Southeast Algeria Research Articles

Inventorization of ethnobotanical use of some medicinal halophytes plants in the Algerian arid zone (Biskra)

Context: The population's use of halophyte plants in traditional medicine is a fundamental component of the exploration of natural remedies. Aims: To analyze a list of halophyte plants and their ethnobotanical characteristics, with a focus on those most commonly used in traditional medicine in the southeast of Algeria (Biskra). Methods: The ethnobotanical surveys were conducted between 2017 and 2019 by interviewing 120 informants using a questionnaire and applying a semi-structured interview methodology. The data was analyzed using ethnobotanical statistical tools, including the informant consensus factor (ICF), citation frequency (CF), use value (UV), family importance value (FIV), relative frequency of citation (RFC), plant part value (PPV), and relative importance (RI), as well as statistics analysis (ANOVA) to compare the use of medicinal plants according to age, gender, and education level. Results: The results of the survey enabled us to identify 12 species distributed across eight different families. The most common family was that of the Amaranthaceae (four species), while the most frequently utilized parts of plants were leaves (PPV = 0.4). Furthermore, decoctions were the most commonly prepared form (33.39%). The highest ICF values were observed for the endocrinological and digestive disease groups (ICF = 0.97). The statistical analysis (ANOVA) revealed a significant difference in the knowledge of the use of halophyte plants in traditional medicine according to age and level of education. Conclusions: The findings of this research suggest that the halophyte flora in our arid study area may offer a promising source for the discovery of new drugs, a prospect that requires further investigation and exploration.

The impact of urban form on the energy efficiency of residential buildings in a hot climate. Case study: Ouargla city

Urban development is intensifying significantly in cities, mainly due to rapid population growth. However, this development is accompanied by increased vulnerability to climate change, leading to higher energy consumption. This energy demand is even more pronounced in hot climates, where temperatures are very high during the summer season. The Algerian Sahara is no exception, and is experiencing very accelerated development, which has given rise to the appearance of new urban districts, and different urban characteristics compared to the original core, which constitutes the urban form most adapted to the desert climate and in perfect harmony with the immediate environment. This study attempts to assess the effect of the different urban forms that make up the fabric of the city of Ouargla in south-east Algeria, taken as a case study, on the energy consumption of buildings in a hot climate. This research adopts a mixed approach to evaluate the energy consumption of three buildings located in three neighbourhoods with different urban characteristics. A quantitative estimate of the energy consumed for cooling during the summer season for the three typical buildings selected was simulated using DesignBuilder software, taking into account the city’s specific climatic data, as well as the urban characteristics of the three neighbourhoods selected for the study. As a result, this evaluation covers both the architectural and urban scales. For the qualitative assessment, a field survey was carried out using questionnaires to assess the quality of thermal comfort outside neighbourhoods and its impact on building interiors, and consequently on energy consumption. The results indicate the significant effect of urban form on energy consumption, confirming that the traditional form is the most appropriate to achieve better energy efficiency in a hot climate. Therefore, the research recommends taking into account various influential factors and applying design strategies, regarding urban form, from the first stage of the design process.

Study of the varietal behavior of 07 durum wheat varieties (Triticum durum Desf.) in the Oued Righ Valley (ITDAS Station)

Cereal production in the Oued Righ Valley is limited by several factors, including high temperatures and the salinity of irrigation water. These constraints cause significant variations in crop behavior and yield. This study aims to evaluate the performance of seven durum wheat varieties at the El Arfiane demonstration and seed production farm (ITDAS) in the Oued Righ Valley in the south East of Algeria. The evaluation focuses on morphological parameters and yield components To identify the variety or varieties that demonstrate favorable performance and yield, thus encouraging local farmers to cultivate them. The results of this study indicate significant differences in morphological parameters such as plant height, spike length, number of spikes per square meter, and number of grains per spike. However, other measured parameters, such as the number of tillers per plant, thousand-grain weight TGW, grain yield, and harvest index, The methodology employed in this study follows a completely randomized block design with three replications. The experimental design includes a set of experimental units arranged in blocks, with treatments randomly assigned within each block, hence the term "completely randomized block." Each treatment appears only once in each block. The blocks are typically placed contiguously to facilitate observations and task execution. This design is widely used in agronomy as it simplifies task execution and the comparison of treatments. Despite an acceptable thousand-grain weight this year, ranging from 37.06g for variety T4 to 27.6g for variety T1, the yields were low. The highest biological yield was 33.11 quintals per hectare for variety T5, while the lowest yield was 11.39 (T2) quintals per hectare. Several factors, including pigeon attacks and harvest losses, contributed to the reduced real yield.

Assessing drinking water quality in Eloued, south-East Algeria, using the groundwater pollution index (GPI) and the synthetic pollution index (SPI) model.

Groundwater quality degradation is a significant environmental issue worldwide, with potentially severe economic consequences and harm to ecosystems and biodiversity. This can directly affect human health, particularly in developing countries where rapid and uncontrolled urbanization is on the rise. Groundwater is the primary resource for meeting the water needs of the Eloued region, located in southeastern Algeria. Water is considered unfit for human consumption if its physico-chemical elements exceed national or international standards or guidelines. We used the GPI and SPI indices to evaluate the quality of groundwater suited for drinking. Groundwater samples were obtained from 22 wells at depths of more than 250m. Standard analytical procedures were used to determine the physicochemical characteristics of the collected samples, which included pH, EC, TDS, Na+, Ca+2, Mg+2, K+, Cl-, HCO3-, SO4-2, NO3-, NO2-, NH4+ and PO4-3. Multivariate statistical analysis and GIS techniques were used to process the results. The results of the selected physicochemical parameters were compared with World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines to determine the quality of drinking water. The findings indicate that the waters of the terminal complex aquifer are salty and contain medium to high quantities of main ions that surpass the established drinking water limits. The primary ions' relative abundance is Cl- > SO4-2 > HCO3- > NO3 for anions and Na+ > Ca+2 > Mg+2 > K+ for cations. Groundwater chemical types were dominated by Na+, Ca+2, Cl-, and SO4-2. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) showed that alteration and dissolution of carbonates, evaporates, salts, partly silicates, and evaporation, are the main reasons affecting the chemical composition of water in Eloued. The GPI results show that 18.18%, 54.54%, and 27.27% of the water samples were classed as lightly polluted, moderately polluted, or substantially polluted for drinking purposes, respectively. According to the SPI study, 9.09%, 36.36%, 36.36%, and 18.18% were considered drinkable, mildly contaminated, moderately polluted, and seriously polluted for drinking purposes, respectively. According to the GPI and SPI models' geographical distribution maps, potable water is generally scarce and concentrated in the northeastern section of the research area, near the town of Ourmes.

Experimental and numerical modeling of photovoltaic modules temperature under varying ambient conditions

In this work, comprehensive three-dimensional computational fluid dynamics simulation, of fluid flow and heat transfer phenomena around a free-standing polycrystalline silicon photovoltaic module is carried out. The objective is to provide accurate calculation of module’s temperature as a key parameter to estimate its power output. Therefore, experiments were conducted at the university of El Oued, south-east Algeria, to collect the necessary dataset for simulations. Considering different heat transfer mechanisms, modeling absorbed solar energy within the cells, and after mesh refinement study and model validation, simulations were performed and different parameters have been investigated. Results show that more accurate module temperature (Tback) estimation can be achieved based on numerical simulations. It was also found that numerical simulation overcome other models from literature and provides better results, achieving an R2 of 0.995 and a mean absolute error (MAE) of 0.822. Results also indicate that, solar radiation (G), ambient temperature (Ta) and wind speed (Ws) tend to have the major impact on Tback, an increase of 100W/m2 in G can produce an increase of 4°C in Tback at low wind speeds, and about 2.4°C for relatively higher Ws. Ta also tends to yield linear increase in Tback, expecting 5.8°C rise, for 6°C increase in Ta at 700W/m2 and 1m/s of solar radiation and wind speed, respectively. Additionally, a regression-based model was proposed for engineering applications, providing accurate results with an R2 of 0.989, a MAE of 1.009, which is 10% more accurate than the best model from literature.

Morphometric Study of Red Blood Cells in the Dromedary Camel (Camelus dromedarius)

This study was carried in the south east of Algeria, the main objective is to investigate the influence of three factors: age, sex and altitude on the morphometry of red blood cells. Blood samples were taken from 88 dromedary camels of the Chaambi breed, and smears were made ​​on slides immediately after the blood collection and stained according to the method of May-Gründwald Giemsa. For the morphometric study, we considered: the length, the width, the circumference and the surface of erythrocytes; measurements were made ​​while using a special OPTIKATM Vision Pro software. Statistical analyses were performed using the Student's T test. The results demonstrated that age and altitude; had a significant effect on the four morphometric parameters of erythrocytes; however, sex did not show any significant differences in the length, width, circumference and the surface of red blood cells. This investigation allowed us to propose new reference values for the circumference and the surface of red blood cells in the dromedary camel.

Toxic metal levels in raw camel milk sold in the northern Algerian Sahara

ABSTRACT The consumption of camel milk is gaining popularity in Algeria. This study aimed to determine the concentrations of Lead (Pb), Cadmium (Cd), Nickel (Ni) and Mercury (Hg) in camel milk sold in Southeast Algeria and assess the potential health risks associated with its consumption. 120 samples of camel milk were collected from 10 farms located near the roads in the south of Algeria. Metals were measured using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer with a graphite furnace and Target Hazard Quotients (THQs) were calculated. The mean concentrations were 0.026 ± 0.013 mg/kg, 0.001 ± 0.0002 mg/kg, 0.017 ± 0.002 mg/kg and 0.0005 ± 0.0002 mg/kg for Pb, Cd, Ni and Hg. The THQ was higher for children, suggesting health risks associated with consumption of camel milk for this age group (p < .001). The primary contribution of this study is the establishment of a database on toxic metal levels in camel milk, which can be valuable to manage possible risk associated with metals in milk.

Feasibility Study of New Geothermal System for Heating Premises and Thermal Complexes: Experimental Investigation of Water-Air Heat Exchanger in the East of Algeria

Abstract This paper constitutes a new technological solution for the exploitation of one of the most important geothermal deposits located in the locality of Biskra (South-east Algeria). This is the Albian aquifer whose hot waters from boreholes, hot springs and spas are poorly exploited while ambient temperatures during winter periods reach very low levels, especially at night. The principle of this geothermal system is to immerse a PVC tubular water-air exchanger in a pool permanently supplied with hot water from a low-energy geothermal borehole with a high flow rate. The choice of PVC material is attributed to the fact that hot geothermal waters are generally of an aggressive composition to steels and metals in general. The geothermal air heater allows the heating of the ambient cold air which is introduced into the exchanger and then extracted hot using an extraction fan. The hot air is then diffused into premises for heating during the winter season. The improvement in the performance of this type of exchanger is highlighted, in particular by acting on the number of pipes of the exchanger and the air flow rate using geothermal energy (low energy) as a source of renewable and clean energy. The experimental results obtained showed that the energy gain is a function of the length of the exchanger and the air flow rate. This gain can be up to 20°C between the inlet and outlet of the miniature exchanger model, which means that the proposed solution could be technically feasible.

Techno-economic feasibility study for the use of photovoltaic energy on the south-east algerian farms

This works aims to study the technological feasibility and economic viability of standalone Photovoltaic system for the electrification of farms in the south-east of Algeria. The PV system power plant is sized to supply potato farm in Akfadou-El Oued. The standalone PV system was designed and simulated using the Hybrid Optimization Model for Electric Renewable (HOMER). Simulation results showed that a high capital cost is needed to install the PV system with a high cost of energy reaches 30 DA/kWh.

Therapeutic Potential of Traditional Medicinal Plants from Algeria for Treatment of Liver Diseases

The objective of our study is to conduct an ethnobotanical investigation of traditional medicinal plants used by people in El-Oued state, southeast Algeria, for the treatment of liver diseases. We collected data through personal interviews and questionnaires. In total, we conducted interviews with 156 respondents, the majority of whom were aged 50 or older. Our study of medicinal plants used for treating liver diseases led to the discovery of 78 species from 41 families and various genera, including 52% of medicinal plants found in the wild. Approximately 77% of these plants were primarily used in dried form for remedy preparation. The most commonly employed preparation method was decoction. Interestingly, 70% of the participants mentioned Zizyphus lotus (L.) Lam., Silybum marianum L., and Atriplex halimus L. as sources for treating liver illnesses. This investigation revealed that many people in the research region still rely on herbal remedies to treat liver disorders. Moreover, the present study provides valuable ethnobotanical data on medicinal plants, serving as a foundational resource for future extensive research in this field.

Salinization risk assessment of irrigated soils in the Souf Valley (South-East Algeria) using chemical analysis, multivariate statistics, and GIS

Salinization risk assessment of irrigated soils in the Souf Valley (South-East Algeria) using chemical analysis, multivariate statistics, and GIS

Phylogenetic and pathogenic characterization of Mauginiella scaettae as the causal agent of date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) inflorescence rot in southeast of Algeria

Inflorescence rot is a devastating disease of date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) but has not been extensively characterised. Mauginiella scaettae Cav. 1925 (Pleosporales; Ascomycota), causal agent of this disease, was isolated from infected male and female inflorescences of date palm from different oases in the southeast of Algeria: Ouargla (strains OU1, OU2, OU3), Tougourt (strains TO1, TO2), Hadjira (strain HA), Oued (strains OE1, OE2), Ghardaia (strain GA) and Biskra (strain BI). Each strain of M. scaettae was used to infect healthy male inflorescence of date palms to satisfy Koch's postulates but follow on assessments were based on GA. Phylogenetic reconstruction using the rRNA sequence data (ITS and LSU regions) found no intraspecific differentiation of strains and confirmed the placement of M. scaettae within the family Phaeosphaeriaceae. Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) metabolite fingerprinting discriminated between fungal strains originating from male and female inflorescences. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) characterisation of the infection processes for M. scaettae in both male and female inflorescences suggested a preference for stomatal entry. Our characterisation provides new insights into this inflorescence rot to allow better detection and management of the disease.

Phytochemical Screening, Antibacterial and Antioxidant Activities of Ocimum basilicum L. Cultivated in Biskra, Algeria

Algerian flora contains a wide range of aromatic plants of great therapeutic interest thanks to their biologically active secondary metabolites which makes them a subject of scientific interest. In this work, we were interested in Ocimum basilicum L. of Lamiaceae family cultivated and harvested in Biskra city located at South-East of Algeria. Phytochemical screening has been per-formed to reveal the presence of flavonoids, tannins, coumarins, essential oil, and other phytochemicals. The contents of total polyphenols, total flavonoids and total tannins have been determined. The obtained essential oil and extracts have been the subject of antibacterial and antioxidant assays. Our outcomes confirmed that Ocimum basilicum L. has a multiplicity of potential phytochemicals with a considerable amount and can be used as an alternative natural source of antioxidant and antibacterial components.

The Agricultural System in the Oued-Righ Valley (Southeast Algeria), Characteristics and Functioning

The Agricultural System in the Oued-Righ Valley (Southeast Algeria), Characteristics and Functioning

Hydrogeological characterization of the Complex Terminal aquifer using geoelectrical investigation in the arid environment of Chetma-Biskra (South-East of Algeria)

As a transition hydrogeological area, Biskra (Algeria) holds large groundwater resources in deeply buried aquifers such as the Complex Terminal. Due to a growing demand of drinking water supply and irrigation combined to low recharge, this arid region is facing an acute shortage of water and hence, the need for groundwater investigation. We used an integrated approach including geophysical investigation correlated to the geological and hydrogeological context in the Chetma area. The results highlight a deep structural form with significant hydrogeological features. In fact, two resistant limestone anticlines called Droh corresponding to a piezometric dome and a syncline filled with conductive deposit materials were identified. The Maastrichtian formation, consisting of fractured limestone, about 200 to 350 m thick, together with Lower Eocene marl limestone and limestone form a complex aquifer. At more than 400 m depth, boreholes capturing Maastrichtian limestone offer a high yield ranging from 25 to 90 L/s. Moreover, groundwater yield provides an average of 40 L/s at 300 m of depth. In contrast, synform geometries with high clay and marl content offer a weak groundwater yield. We confirmed the occurence of fractured aquifers which could constitute potentially groundwater production zones. This study provides new insights to enhance groundwater pumping for domestic and irrigation purposes for 2030.

Phytochemical screening of aerial organs of wild fennel essential oils from southeast Algeria: identification of chemical composition, antioxidant, and antimicrobial activities

Phytochemical screening of aerial organs of wild fennel essential oils from southeast Algeria: identification of chemical composition, antioxidant, and antimicrobial activities

Diversity and Traditional Use Value of Medicinal Plants in Bou Saada District of M’Sila Province, South East Algeria

The study aimed at identifying the plants of Bousaada district of M'sila province, South East Algeria, used by the local people as traditional medicines and analyzing their use value. The ethnomedicinal use information was collected by interviewing local informants using structured questionnaires through regular field surveys. A total of 193 species belonging to 69 families was identified. Lamiaceae and Asteraceae were the most commonly reported medicinal plants with 85 and 71 species, respectively. Artemisia herba-alba and Juniperus oxycedrus were the most widely used plants as the traditional medicine by the local population. The highest use value (UV) was observed for Citrus lemon (L.) Burm., Ficus carica L., Moringa oleifera Lam. and Olea europaea L. (UV=5). The highest fidelity level (FL) value was for 73 species. The calculated informant consensus factor (ICF) showed that diseases related to gastrointestinal disorders and diseases of the glands attached to the digestive system diseases present the highest values. J. Biodivers. Conserv. Bioresour. Manag. 2022, 8(2): 61-78

Botanical Diversity of Arid Steppe in South East of Algeria (Biskra)

Botanical Diversity of Arid Steppe in South East of Algeria (Biskra)

Parameters of construction, positioning, orientation and those of adequate operation of a solar distiller in the south east of Algeria

Parameters of construction, positioning, orientation and those of adequate operation of a solar distiller in the south east of Algeria

Floods Simulation for Arid City Using GIS and HEC RAS: Case of M’chouneche South-East of Algeria

Floods Simulation for Arid City Using GIS and HEC RAS: Case of M’chouneche South-East of Algeria