Northeast Algeria Research Articles

Compositional data analysis (CoDA) and geochemical signatures of the terminal complex aquifer in an arid zone (northeastern Algeria)

The Biskra region, one of the arid regions in North-East Algeria, has known remarkable agricultural development, necessitating additional mobilization of groundwater resources, which are almost the only source of water in the region. In the long term, this heavy mobilization may threaten the quantity and quality of groundwater. This study was carried out to gain a better understanding of groundwater quality in the Terminal Complex (TC) aquifer of the Biskra region, to determine the hydrogeochemical processes controlling water mineralization, and further to investigate the suitability of the groundwater for consumption. For this purpose, multivariate statistical analysis, based on compositional data analysis (CoDA), including robust PCA, cluster analysis (HCA), ilr-ion diagram, and correlation analysis as well as graphical approaches, was carried out on the hydrochemical results of forty-four (44) groundwater samples analysed by standard methods. The results showed that most groundwater parameters exceeded WHO-recommended safe limits for drinking water. Robust CoDA revealed three distinct processes controlling groundwater hydrochemistry: the first “carbonate link” [NO3−, HCO3−, pH] at the northern boundary, which was progressively replaced by the second link [Ca2+, Mg2+, SO42−], and the third “mineralization link” [Na+, Cl−, K+, EC, TDS], located on the Outaya, Biskra, Sidi Okba, and El-Houche axes. In addition, around 93% of samples were within the geochemical zone [SO42− +Cl− >CO32-- HCO3−], while only 7% fell within the [CO32− - HCO3−> SO42− + Cl−] zone, with the following chemical facies dominating: Ca–SO4 (52.27%), Ca–Mg–SO4 (22.72%), Na–Cl (20.45%), and Ca–HCO3 (4.56%). The modified water quality index (WQI) revealed five quality classes: excellent (9.10%), good (11.36%), poor (65.90%), very poor (11.36%), and unsuitable quality (2.28%), with an apparent deterioration in water quality from north to south, following the same direction of groundwater flow. Finally, the use of CoDA with isometric log-ratio plotting, for the first time in the study area, has enabled a more thorough and reliable assessment of the processes controlling groundwater quality, which is valuable for rationalizing pumping and can help decision-makers to plan current and future water resource management practices.

Condition-dependent survival and movement behavior in an endangered endemic damselfly

Movement is essential for the maintenance of populations in their natural habitats, particularly for threatened species living in fluctuating environments. Empirical evidence suggests that the probability and distance of movement in territorial species are context-dependent, often depending on population density and sex. Here, we investigate the movement behavior of the spring cohort of an endangered endemic damselfly Calopteryx exul in a lotic habitat of Northeast Algeria using capture-mark-recapture (CMR) of adults. By sampling 10 gridded river stretches across a 2 km section of the watercourse, we were able to estimate the distance of movement throughout individual lifespans and estimate movement probability for both males and females. We used multistate models to examine whether individual density and sex ratio influence survival and movement probability. We found that males and females had similar movement kernels with most individuals moving short distances (83% performing movements of < 100 m and only 1% > 1000 m). Of the 547 marked individuals, 63% were residents, and 37% were movers (moved at least 50 m from one sampling occasion to another). Survival probability showed higher estimates for females and was slightly density-dependent (i.e., lower survival probabilities were associated with high male densities). Survival probability did not show a marked difference between residents and movers. Movement probability and distances were positively correlated with individual density, but were not or slightly correlated with sex ratio, respectively. These results are not in line with the hypotheses of sex-biased movement and survival costs of movement. Our results suggest that the species performs mostly short-distance movements that are dependent on intraspecific interactions.

Characteristic feature of the flood vulnerability in urban areas. Case of Skikda City (North East Algeria)

Characteristic feature of the flood vulnerability in urban areas. Case of Skikda City (North East Algeria)

Algerian wild green carob (Ceratonia siliqua L.): Physicochemical characteristics and antioxidant potency

The main purpose of this study was to determine the proximate composition and physicochemical properties of Algerian wild green carob collected from three separate locations in Jijel province (northeast of Algeria), as well as to investigate its antioxidant potency. The results showed that the three samples were substantially comparable in terms of proximate compositions and physicochemical attributes. They have an acidic pH range and a very low fat content. In terms of phytochemical properties, Texenna green pods had the highest levels of polyphenols, flavonoids, and flavonols, with concentrations of 87.10 ± 0.07 μg GAE/mg DM, 4.90 ± 0.06 μg QE/mg DM, and 37.0 ± 0.19 μg QE/mg DM, respectively. Furthermore, the total antioxidant capacity of the methanolic extracts was determined using the phosphomolybdate method and found to be 154.62 µg AAE/mg DM. These promising findings revealed that unripe Ceratonia siliqua L. from the Texenna region is a rich source of natural antioxidants that could be employed more broadly in functional food formulations.&#x0D; KEY WORDS: Ceratonia siliqua L., Unripe pods, Proximate composition, Physicochemical properties, Bioactive compounds, Antioxidant potency&#x0D; Bull. Chem. Soc. Ethiop. 2024, 38(1), 187-198. DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/bcse.v38i1.14

Recycling and household waste insight: the impact after four successive waves of the COVID-19 pandemic. Study in Guelma city, North-East of Algeria

Recycling and household waste insight: the impact after four successive waves of the COVID-19 pandemic. Study in Guelma city, North-East of Algeria

Detecting changes in land occupation and use (between 1984-2021) using "GEE" and GIS tools: focus on the green structure of the future metropolis of Annaba (north-east Algeria)

Annaba, Algeria's fourth largest city, has acquired national and international importance due to its openness to the Mediterranean Sea. Over the last ten years, its rapid sprawl has continued to exacerbate the situation, leading to increased consumption of space, particularly green structures. The main objective of this study is to assess changes in land use and land cover (LULC) over the last 30 years, focusing on the green structure of the future metropolis.&#x0D; Google Earth Engine (GEE) was used to explore land cover classification using the random forest algorithm. A spatial model of the main changes in land cover between 1984, 2004 and 2021 was also generated.&#x0D; The principal drivers of land use change are human activities and urbanization, including fires and land clearing.The spatial pattern of change is mainly due to inappropriate investment policy and uncontrolled urbanisation. This is explained by the main results of the land use conversion processes between 1984 and 2021. The comparison shows a decline in forests and green land, mainly due to conversion to urbanised land, cropland, bare land or other land. Similarly, bare land and other types of land declined over the 1984-2004 period in favour of urbanised or cultivated land. Furthermore, it compromises any possibility of sustainable development at a time when we are facing climate change.

Identification of &lt;em&gt;Cryptosporidium parvum&lt;/em&gt; IIa and IId zoonotic subtype families and &lt;em&gt;Cryptosporidium bovis&lt;/em&gt; from calves in Algeria

Cryptosporidiosis is a significant disease in calves caused by the parasitic protist Cryptosporidium. The infection results in severe symptoms such as diarrhea, dehydration, delayed growth, and weight loss, often leading to mortality and economic losses. This study aimed to detect Cryptosporidium spp. in fecal samples from calves in five Algerian provinces. A total of 65 fecal samples from calves were collected from 12 dairy cattle farms in the north-east of Algeria. The presence of the parasites was established by microscopic screening of the oocysts following an immunofluorescence assay (IFA). IFA-positive samples were analyzed by 18S rRNA PCR-RFLP (restriction fragment length polymorphism) to determine the species. Cryptosporidium parvum was subtyped by sequence analysis of the 60 kDa glycoprotein gene. Cryptosporidium oocysts were detected microscopically in 41/65 (63%) samples, of which 26/41 (63.4%) were positive by 18S rRNA PCR-RFLP. Two Cryptosporidium species were detected in 24 samples; C. parvum (20/24) and C. bovis (4/24). C. parvum isolates from IIa and IId zoonotic subtype families were detected: IIaA16G2R1 (9/24), IIdA16G1 (4/24), and IIaA15G2R1 (1/24). Thus, calves are reservoirs of zoonotic C. parvum subtypes and represent a public health concern.

Is there an effect of electromagnetic waves from base stations on the breeding success of Ciconia ciconia ciconia in Algeria?

New nest supports used by the white stork Ciconia ciconia ciconia (Linnaeus, 1775) are mobile phone network relay antennas, which are not without danger because they emit electromagnetic waves that can have a major, although insidious, impact on the species. The aim of this study is to assess the effects of electromagnetic waves from mobile phone network base stations on white stork reproduction. We monitored the breeding phenology of the storks as a function of the distance of their nests from the base stations over 2 consecutive seasons, 2020 and 2021. The work took place in the North-East of Algeria, in Annaba and El-Tarf provinces. The nests were counted and divided into 3 distinct groups. The first is located on the relay antennae, the second less than 200 m and the third more than 300 m from the antennae. We calculated nest occupancy, number of young in the nest and number of nests without young. The results show that nests located directly on base stations have a reduced clutch size, not exceeding two storks and a low reproductive success since the majority of nests (51.9%) remained without young. The number of young storks tends to increase in nests far from base stations. Broods with 3 and 4 young are generally those located more than 300 m from relay antennas.

RETRACTED] Short-term dynamics and growth parameters of cyanobacteria and microcystins in freshwater from the Sidi-Yacoub dam, North-east of Algeria

Abstract. Boudjellab ZE, Ghannam M, Chaib N, Chekroud Z. 2023. Short-term dynamics and growth parameters of cyanobacteria and microcystins in freshwater from the Sidi-Yacoub dam, North-east of Algeria. Biodiversitas 24: 5598-5609. The study aimed to establish the inventory of the blue-green algae species and monitoring the monthly evolution of their specific and total cell biovolume in Sidi-Yacoub dam, located northwest of Algeria from February 2021 to January 2022. At the same time, a monthly assessment of particulate and dissolved microcystin concentrations, chlorophyll pigment concentrations, and certain physicochemical parameters has been conducted. Eight species were listed, cited in descending order of their average relative abundance are: Microcystis aeruginosa (54.05%); Oscillatoria limosa (23.68%); Merismopedia sp. (8.34%); Anabaena cylindrica (3.53%); Aphanizomenon sp. (2.41%); Microcystis botrys (2.66%); Woronichinia sp. (2.95%) and Chroococcus limneticus (2.34%). The maximum value of the total biovolume, was recorded during December (27.4x106 µm3.L-1). The maximum concentration of chlorophyll-a and phycocyanin were respectively 55.26 and 47.46 µg L-1, recorded in September 2021. The microcystins detected where mainly in the cell-bound form, reaching a maximum concentration of 0.134 µg L-1 in October 2021. The principal component analysis shows a strong positive correlation between the total monthly cell biovolume, particulate microcystin (MCP) and some physicochemical parameters. M. aeruginosa has been identified as the primary producer of microcystins found in the eutrophic waters of the dam, with these microcystins being predominantly maintained in an intracellular form throughout most of the year.

When Grinnellian generalist species seem to be more sensitive to altered habitats than specialists: the case of Orthoptera communities settled in coastal dunes

Summary Numerous examples documented that species generalists for habitats are less sensitive to altered environment than specialists. However, in arid environments, an example indicated an opposite trend due to special adaptive features of organisms. We tested this hypothesis in the case of grasshopper communities, settled in the coastal dunes of northeast Algeria, as several aspects of dunes constitute stressful conditions resembling those of deserts. To define the dune-specific grasshoppers (specialists) and the dune non-specific ones (generalists), we applied the indicator value index to monthly samplings conducted in four coastal dune sites and 12 other sites of grasslands, fallow lands and scrublands in the same area. The degree of disturbance of each coastal dune site was deduced from the alteration of plant cover and richness. We investigated the relation between the specialist and generalist richness and abundance with the degree of perturbation using linear regressions. Results showed contrasting patterns for specialist and generalist grasshoppers: both abundance and richness of the generalists significantly decrease with an increasing degree of perturbation, while specialists show little to no changes. The higher resistance of specialist grasshoppers over generalists toward disturbance was not linked to the plant dune-specialists or generalists. This study is one of very few illustrating the relative resistance of specialized species toward disturbance.

Evaluation of The Influence of an Aquaculture Basin on Water Resource Management Through The use of a Geographic Information System and The FREEWAT Modelling Tool: A Case Study in The El Tarf Region (Northeast Algeria)

The study area belongs to the Bouteldja plain in the northeast of Algeria that experiences a cold and rainy Mediterranean climate during winters alongside a hot and dry summer. As per the potentiometric map, the movement of groundwater is towards the east. During model development, a single-layer numerical model was created with the aid of the MODFLOW-2005 code and the FREEWAT modeling tool. Some GIS features were executed on the model in a steady-state condition through the hydrological year of 2020. MODFLOW Well (WEL) and MODFLOW Recharge (RCH) models were successively utilized to simulate groundwater extraction and recharge. Analysis of pumping test data indicates that the total contribution via the western boundary is lower than the term of extraction because of over-pumping. The simulation analyses of the water balance and groundwater recharge following the installation of the aquaculture basin, with or without pumping, demonstrate a reduction in hydraulic load in the area near the wells. As a result, the exploitation rate of these resources might amount to or even exceed their renewal rate. In conclusion, our work proposes a modeling approach to simulate the impact of an aquifer recharge management program by adding an aquaculture basin for a dual purpose: the development of fishery resources and agriculture in rural areas.

Potential fitness consequences of roosting spatiotemporal selection in an endangered endemic damselfly: conservation implications

Understanding habitat requirements of species of conservation concern is central for their conservation and management. Although much of the research attention has been focused on reproductive sites, the understanding of roosting behavior and microhabitat selection, and their potential fitness consequences is also crucial. Here, we assess the roosting behavior of an endangered endemic damselflyCalopteryx exulSelys in a lotic habitat of Northeast Algeria. Based on marked individuals, we specifically investigated their vertical and horizontal distribution at roosting sites, as well as the timing of roosting and its correlation with lifespan (as a measure of fitness). We found that individuals were philopatric to roosting sites and less so to vertical stratification. Roosting sites were used for both foraging and roosting. Individuals that occupied lower strata in roosting sites had longer lifespans and ceased roosting earlier. Average temperature of the day affected the timing of roosting such that on warm days roosting started later and ended earlier. Individuals with longer lifespans roosted earlier, suggesting potential scramble competition for roosting sites. Our results suggest thatC. exulindividuals show variability in the vertical and horizontal location as well as the timing of roosting, and these choices potentially have fitness consequences. This study highlights the importance of bank vegetation as roosting sites for lotic insects, and emphasizes the benefits of protecting these sites and including them as integral parts of the conservation plans of species.

Geochemical Study of Mineralization of the Thermo-Mineral Sources in the North East of Algeria

Geochemical Study of Mineralization of the Thermo-Mineral Sources in the North East of Algeria

Three-dimensional magnetotelluric imaging of the Edough massif and its overlying formations (Northeast Algeria)

The Edough massif (NE Algeria) is the easternmost coastal crystalline massif of the Maghrebide belt, whose current structural position remains poorly known. Magnetotelluric (MT) data from 15 stations were collected along three profiles across the Edough massif and its neighboring formations in the period range of 0.001–1000 s to assess the deep electrical resistivity structure. A phase tensor dimensionality analysis indicates that the measured data are dominated by 3-D effect of underlying geological structure, thus revealing a complex subsurface structure. A 3-D inversion model was obtained using the full impedance tensor and the vertical magnetic field transfer function including bathymetry and topography. Our preferred 3-D geo-electrical model shows heterogeneous electrical structures and are related to the known geological features of the region. We mainly observe a clear resistivity contrast characterizing the upper/middle crust. The Edough massif appears generally as a homogenous resistive structure. The shallow conductive structures are associated with the Mio-Plio-Quaternary deposits and Flysch units. Most of conductive bodies are likely related to the iron/magnetic anomaly. These may likely correspond to the suture zone. Under the Neogene basin, the high resistivities with a north dipping strong angle may correspond to the African basement.

Neutralizing based seroprevalence study of Toscana virus in livestock from Algeria

Toscana virus is a sandfly-borne human pathogen belonging to Phlebovirus genus into Phenuiviridae family. It is emerging in north Africa posing a complex threat to public health. TOSV is heavily affecting sandfly-exposed people in northern Algeria. A larger distribution has recently been stated in Algeria by using dog sera. Dog exposure to TOSV was repeatedly identified in north Algeria, with 4.56% lately detected to possess respective neutralizing antibodies. However, evidence for TOSV has only been observed in dogs among various species of domestic animals. Therefore, we attempted to assess sera from 221 livestock comprising cattle, sheep, goats, rabbits and horses, to identify the presence of TOSV neutralizing antibodies. The study was conducted during 2017, in 11 areas from the governorates of Blida, Medea, Algiers, Tipaza, Ain Defla, Tissemsilt in the north center, and Setif, Mila, Tizi Ouzou, Jijel in the northeast of Algeria. Positive results were obtained in 14.6% (12/82) cattle, 17.18% (11/64) sheep, 15% (3/20) horses and 3.33% (1/30) goats, whereas rabbits remained negative. Positive samples originated mainly from the north centre, with new areas being first-ever detected. The seroprevalence was noticed to be very strongly related to sample origin (p < 0.01). Females (OR=4.09) were observed to be more likely infected. Our findings represent a further proof of TOSV circulation in Algeria. Moreover, they revealed a potential role of livestock (p = 0.00731) in its natural cycle. This fact emphasize how important is to elucidate the exact contribution of livestock to the epidemiology of sandfly-borne phleboviruses, and their impact on public health.

Detection of Land Use/Land Cover Change and Land Surface Temperature in the Eastern Part of Batna City (North East Algeria) Using Remote Sensing Data and GIS

&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; The present paper aims to evaluate the accuracy of classifying Land Use /Land Cover (LULC) types and assesses the trends of their changes in the Eastern Part of Batna City (Northernf Algeria) using remote sensing and GIS. The accuracy of image Land Satellite (Land Sat ) was evaluated using the supervised classification technique, it’s applied in multi spectral and multi temporal satellite data acquired in 2000,2010,2022 and assessed with GOOGLE EARTH PRO and IMAGERY Land Use and topographical map. The second part focused on extraction of LST in three phases and explored the relationship between two land cover indices (NDVI, NDBI) and LST.LU/LC detected, quantified, and stati- cally analyzed, the result indicate that from 2000-2022 the built-up areas increased by 0.34% (6.638km2), the forest area increased by 1.8% (35.144km2), agricultural land cover increased by 1.12% (21.867km2), while bare land decreased by 2.17% (42.368km2). The conversions of areas from bare land to urban land represent the most significant Land Cover changes. The accuracy assessment and correlation coefficient R2 analysis in this study affirms the previous research findings. Even a single land use unit like built-up area, bare land and vegetation also create differences in LST (R2 of NDBI vs. LST ranges from 0.64 to 0.79; NDVI vs. LST ranges from -0.73 to -0.82). With the change of the LU/LC style, its imprint is reflected on the LST. Therefore, immediate reflection on new urbanism must be adopted, initiated and implemented to stop the warming that contributes to climate change in the study area.&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D;

Correction: Groundwater contamination apportionment in Beida-Bordj rural territory, northeast Algeria, using the nitrate pollution index (NPI) and groundwater pollution index (GPI)

Correction: Groundwater contamination apportionment in Beida-Bordj rural territory, northeast Algeria, using the nitrate pollution index (NPI) and groundwater pollution index (GPI)

Characterization of Polyphenols and Volatile Compounds from Understudied Algerian Pallenis spinosa by HS-SPME-GC-MS, NMR and HPLC-MSn Approaches

Pallenis spinosa (L.) Cass. is a widespread plant in the Mediterranean region. Traditionally, it is used as a medicinal species to treat several ailments, from inflammation to skin injuries. Although the phytochemical content of this plant has already been investigated, there is currently limited data on Algerian P. spinosa. In this work, we focused on volatile compounds and non-volatile secondary metabolites extracted using HS-SPME and methanol from the aerial parts of P. spinosa collected from Northeast Algeria. Volatile constituents were analyzed by GC-MS, while non-volatile compounds were analyzed by NMR and HPLC-MSn. In total, 48 volatile compounds were identified, including sesquiterpene hydrocarbons (65.8%), monoterpene hydrocarbons (16.9%), and oxygenated monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes (8.3% and 6.5%, respectively). β-Chamigrene (16.2%), α-selinene (12.8%), β-pinene (10.6%), and β-caryophyllene (9.2%) were assessed as the main constituents. Concerning non-volatile metabolites, 23 polyphenols were identified (7.26 mg/g DW), and phenolic acids were predominant (5.83 mg/g DW). Tricaffeoylhexaric acid (1.76 mg/g DW), tetracaffeoylhexaric acid (1.41 mg/g DW), 3,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid (1.04 mg/g DW), caffeoyl dihexoside (0.35 mg/g DW), and chlorogenic acid (0.29 mg/g DW) were the most abundant ones. Several known flavonoids, such as tricin and patuletin glycosides, kaempferol, and apigenin, were also identified, and myricetin hexoside was detected in P. spinosa for the first time. Overall, our work is the first to report an exhaustive characterization of volatile and non-volatile secondary metabolites from Algerian P. spinosa. The results represent a step forward in revealing the chemistry of this widespread plant species. Furthermore, they may contribute to rationalizing its traditional medicinal applications and preserve the biodiversity of Algerian flora.

Assessing the impact of artificial recharge on groundwater in an over-exploited aquifer: A case study in the Cheria Basin, North-East of Algeria

Assessing the impact of artificial recharge on groundwater in an over-exploited aquifer: A case study in the Cheria Basin, North-East of Algeria

The gypsum in the soils of Ziban, Algerian Northern Sahara

Gypsum is the most abundant mineral in the soils of arid regions, it forms when the concentrations of Ca+2 and SO4-2 are considerable in the soil and has an enormous influence on their physico-chemical properties. Several representative profiles on a sequence in the Ziban region (northeast of Algeria) were studied. The results obtained indicate that several forms of gypsum are distributed according to the physico-chemical characteristics of the soils. The formation of gypsum is geological in the upper levels and of neoformation in the lower part of the plain towards the depression of Oumach this is due to the proximity of the water table.