single and mixed biofilms.

Exploring the Influence of Plastic Powder Incorporation on Geotechnical Properties of Expansive Soil Stabilized with Granite Powder for Building Applications

An experimental study was undertaken to investigate the effect of plastic and granite waste powder on the geotechnical performance of expansive soil, using different mix ratios. The soil studied is Hachem, in the northwestof Algeria. In this context, first reinforcing the plastic powder with granite powder, then add the mixture to the expansive soil. The percentage of plastic powder is (0%, 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%) and reinforced at 2%, 4%, 6% and 8% with granite powder. The experimental results showed a gradual decrease in liquid limits, swell potentials, and swelling pressure as the proportions of plastic and granite powder increase. In terms of the results obtained by reducing swelling and swelling pressure values and increasing unconfined compressive strength (UCS) tests and ductility values, this mixture of waste plastics and granite can be of great importance in improving the mechanical properties of samples.

Epidemiological insights into colorectal cancer in northwestern Algeria.

The incidence of colorectal cancer (CRC) has exhibited regional variability in North Africa and the Middle East, with a steady increase in Algeria. Despite this trend, limited data exist on the epidemiology of CRC in northwestern Algeria. Our study aimed to investigate the epidemiological characteristics of CRC in this region. We conducted a retrospective study examining 255 confirmed CRC cases through medical records from patients at the Sidi Bel Abbes anti-cancer centre. The mean age of the study participants was 59 ± 13 years. The results showed a higher incidence in males (57%) than in females, and colon (62%) than rectal cancer. Within this cohort, 47% had a pre-existing medical condition, while 39% had a family history of cancer. Adenocarcinomas were the prevailing histological subtype in 94% of CRC cases. Compared with colon cancer, rectal cancer was less often diagnosed at stage IV of the disease (OR = 0.75; 95% CI = 0.09, 4.86; p = 0.8) and more likely in early-onset patients (OR = 2.27; 95% CI = 1.25, 4.17; p = 0.007). Men were at a higher risk of being diagnosed with metastatic CRC primarily hepatic metastases (OR = 2.03; 95% CI = 1.07, 3.99; p = 0.033) and pulmonary metastases (OR = 2.50; 95% CI = 1.07, 6.59; p = 0.045). This study may provide a comprehensive glimpse into CRC epidemiology in northwest Algeria. Understanding regional differences is the key to implementing specific preventive and interventional strategies.

The annual growth of cork in the face of climate variations (Northwest of Algeria)

ABSTRACT Cork growth rings from three sites in the North West of Algeria were analysed in relation to monthly and annual precipitation and to climatic indices. Ring width and their growth indices were small, ranging from 2.03 mm(ZA), 2.43 mm(TA) and 2.06 mm (AM), corresponding to a thin cork. Thirteen-year time series were compared to precipitation data from 2009 to 2021. Ring width and growth indices revealed a strong correlation with annual rainfall (December to January) and spring rains (May to June). Phellogen activity also remains markedly influenced by the maximum temperatures of March. In the context of global climate change, the water balance of the study area is inadequate. The severe drought in the region was manifested by positive correlations with the index of De Martonne. This also seems valid for the two drought indices (Gaussen index and xerothermic index). The extension of the dry season beyond 6 months affects cork oak activity.

Artificial Neural Networks vs Long Short-Term Memory Prediction of Solid Flow in Tafna Basin (North-West Algeria)

Artificial Neural Networks vs Long Short-Term Memory Prediction of Solid Flow in Tafna Basin (North-West Algeria)

Proposal of erosion control scenarios for the reduction of soil losses in the Wadi Isser basin using the RUSLE model, northwest Algeria

Proposal of erosion control scenarios for the reduction of soil losses in the Wadi Isser basin using the RUSLE model, northwest Algeria

Artificial neural networks for monthly precipitation prediction in north-west Algeria: a case study in the Oranie-Chott-Chergui basin

Abstract The north-west region of Algeria, pivotal for the nation's water resources and agriculture, faces challenges from changing precipitation patterns due to climate change. In response, our study introduces a robust forecasting tool utilizing artificial neural networks (ANNs) to predict monthly precipitation over a 12-month horizon. We meticulously evaluated two normalization methods, ANN-SS and ANN-MM, and assessed four distinct approaches for selecting input variables (no selection, ANN-WO, ANN-CO, and ANN-VE) to optimize model performance. Our research contributes significantly to the field by addressing a critical gap in understanding the impact of evolving precipitation patterns on water resources. Among the innovations, this study uniquely focuses on medium-term precipitation forecasting, an aspect often marginalized in previous research. Noteworthy outcomes include correlation coefficients of 0.48 and 0.49 during the validation phase, particularly with the Endogen variables and correlation-optimized models using Min-Max normalization. Additionally, the Min-Max normalized technique achieves an impressive 67.71% accuracy in predicting the hydrological situation based on the Standard Precipitation Index.

Valorization of local ethnobotanical knowledge in Ouled Ben Abdelkader region, Northwest of Algeria

Valorization of local ethnobotanical knowledge in Ouled Ben Abdelkader region, Northwest of Algeria

On the presence of Ocnus planci Brandt, 1935 (Echinodermata: Dendrochirotida: Cucumariidae) in the Mostaganem region (Western Algerian coast).

In Algeria, few studies have been carried on the Holothuriodea especially the family Cucumariidae Ludwig, 1894. A specimen was caught as bycatch from a commercial benthic trawler on the Mostaganem coast (northwest of Algeria). Based on a detailed study of the morphological, anatomical and endoskeletal characters, this specimen is confirmed to be Ocnus planci (Brandt, 1835). We report it herein as the first observation from the Algerian west coast. This species has been recorded several times in the Mediterranean sea. It is characterised by a calcareous ring, whose radial plates are longer than the interradial plates, the presence of buttons and perforated button plates of different sizes in the body wall, as well as various shapes of rosettes, baskets and nodules with small perforations.

Steady-State and Dynamic Simulation for Wastewater Treatment Plant Management: Case Study of Maghnia City, North-West Algeria

Given the critical importance of addressing effluent quality concerns, the present study was dedicated to developing a dynamic simulation model based on the Activated Sludge Model 1 (ASM1) of a wastewater treatment plant located in Maghnia City, Algeria. The model calibration process involved collecting and analyzing 56 samples from the plant over a period of 18 months (from July 2021 to January 2023). Thirteen physicochemical parameters were analyzed to identify the variations in their water quality over time. Stoichiometric and kinetic parameters were adjusted during the plant calibration process. These modifications resulted in a reasonable alignment with the investigated variables, enabling the accurate prediction of the wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs)’ steady-state behavior regarding the removal measurements of chemical oxygen demand (COD), total suspended solids (TSS), and ammonium (NH4-N). The model was validated using 14-day measurements spanning a 4-month duration, and the results indicated good agreement between the observed and simulated effluent variable of chemical oxygen demand (COD) with a root mean square error (RMSE) of 23%. These findings highlight the utility of the ASM1 Model in comprehending and managing the intricate dynamics of the activated sludge process in wastewater treatment plants.

Biometric and ecological characteristics of Malva subovata in northwest Algeria (Rachgoune)

Plants and the shapes of their leaves, petals and flowers are essential for distinguishing the different species present on earth. This study was carried out in the coastal region of Tlemcen with the aim of determining the morphology and morphometry of M.subovata. Our study area belongs to the semi-arid bioclimatic zone. The morphometric study has two main components: morphological measurements supported by controlled univariate and bivariate analyses (ANOVA1,2) to assess the impact of the site on the growth in stem length and exposure of this species, and to better define the influence of environmental factors on its development. In conclusion, the morphometric study shows a very good correlation between the various parameters measured, and it is important to emphasise the importance of the rich flora of this region and the need to implement a strategy to conserve and develop these natural resources.

Assessment of nitrate contamination of domestic wells and remedial treatment by electrocoagulation

Natural water contaminated with nitrates can pose serious problems for human health and aquatic ecosystems. Thus, effective, and low-cost treatment systems that can be implemented on both large and small scales are needed. The main goals of this work were to quantify nitrate pollution of groundwater (i.e., underground well water used for drinking purposes), to identify its causes, to evaluate the performance of the electrocoagulation (EC) process in nitrate removal, optimizing the treatment procedure using synthetic water, and to estimate the process cost. A total of thirty domestic wells, located in Sidi Bel Abbes city in North-West Algeria, used for drinking water were subject to sampling. Results indicated that most of the wells had nitrate contents that exceeded the World Health Organization (WHO) guideline value as well as the Algerian permissible limit of 50 mg.L−1, with a maximum NO3- concentration of 162 mg.L−1. The pollution was presumed to be due to agricultural activity, human and animal waste, and the nature of the soil. The EC treatment tests with aluminum electrodes exhibited a high nitrate removal efficiency of 90% at a current density of 5.12 mA.cm−2, electrolysis time 15 min, pH 8.8, agitation speed 400 rpm and at an initial nitrate concentration of 50 mg.L−1. Under optimum operating conditions, nitrate removal was 88% for an initial [NO3-] of 87 mg.L−1 in groundwater. The operating cost was estimated at 0.27 US $/m3 or 0.12 US $/Kg nitrate removed. The findings from this study showed that EC is an economically viable technique for dealing with nitrate contamination for small-scale water treatment applications.

Inventory and characterization of Orchids in the region of Sidi Bel Abbès (North-West Algeria)

Inventory and characterization of Orchids in the region of Sidi Bel Abbès (North-West Algeria)

First record of blister pearls in the oyster Hyotissa hyotis (Linné, 1758) from Pliocene deposits at Sidi Brahim, Lower Chelif Basin (north-west Algeria)

Fossil pearls are rare but important palaeoecological indicators in proving the former presence of parasites. A single right valve of Hyotissa hyotis from the Pliocene of Sidi Brahim shows numerous blister pearls inside the adductor muscle imprint. At the same locality, numerous shells with smooth adductor scars and without any blisters, have been collected. The structures in the studied valve can be assigned to blister pearls with high confidence due to their similarity to other Cenozoic pearls from Austria. The blister pearls likely formed as a reaction to parasite infestation. It is possible that some parasites especially targeted areas associated with the adductor muscles in the oyster genus Hyotissa, because similar blister pearls have previously been described in a congeneric species, H. squarrosa, from the Miocene of Austria.

Health risks from desalinated seawater used for human consumption: The case of Honaine Plant (Northwest Algeria)

Background: Honaine desalination plant produces 200,000 m3/day of drinking water, and applies a reverse osmosis process with sand/anthracite filters for pre-treatment. Objective: This study aim to explore the quality of treated water (TW) and to address any potential health risks. Methods: Samples of TW were collected daily, three times during the same period, for one month to investigate the physico-chemical characteristics of desalination. They were analyzed for calcium, magnesium, pH, alkalinity, TDS, free-chlorine, hardness, nitrite and sulfate. Results: After comparing the standards set by WHO and Algeria, the results showed that the TW of Honaine plant had low-mineral content, with a noticeable deficiency of calcium (21.22 ± 0.6 mg L-1) magnesium (1.74 ± 0.26 mg L-1), and sulfate (0.02 ± 0.01 mg L-1). The levels of chlorine (0.53 ± 0.08 mg L-1) and nitrites (0.003 ± 0.00 mgL-1) were lower than what the guidelines prescribe. The alkalinity and hardness of the water categorized it as being moderately hard. As for the taste, the TDS value (289.24 ± 26.86 mgL-1) suggests that the TW is excellent but the presence of chlorine negatively influences its palatability. The values of alkalinity value (63.73 ± 1.05 mgL-1) and pH (8.42 ± 0.021) of TW remain in line with recommendations. The hardness value (60.32 ± 0.73 mgL-1) shows that TW is moderately hard and softer than standards. Conclusion: Our findings showed that desalinated TW reflected significant low-mineral content of many healthy elements.

Herbal remedies used for the treatment of infertility in females by traditional healers in the northwest of Algeria.

Ethnopharmacological relevance: According to the world health organization, infertility is a global health issue affecting millions of people of reproductive age worldwide. Available data suggests that between 48 million couples and 186 million individuals have infertility globally. 
 Aim of the study: The aims of this work is to inventory plants used in the treatment of female primary infertility by the herbal healers in the northwest of Algeria. 
 Materials and methods: A number of 30 herbal healers and resource persons were interviewed. This ethnobotanical survey has permitted to identify 41 recipes in which involved 49 plant species belonging to 23 family used to treat primary infertility in women by traditional healers in the northwest of Algeria.The scientific name, family, common name, part used, mode of preparation as well as of administration, days of treatment and the indication are provided.
 Results: Results show that The Lamiaceae family is the best represented with 9 species and 32.14% of the frequency of use, followed by the Apiaceae with 8 species and Asteraceae with 4 species and frequency of use 9.52% for each .The aerial parts are the most commonly parts used with a rate of 22% of total parts of the plant, followed by the leaves with 18%, seeds 16%,root and rhizome 12%,fruit and flower (10% each); bark bulb(4% each), kernel and pollen grains(2% each) Infusion is the main mode of preparation with rate of 40% of total preparations, mixture with 37%, decoction with 17%, and finally paste with 6%. Recipes were principally taken orally (83 %) or topically (17%) as poultice (10%) or as vaginal steaming (7%). 
 Conclusions: Herbal healers in northwest of Algeria have a wide range of herbal remedies used to treat primary infertility in females; their knowledge is a natural heritage from their ancestors transmitted through centuries.
 
 Keywords: ethnobotany, infertility, recipes, herbal healers, northwest of Algeria.

Germination Responses of Ruta montana (L.) L. Seeds From Tessala Mount (Northwest of Algeria) to Different Controlled Environmental Conditions

Abstract This work is part of the exsitu conservation of Ruta montana (L.) L., a spontaneous Rutaceae, known for its many therapeutic properties. The aim is to study, under controlled conditions, the effects of daylight and darkness, temperature, salt, and water stress on the germination of its seeds. Salt stress was induced by different molar concentrations of NaCl (0–200 mM), and water stress was simulated using different concentrations of polyethylene glycol (PEG6000) corresponding to different water potentials (0-1.2 MPa). The results obtained showed that R. montana seeds were viable and could germinate both in daylight and in continuous darkness. Germination was possible at temperatures between 10 and 30 °C, with the maximum final germination percentage (FGP = 81.66%) recorded at 20 °C. At this optimum temperature, FGP decreased significantly when the seeds were placed under salt and water stress (p< 0.01).This decrease became more and more significant when the osmotic pressure induced by NaCl increased and when the water potential induced by PEG6000 in the medium decreased. The depressive effect of salt and water stress on FGP was verified by a linear regression analysis, which showed high values of the coefficient of determination (R 2):0.934 for water stress and 0.890 for salt stress. This effect on the velocity coefficient and latency time was more moderate or lower. The thresholds of tolerance to salinity and water deficit found were 150 mM and −1 MPa, respectively, for which the lowest FGP values were recorded with 16.25% for water stress and 11.10% for salt stress.

Trend Assessment by the Mann-Kendall Test and the Innovative Trend Analysis Method (North-West Algeria)

Trend Assessment by the Mann-Kendall Test and the Innovative Trend Analysis Method (North-West Algeria)

Impacts of agroforestry practices on the physico-chemical, water and soil fertility properties in semi-arid environments: The case of Bordjias Plain (Mesra, North-West Algeria)

Abstract All problems related to conventional agriculture are a reference to the search for sustainable solutions. In this context, a comparative study between three agroforestry practices (AFP): Citrus sinensis, Olea europaea, and Punica granatum, each associated with Vicia faba (Fabaceae), was conducted on Bordjias Plain. In order to study the impacts of each association on the physico-chemical properties and water and soil fertility, the soil samples were taken from two profiles (P1 under the tree and P2 between trees), through three horizons (Sh, Mh and Lh), before and after the establishment of culture. The results of the analyses show that moisture variability appears to be influenced by the type of soil and the woody species. By increasing the organic matter content, these associations improve the structural stability of the soil, accelerating the process of dissolution of calcium carbonate, changing the pH, EC, P2O5, CEC, and ion exchange in soil. The statistical approach (ANOVA) allowed us to bring out the positive impact of agroforestry practices on soil fertility.