Northwest Algeria Research Articles

Ethnobotanical Survey, Phytochemical Screening and Antioxidant Activity of Methanolic Extracts of Pistacia lentiscus L. Growing in Northwestern Algeria

In the context of biological studies on an antidiabetic plant, we conducted an ethnobotanical study of Pistacia lentiscus L., collected from two regions in the Northwest of Algeria: Mesra (Mostaganem city) and Mohammadia (Mascara city), followed by a chemical and antioxidant studies of methanolic extracts the leaves of this plant. Ethnobotanically, the plant has a large use, especially in traditional medicine as antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and cosmetics, such as polishing teeth and maintaining gums, moisturizing hair and protecting follicles, polishing skin and perfuming. Also, results showed its richness in active metabolites, such as polyphenols, flavonoids and tanins. The Mesra methanolic extract was more effective than Mohammadia’s one with 90.12 ± 2.74 mg EqGAc/g DW, 41.86 ± 1.52 mg EqCer/g DW, 27.45 ± 056 mg EqCat/g DW while Mohammadia extract revealed 80.31 ± 1.42 mg EqGAc/g DW, 33.92 ± 1.71 mg Eq Cer/g DW, 27.61 ±1.53 mg EqCat/g DW for phenolic compounds, flavonoids and tannins respectively. In addition, the antioxidant study revealed a powerful antioxidant effect with an IC50 of 0.06 mg/mL and 0.1 mg/mL for methanolic extract. This antidiabetic plant is valuable from a health point of view, so we are seeking to confirm another biological activity in vitro and in vivo.

Rainfall-flow Modeling Using a Global Conceptual Model: Case of the Beni Bahdel Watershed (Northwest of Algeria)

Rainfall-flow modeling remains necessary, even essential, to understand the dynamics of a watershed and to solve problems related to the disruption of hydrological regimes. It has been proven effective by providing solutions to many water-related problems, such as sizing and management of structures, and flood forecasting. Global hydrological models can simulate the transformation of rainfall data into flows on natural basins for many practical applications in the field of water resource management. Our study aims to evaluate the reliability of one of these models, that of Rural Engineering 'GR' at three time steps: annual (GR1A), monthly (GR2M), and daily (GR4J), which will be applied to the Beni Bahdel watershed with an area of 1040 km², one of the sub-basins of Northwestern Algeria. The input parameters are precipitation and potential evapotranspiration (PET), and the output parameters are flows. The results obtained, both in calibration and validations, are encouraging, where the evaluation criteria taken into consideration, namely the Nash criterion and the correlation coefficient, exceeded 70% and 0.80 respectively. The study could be a decision-making tool for the simulation of flows, and be very useful for future hydraulic developments in the study area.

Performance of pozzolan in trickling filter for secondary treatment of urban wastewater in Tlemcen, Algeria

The research aims to study the purification performance of a local and natural material as an input or as a biological filter for treating urban domestic wastewater. For this purpose, pozzolan was used as the biofiltration support that was provided from Beni Saf located in the North-West of Algeria. Tests were carried out with a specially modified pilot unit (TE900) for wastewater treatment over a period of four months. To assess the efficiency of the treatment, two main parameters have been focused on – the height of the sprinkler filter (40 cm and 80 cm) and the flow rate (10, 16, and 25 dm 3∙h –1). Physicochemical and bacteriological analyses were carried out on raw wastewater and treated water. The obtained results show that the Beni Saf pozzolan-filled trickling filter eliminates a large fraction of the studied pollutants. The purification yields obtained are fairly encouraging; 98% for turbidity, 88% for suspended solids ( SS), 94% for chemical oxygen demand ( COD), and 98% for biological oxygen demand ( BOD 5). As for bacterial indicators, the formation of biofilms has significantly reduced bacterial activity with a percentage of over 80%. It can be concluded that the reduction of pollutant parameters clearly indicates the effectiveness of the treatment by this ecological process. Therefore, the use of local and natural materials for wastewater treatment can be a promising alternative based on sustainable environmental technologies and development.

Quality index based on fatty acids for Syrian pistachio cultivars (Pistacia vera L.) grown in Mascara (North-West of Algeria)

<p class="042abstractstekst">Pistachio (<em>Pistacia vera</em> L.) is one of the most important hard-shelled nuts all over the world. Pistachio has a very high nutritional value with its quality index based on fatty acids composition, protein, mineral, vitamin-E, and antioxidant contents. In the current study, fatty acids values of the Syrian pistachio varieties cultivated in Algeria (‘Adjmi’, ‘Bayadhi’, ‘Batouri’, ‘Achouri,’ and ‘Neb-djemel’) were detected for the first time. Oil extraction of cultivars was performed using n-hexane in a Soxhlet apparatus, and the fatty acids composition of the oil was analyzed by gas chromatography coupled with a flame ionization detector (GC/FID) in the methyl ester form. The fatty acid composition of the pistachio cultivars was detected as: palmitic acid (8.23 % ± 0.36 to 9.49 % ± 0.07), palmitoleic acid (0.10 % ± 0.02 to 0.62 % ± 0.24), stearic acid (0.67 % ± 0.04 to 1.40 % ± 0.18), oleic acid (56.35 % ± 2.13 to 61.90 % ± 1.07), linoleic acid (19.48 % ± 0.27 to 26.76 ± 0.55) and linolenic acid (0.390 % ± 0, 03 to 0.59 % ± 0.01) in all samples. The results demonstrated that the five pistachio cultivars were rich in monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) (56.9 7% ± 1.88 to 62.10 % ± 1.02) and moderately low in saturated fatty acids (SFA) (9.90 % ± 0.04 to 10.37 % ± 0.23). ‘Adjmi’ has fatty acid composition lower than the other cultivars statically. Oleic acid value was determined higher than other fatty acid components. In the current study, the fat and fatty acid components of pistachio cultivars were determined and the results of this study can be used for future pistachio breeding programs.</p>

A Spatiotemporal Approach in Detecting and Analyzing Hydro-climatic Change in Northwest Algeria

Understanding climatic behavior, particularly that of semi-arid regions, is essential in order to optimize water resources management and provide protection from climatic risks. Water resources have great socio-economic and environmental importance. This paper focuses on the statistical analysis of the rainfall regime of northwest Algeria and estimates its spatial distribution and temporal variation. To this end, time series and principal component analysis were performed on rainfall series recorded from 1913 to 2009, representing the annual precipitation from thirty meteorological stations to discover patterns and trends in the studied region. Furthermore, the applied spectral analysis of the time series reveals the existence of a period of approximately 97 years at all stations. ArcGIS along with statistical and analytical tools like SPSS and XLSTAT were utilized in this study of the climatic behavior in northwest Algeria.

Bedload Estimation: Case of Wadi El-Hammam in the North-West of Algeria

In Algeria, only the transport of suspended sediment is measured, the rate of bedload in the global transport of solids is estimated, approximately. Measures of bed load transport in the field are very costly, due to flow disturbances. As a result, evaluations of this type of sediment transport are difficult to carry out in the absence of databases. In this article, we tried to quantify this mode of transport at the wadi El-Hammam using the formula of Meyer-Peter and Müller. Formula that seems best adapted to the physical characteristics and flow conditions of the wadi studied. The results obtained show that the calculated bedload ratio is between 0.6 and 28 % of the suspension. The quantities transported annually are very large and irregular as they vary from 2.3 to 32 Mg.km-2.year-1, characterising the Mediterranean mountains and semi-arid environments. A good correlation was found between the daily bedload flow and the liquid flow, the obtained model Qs = aQb, can be easily used to estimate the bedload transport at the Hacine hydrometric station, located at the output and without data concerning this phenomenon. Keywords: Bed load transport; Fergoug; Meyer–Peter and Müller formula; Suspension; Wadi El-Hammam.

Precipitation trend analysis in Macta basin (northwest of Algeria)

Precipitation trend analysis in Macta basin (northwest of Algeria)

Evolution of Land Cover in the Traras MTS. Region Between 1984 and 2020 by Remote Sensing and Gis (Northwest Algeria)

Abstract In Algeria, the mountainous zones represent 11% of agricultural land of the country and are home to 25% of the population. The economic development and the associated urbanization have led to environmental degradation in the Traras Mountains, which are part of the Atlas Mountains. With the aim to evaluate the degradation consequences of this region, we focused on the evolution of land use and land cover over 36 years (1984–2020). Accordingly, we used Landsat and Google Earth Pro images, topographic and ecological inventory maps, as well terrain truth; our analysis tools were mainly based on ArcGIS, Global Mapper, and ENVI software. The diachronic analysis showed that the Traras Mountains lost 8,100 ha of agricultural and forestland between 1984 and 2020. Relating to this, we point out the destruction of 9,200 ha of forested area by the fire. The urbanization also contributed to the loss of agricultural and forested areas (6,300 ha), of which 27% are located in the coastal zone. The built-up situation led to an increase of soil impermeability which causes flooding during heavy rainfall.

2D electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) and GPR methods for soil characterization near Tiaret, northwest of Algeria—a case study

2D electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) and GPR methods for soil characterization near Tiaret, northwest of Algeria—a case study

Chemical geothermometers and mixing models to understand the thermal aptitudes in the management of Bouhanifia and Saida geothermal resources, northwest of Algeria

The paper aims to determine the geothermal characteristics and the mixing possibility of Bouhanifia and Saida geothermal resource because of its importance in tourist activities and energy investigations by using Geothermometry and geochemical approaches. The methodology of our work is based on physico-chemical analysis and thus is validated by the execution of plots and graphs that identify the mixing with cold water and define the geothermal behavior. Geothermal water is characterized by natural pH ranging between 5.86 and 7.03. Furthermore, by cation domination water type Cl−, Na+, Ca+ for Bouhanifia and Cl−, SO42−, Mg2+ for Saida, the Silica geothermometers give lower temperatures variation between 12 and 106 °C. On the other hand, the estimated temperature from cationic geothermometers ranges between 51 and 236 °C. The geothermal is mixed with cold water from saline and carbonated formations. Results showed that the studied geothermal water chemistry and Geothermometry are more affected by local geology and tectonic than regional perspectives. Therefore, the water is influenced by polluted shallow interactions and is classified as a low enthalpy category.

Phytoplankton Biodiversity and Its Relationship with Aquatic Environmental Factors in Lake Sidi Mhamed Benali of the Wilaya of Sidi Bel Abbes (North-West of Algeria)

Phytoplankton Biodiversity and Its Relationship with Aquatic Environmental Factors in Lake Sidi Mhamed Benali of the Wilaya of Sidi Bel Abbes (North-West of Algeria)

Flight activity of Bactrocera oleae (Rossi, 1790) (Diptera: Tephritidae) infesting two Algerian olive varieties in north-west Algeria

Bactrocera oleae (Rossi, 1790) (Diptera: Tephritidae) is the most dangerous insect pest of the olive tree in the Mediterranean region. This study was conducted in the Mascara region (North-West Algeria) during 2019-2020 season, in order to monitoring the flight activity of B. oleae by using Mc Phail type traps and evaluating the infestation rate on two olive varieties (Sigoise and Chemlal) by fruits sampling. The data obtained indicated that the flight activity of B. oleae developed five peaks of the abundance. The General Linear Model (GLM) showed that infestation rate and fruit caliber varied considerably among varieties and across the sampling date, which gradually increased with time. ‘Sigoise’ having the highest caliber and was more infested than ‘Chemlal’. The northern cardinal orientation of the tree was the least attacked by this pest. The GLM function showed that there was relationship between the infestation rate and fruit size.

Mapping of clay soils by remote sensing in the area of Mers El Kébir, Algeria

The identification of clay soils is of great importance for the construction industry. Indeed, this type of soil presents an economic interest related to the exploitation of its clayey materials. Furthermore, the assessment of the potential for differential ground movement through the dryness of the soils and their rehydration is also an important issue to identify in order to reduce the swelling-shrinking hazard. The region of Mers El Kébir located in northwest Algeria, is at risk of this phenomenon because it is known for its marly clay compositions. Mapping this type of soil using satellite imagery offers an alternative to the engineering practice of establishing soil mineralogy, based on X-ray diffraction analysis, which is expensive and time-consuming. The objective of this research is to use ASTER satellite images to map different clay minerals. This analysis is based on remote sensing of spectral signatures corresponding to illite, kaolinite, and montmorillonite.The study of satellite images of the Mers El Kébir region validates the methodology developed, which could be used to help in the development and planning of new infrastructures adapted to the different types of soil.

Checklist of Odonata of Sidi Bel Abbes, Northwest Algeria

The odonates of Algeria have been studied for more than a century and a half, but the Northwestern part of the country has historically received little attention. A recent study in central North Algeria reported a species new to the country, suggesting that new investigations in unexplored areas are necessary to fully understand the local odonatofauna. We studied assemblages of odonates in 23 sites in Sidi Bel Abbes (Northwest Algeria) by bimonthly recording adults across a 200 m-transect from May to August of 2019–2022. Our sampling yielded 29 species (13 damselflies and 16 dragonflies) belonging to 19 genera and seven families. We recorded a new locality for the regionally endangered Coenagrion mercuriale, expanding the western range limit of the species in Algeria. We documented the occurrence of Selysiothemis nigra, a species that has recently become more frequent in North Africa. Ischnura pumilio and Onychogomphus forcipatus unguiculatus, which are relatively rare in the region, were also recorded. The arid-dwelling Trithemis kirbyi and the Mediterranean endemic Orthetrum nitidinerve were quite common in the study area. This study fills an important gap of knowledge in our understanding of odonate geographic distribution in North Africa.

Hydrological Drought Response to Meteorological Drought Propagation and Basin Characteristics (Case Study: Northwest of Algeria)

Hydrological Drought Response to Meteorological Drought Propagation and Basin Characteristics (Case Study: Northwest of Algeria)

Karstic geomorphology of carbonate Ouarsenis Piedmont (Boukadir region, Chelif) in Algeria: The role of the Messinian Salinity Crisis

Algeria displays various karst landscapes due to its diversity in lithology, relief, age and climate. On 16th June 1988, in the northwest of Algeria, a 60 m wide sudden collapse occurred in the Chelif Basin about 1 km north of a marginal carbonate platform. Despite this large event and visible karst dissolutions in the platform, this region has not been classified among the karst areas of Algeria yet. Our study focuses on this Messinian carbonates that form the northern piedmont of the Ouarsenis Mountain range and are covered to the north by Plio-Quaternary deposits. The geological and geomorphological data that we collected reveal that the present-day karstification is limited at the outcropping surface. Present-day carbonate dissolution is impeded by the absence of a topsoil supplying CO2 and by the presence of a calcrete improving the drainage. Although dissolution at depth is generally diffuse due to the porous and friable nature of the carbonates, two factors can, on the contrary, concentrate water infiltration: the presence of a network of more or less subvertical fractures and, occasionally, at the surface, the absence of calcrete, independently of the fracturing nodes There are few ponors and sinkholes present. The endokarst is still present as evidenced by rare caves. In epikarst, solution pipes and shelter caves are prevalent. The later results from differential weathering in relation with the carbonate facies and the progressive calcrete cementation in valleys and slopes during river incision. Near valley bottom, shelters are arranged in steps like terraces. This morphology is related to base-level lowering in relation with the deformation and uplift of the Ouarsenis piedmont. Near the southern edge of the Chelif Basin, deep (>55m) karstic voids are present and associated with paleo-valley incision presently burried by Plio-Quaternary deposits. We interpreted the large 1988 collapse in relation with this paleokarst and propose that its triggering was partly induced by a lowering of the aquifers due to a deficit of precipitation. The deep paleokarst formation and the buried river incision are attributed to the low base-level during the Messinian Salinity Crisis (5.97–5.33 Ma). We evidenced an upper karstic dissolution level filled that is attributed to a per ascendum evolution of the karstic phreatic network in relation with the following Pliocene aggradation.

An ethnobotanical study of the traditional uses of medicinal and aromatic plants of the regions of Relizane (North-West Algeria)

ABSTRACT The present study aims at documenting the use of the medicinal plants by the local populations of five regions in the province of Relizane in the North-West of Algeria. Our findings show that the local populations use 104 species from 46 botanical families. The predominant families are Lamiaceae (12%), Apiaceae (10%), Compositae (8%), and Fabaceae (5%). Moreover, the most frequently cited species are Thymus vulgaris L. (83 citations), Olea oleaster Hoffmanns. & Link (80 citations), Mentha spicata L. (75 citations), and Eucalyptus salmonophloia F.Muell. (71 citations). The highly cited medicinal species may be further investigated through future phytochemical and biological studies.

Diversity of fungal communities in the soil of three nurseries in Tlemcen (North-West of Algeria)

Fungi play a central role in most ecosystems and seem to dominate the microbial biomass in soil habitats, where they are important decomposers and occupy a notable position in the natural carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus cycles. Despite the fact that fungal species have been studied in several contexts, the diversity of some soil fungal species in nurseries is still unknown. This study aimed to explore the diversity of fungal species occurring in nursery soil of Tlemcen province (North-west of Algeria) and to test the antagonist effect of some isolates of Trichoderma sp. on species of the genus Pythium and those of Diplodia.
 Soil and root samples from young seedlings showing symptoms of oomycete infection and other fungal were collected in three nurseries of Tlemcen region. Following a soil baiting using fresh ornamental leaves, three Phytophthora species were isolated and identified based on morphology and microscopic observation. About the others groups, the dilution method using physiological water, revealed the presence of significant fungal biodiversity on the PDA medium. Twelve fungal species and five oomycetes have been isolated and identified, namely: D. sapinea, Lasio. exigua, F. oxysporum, Aspergillus sp., Penicellium sp., Mucor sp., Trichoderma sp., Alternaria sp. P. cinnamomi, P. gonapodyides, P. ramorum, Py. ultimum and Py. Polare. 
 Significant antagonist activity was recorded for isolates of Trichoderma sp. against Pythium sp. and Diplodia sp.

Microbiological aspects of the aeration tanks of an activated sludge treatment plant in dysfunction: Consequences on its treatment performance

The present study was conducted in a sewage treatment plant, called "El Kouwaer", located in the department of Mascara, North-West of Algeria. Mainly, the objective of this investigation is to evaluate the relevant settling and pollution parameters and to assess the proliferation level of filamentous microbial communities during the dysfunction period to further the effectiveness of the operative treatment. Sludge parameter values were estimated such us Settling Test, Diluted Sludge Volume Index (DSVI), and Total Suspended Solids (TSS) content to set up the sludge classification, the performance analysis of treatment was conducted by computing pollution indicators and removal efficiencies of organic pollution, as well as the Principal Component Analysis (PCA) of dysfunction parameters. The results showed that in aeration tanks 65% of samples represented a maximum Filament Index (FI) of 6. Diluted Sludge Volume Index (DSVI) was greater than 300 mg/L in 23% of samples. A high level of filamentous bacteria biodiversity was also noted during the assessment of the (FI) including Microthrix parvicella, Bogiotae, and Sphaerotilus natans. The effluent in the biological unit was characterized by BOD5/COD ratio of 0.17 and COD removal efficiency of 53.32%. Those results demonstrated that the sewage treatment plant is frequently affected by bulking problems. This study had confirmed the importance of continuous monitoring of different process parameters like Wastewater Biodegradability Index, Dissolved Oxygen, filamentous flora, and Dilute Sludge Volume Index (DSVI) to avoid irreversible damage at the level of a wastewater treatment plant.

Evalution of Physico-Chemical Quality of Groundwater of Khemis Miliana Plain (North West Algeria)

Evalution of Physico-Chemical Quality of Groundwater of Khemis Miliana Plain (North West Algeria)