Water In Algeria Research Articles

Evaluating the quality and nutritional content of bottled waters in Algeria

ABSTRACT The present study offers a quality assessment of the mineral and spring waters marketed in Algeria within the national and international legislations, examine the potential contribution of bottled waters to essential elements intake and effects on public health based on empirical, graphical tools, multivariate statistical techniques and (DRI) system. The study covered a dataset of 30 mineral and 33 spring brands. The parameters included, from bottle labels, were of physicochemical nature. All brands comply with national and WHO norms for the bottled waters, except for (Brand#63) in which NO2− exceeded the maximum permissible limit for mineral water and (Brands#4 and #21) where TH and TDS exceeded the Algerian recommended guidelines for spring water. Nearly 5% of the total brands were of bicarbonate nature belonging to mineral water, while 25% of all brands were suitable for low-sodium-diet. PCA and HCA showed that bottled waters could be classified into two distinct groups, according to degree of mineralization. The DRI-system revealed that Algerian bottled waters contributed substantially to the daily intake for Mg2+ with up to (63%), Na+ (40.36%) and Ca2+ (36%) for spring water for different ages and genders, whereas mineral water exceeded the maximum recommended daily intake for Ca2+ (128%) and Na+ (148.36%) for adults.

Quantification of water losses and performance analysis of drinking water supply systems in northern Algeria - case study in the Medea region

This study was prompted by the observation of the great difficulties that affect the public provision of drinking water in Algeria. The analysis of measurements revealed the performance level of the tested systems as well as the rates of drinking water losses rates in the Medea region (located 60 km southwest of Algiers). The small number of water meters and an intermittent supply make it difficult to quantify water volume losses. This article presents an analysis of the demand for drinking water and the supply systems performance, based on an extrapolation from a sample of consumers on whom data are available. This approach to exploring the current state of the drinking water system, its functioning and behaviour, has made it possible to draw up a report on this system’s reliability even in the almost total absence of metering of the consumed volumes. It will also help appreciate the quality of service and contribute to establishing relevant database on the water system and its service.

Assessment of some bottled natural mineral waters and spring waters in Algeria using multivariate statistical analysis, hydrogeochemical approaches and water quality index (WQI)

ABSTRACT In Algeria, the consumption of mineral waters has grown enormously, indicating that these waters have safe quality for drinking use. The objectives of the present study are to evaluate the physicochemical characteristics of 43 bottled mineral waters and to identify the main hydrogeochemical processes governing water chemistry using a combination of geochemical techniques and multivariate statistical approaches. The results revealed that the abundance order of cations and anions (mg/L) are Ca2+> Na+> Mg2+> K+, HCO3 −> SO4 2−> Cl−> NO3 −. In addition, the comparison between the obtained results and World Health Organization (WHO) standards showed that the analysed physicochemical parameters (pH, Na+, Cl−, SO4 2−, NO3 −) are within the acceptable limits of the World Health Organization (WHO) for drinking except TDS, Ca 2+, Mg2+, K+, HCO3 −, which exceed the WHO permissible limits in few water samples. Hydrogeochemical types in the study area were Ca2+-HCO3 −, Ca2+-Mg2+-HCO3 −, Ca-Mg2+-SO4 2—Cl-, Na+-HCO3 − and Na+-Cl−types, with a low mineral and intermediate mineral contents based on Van der Aa’s classification. The Gibbs plot specifies that almost all samples (93%) fall in water–rock interaction dominance. The major hydrogeochemical processes acting are dissolution of carbonate minerals, ion-exchange mechanisms and silicate weathering. Principal component analysis (PCA) was applied to hydrochemical data of mineral water samples. The results suggest that hydrochemistry in the region is affected not only by geogenic processes but also is impacted by anthropogenic activities. The comparative evaluation of the different water quality indices (WQI) shows that there is a difference between indices values for the same water sample, which may be attributed to the weighting methods, aggregation methods, and the limits of classes used in the calculation of each index. The results from this study can provide the basis for local decision-makers to develop suitable water management strategies and protection against any pollution risk.

Assessment of surface water management institutions: a case of public irrigation schemes in northern Algeria

Abstract The pressure on water resources that Algeria encounters is due to the scarcity and the water demand increase by different sectors of activity. This induces managers to reconsider the traditional supply management approach. The new water policies aim to adopt water demand management by improving the efficiency of its use in the agricultural sector, which consumes more than 59% of freshwater withdrawals. Economic, regulatory, and voluntary instruments have been adopted for better governance of water resources. This study aims to (i) define institutional arrangements on the exploitation of surface water in large irrigation schemes in Algeria and (ii) assess the effectiveness of the current water management instruments. Findings from farmers’ and water distribution agencies’ surveys suggest that objectives expected by the application of the different economic instruments are far from being achieved. Moreover, the absence of effective executive agencies for the implementation of regulations suggests that an improvement in the performance of public administration is necessary to achieve better governance of irrigation water in Algeria. At the local level, and despite a lack of farmers’ will to formally engage in a collective of farmers, they organize themselves around informal arrangements to overcome the challenges associated with water scarcity.

Development of biological processes for the removal of iron from water intended for the production of drinking water - case of ferruginous waters in Algeria

Development of biological processes for the removal of iron from water intended for the production of drinking water - case of ferruginous waters in Algeria

MCR-5-Producing Colistin-Resistant Cupriavidus gilardii Strain from Well Water in Batna, Algeria.

ABSTRACTThis paper presents the first description of the mcr-5.1 gene in a colistin-resistant Cupriavidus gilardii isolate from well water that supplies a maternity hospital in Algeria. The whole-genome sequence of this strain showed the presence of putative β-lactamase, aac(3)-IVa, and multidrug efflux pump-encoding genes, which could explain the observed multidrug resistance phenotype. Our findings are of great interest, as we highlight a potential contamination route for the spread of mcr genes.IMPORTANCE Colistin resistance mediated by mcr genes in Gram-negative bacteria has gained significant attention worldwide. This is due to the ability of these genes to be horizontally transferred between different bacterial genera and species. Aquatic environments have been suggested to play an important role in the emergence and spread of this resistance mechanism. Here, we describe the first report of an mcr-5-positive Cupriavidus gilardii aquatic isolate through its isolation from well water in Algeria. The significance of our study is in shedding the light on an important environmental reservoir of mcr genes.

Groundwater bacteriological quality assessment: impact of urbanization and agricultural activity

Abstract Groundwater from boreholes is the major source of bottled water in Algeria. The aim of this study is to determine the bacteriological quality of groundwater that serves bottled water production. A total of 73 groundwater boreholes were sampled and analyzed for the required bacteriological parameters. The analysis was performed in accordance to ISO standards methods. There should be no bacteria growth for each bacteriological parameter to qualify the groundwater of good bacteriological quality. The bacteriological analysis highlighted that 37 of the 73 groundwater samples (51%) were of poor bacteriological quality while 36 of them (49%) were of good bacteriological quality. Total coliforms and E. coli were the major sources of contamination with respectively 35 and 24 contaminated samples, followed in order by Pseudomonas aeruginosa, enterococci and sulfite reducing anaerobic bacteria spores with respectively 8, 7 and 2 contaminated samples. Bacteriological quality was strongly and negatively correlated with urbanization and/or agricultural activity parameter (r=−0.454). The performed logistic regression model showed that the presence of urbanization or agricultural activity multiplies significantly (P < 0.001) the risk by 7 of being a poor bacteriological quality groundwater. These findings are useful to avoid drill costs and to take the best strategy to protect groundwaters.

Isolation and identification of Legionella spp. from hot spring water in Algeria by culture and molecular methods.

Due to infectious risk associated with the presence of Legionella in warm water, we determined the prevalence of living Legionella spp. in hot spring water in Algeria. Detection of Legionella by culture was done by using two methods, direct culture on agar plates and co-culture with amoeba. Fifty samples were taken from different hot springs in northern Algeria, including swimming pools, showers and thermal sources. Legionella pneumophila serotypes were predominant, accounting for 60% of positive samples. Direct method allowed the isolation of 13 L. pneumophila only of 50 samples (26%), whereas co-culture using a panel of three free living amoeba allowed the isolation of 119 Legionella species from the same samples (80%) CONCLUSIONS: Amoeba co-culture allowed the isolation of several Legionella sp., while direct culture allowed the isolation of L. pneumophila only. Remarkably, Legionella longbeachae, usually isolated from soil and compost, was isolated for the first time in thermal water in three samples using Vermamoeba vermiformis co-culture. The presence of Legionella in the water of hot springs in Algeria, which are mainly frequented by individuals at risk of Legionellosis, requires urgent control measures.

Development of biological processes for the removal of iron from water intended for the production of drinking water case of ferruginous waters in Algeria

Development of biological processes for the removal of iron from water intended for the production of drinking water case of ferruginous waters in Algeria

Modelling farmers' responses to irrigation water policies in Algeria: An economic assessment of volumetric irrigation prices and quotas in the Jijel–Taher irrigated perimeter

AbstractIn Algeria, the management of water based on a strategy of supply and subsidies continues to be applied even as the resource becomes increasingly scarce. The demand for water in Algeria continues to grow, creating an imbalance between the available water resources and uses. In this context, the state has progressively implemented irrigation water management policies, including pricing, which aims to manage demand while reducing the water price subsidy. In this article we will study the effectiveness of some water management instruments implemented in the large irrigation perimeters and offer some perspectives to improve the management of the demand for irrigation water. To do so, we investigate the effect of different water pricing and irrigation quota scenarios on changing farmers' behaviour in terms of irrigation water demand. We developed a positive mathematical programming model based on farmers' surveys and typology in a public irrigated scheme (Jijel–Taher located in northern Algeria). Two types of scenarios were simulated, including: (i) increasing volumetric prices of irrigation water in the studied irrigated areas; (ii) decreasing water quota scenarios allocated to the farmers. As expected, results show that increasing water prices may lead to a decreasing demand for irrigation water. However, this decrease in water demand only became significant at very high prices. We also found that a price of 12.5 DZD m‾3 (about 0.11 US$ m‾3), corresponding to the government production cost of water, can easily be implemented in the study area without substantial effects on farmers' gross margin. Then, water pricing does not represent a water demand management tool, but rather a tool to finance management infrastructures. Simulations also show that decreasing water quotas may lead to a decrease of irrigated areas, change in cropping patterns, and to a significant loss of farmers' gross margins for quotas below 2600 m3 ha‾¹. © 2019 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Characterisation of blaOXA-538, a new variant of blaOXA-48, in Shewanella xiamenensis isolated from river water in Algeria.

In this study, the presence of carbapenemase genes in Shewanella xiamenensis strains isolated from river water in Béjaïa, Algeria, was investigated. Four isolates of S. xiamenensis were isolated from water from Soummam River. The isolates were identified by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionisation time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF/MS) and sequencing of the 16S rRNA and gyrB genes. Isolates were subjected to antimicrobial susceptibility testing. Carbapenemase production was screened using phenotypic tests. PCR and sequencing were used to identify carbapenemase genes in the isolates. The genetic context of the blaOXA-48-like gene was investigated by sequencing the whole genome of strain AS58. All four S. xiamenensis strains harboured blaOXA-48-like genes. They exhibited different resistance patterns and had imipenem minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of ≥0.5mg/L. Sequencing of blaOXA-48-like genes from the S. xiamenensis isolates showed that two strains harboured blaOXA-181, one strain harboured blaOXA-199 and one strain exhibited a new variant of the blaOXA-48-like gene, named blaOXA-538. This new variant shared 98% nucleotide identity with blaOXA-162, with three amino acid changes (G201A, A213G and I219F). Conjugation assays with Escherichia coli J53 recipient were performed but no transconjugants were obtained. Analysis of the genome of AS58 Touati strain confirmed the chromosomal location of the blaOXA-538 gene. This study showed that environmental water holds a diversity of S. xiamenensis strains harbouring blaOXA-48-like genes and may play an important role in the dissemination and spread of these genes from the environment to humans.

Characterization of OXA-48-like-producing Enterobacteriaceae isolated from river water in Algeria

The spread of carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE) is a significant problem for healthcare worldwide. The prevalence of carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CPE) in water environments in Algeria are unknown. The aim of this study was to screen for the presence of CPE isolates in the Soummam River in Bejaia, Algeria.Isolates of Enterobacteriaceae recovered from twelve samples of river water and showing reduced susceptibility to carbapenems were included in this study. The isolates were identified by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS). Isolates were subjected to antimicrobial susceptibility testing and the modified Carba NP test. Carbapenemase and extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) determinants were studied by PCR amplification and sequencing. The clonal relatedness between isolates was studied by Multilocus Sequence Typing (MLST) method.A total of 20 carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae strains were included in this study, identified as Escherichia coli (n = 12), Klebsiella pneumoniae (n = 3), Raoultella ornithinolytica (n = 3), Citrobacter freundii (n = 1) and Citrobacter braakii (n = 1). Carbapenemase genes identified in this study included blaOXA-48, observed in 17 isolates (9 E. coli, 3 K. pneumoniae, 3 R. ornithinolytica, 1 C. freundii and 1 C. braakii), and blaOXA-244, a variant of blaOXA-48, was found in three E. coli isolates. MLST showed that 12 E. coli strains belonged to six different sequence types (ST559, ST38, ST212, ST3541, 1972 and ST2142), and we identified three different STs in K. pneumoniae isolates, including ST133, ST2055, and a new sequence type: ST2192.This study showed the presence of OXA-48-like-producing Enterobacteriaceae in water environments and highlighted the potential role of aquatic environments as reservoirs of clinically relevant antimicrobial-resistant bacteria, with the potential to spread throughout the community.

Antibiotic Resistance Bacteria from Rivers Water in Algeria

The aim of the current investigation was to look on the presence of the antibiotic resistance bacteria in natural environment in Algeria. From fresh water, multidrug resistant bacteria were harvested, and then investigated for their resistance profile and extend spectrum Beta lactamase and metallo Beta lactamase production. From isolate bacteria only Aeromonas hydrophila catch our attention, because of their metallo Beta lactamase production and alimentary and clinical impact. This finding confirmed our hypothesis that natural environment could be colonized by multidrug resistant bacteria especially to carbapenem antibiotic who may be induced by mutation or horizontal gene transfer. The spread of these kinds of resistance organisms may become a serious issue for the public health and food security.

Mycobacterium icosiumassiliensis sp. nov., a New Member in the Mycobacterium terrae Complex Isolated from Surface Water in Algeria.

An acid-fast, rapidly growing, rod-shaped microorganism designated 8WA6 was isolated from a lake in Algiers, Algeria. The lake water was characterized by a temperature of 18°C, a pH of 7.82, a copper concentration of 8.6µg/L, and a cadmium concentration of 0.6µg/L. First-line molecular identification confirmed the 8WA6 isolate to be a member of the Mycobacterium terrae complex, sharing 99.4% 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity with M. arupense AR-30097, 98.2% partial hsp65 gene sequence similarity with M. terrae 28K766, and 97.1% partial rpoB gene sequence similarity with Mycobacterium sp. FI-05396. Its 4.89-Mb genome exhibits a 66.8 GC% and an average nucleotide identity of 64.5% with M. tuberculosis, 70.5% with M. arupense, and 75% with M. asiaticum. In the M. terrae complex, Mycobacterium 8WA6 was unique in exhibiting growth at 42°C, negative reaction for nitrate reduction, urease activity and Tween 80 hydrolysis, and a positive reaction for α-glucosidase and β-glucosidase. Its protein profile determined by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry revealed a unique spectrum similar to M. arupense and M. terrae, exhibiting eleven specific peaks at 3787.791, 4578.019, 6349.630, 6855.638, 7202.310, 8149.608, 8775.257, 10,224.588, 10,484.116, 12,226.379, and 12,636.871m/z. Minimal inhibitory concentrations (MIC) for antibiotics, determined by microdilution, indicated a broad spectrum resistance, except for rifabutin (MIC, 0.5g/L) and cefoxitin (MIC, 16g/L). We concluded that the 8WA6 isolate is a representative isolate of a previously undescribed species in the M. terrae complex, which was named M. icosiumassiliensis sp. nov. with strain 8WA6 (Collection de Souches de l'Unité des Rickettsies, CSUR P1561, Deutsche Sammlung von Mikroorganismen und Zellkulturen, DSM 100711) as the type strain.

Evaluation of fluoride bottled water and its incidence in fluoride endemic and non endemic areas

Summary Background & aims Water is a vital element for hydratation of the human body. Access to drinking water of good quality became a real problem in many areas of the world and more particularly in Algeria. In the eastern zone of northern Sahara, several epidemiological investigations have revealed the existence of an endemic fluorosis problem associated to excess of fluoride in drinking water. However, in some areas of North Algeria, the prevalence of tooth decay is estimated at 67% in school-children that consume low fluoride water. Thus, the best choice for the population is to consume the local mineral or spring bottled waters although they are expensive. Considering the large variety of the sources of bottled waters in Algeria and the lack of data regarding fluoride content in these waters, it becomes essential to evaluate the fluoride concentration of the consumed water, in order to ensure its benefits on the prevention of caries without incurring the risk of dental or osseous fluorosis. Thus, the aim of this study is to determine the fluoride concentration in bottled waters sold in Algerian market and compare with the stated value in the label. Methods Twenty nine commercial brands of bottled waters were collected from various markets in Algeria. Potentiometric method using a fluoride selective ion electrode (ELIT 8221F − 41936) is carried out to evaluate fluoride content of the water samples. Three readings were taken for each brand and the average was estimated and also compared with the fluoride content printed on the label. Results The obtained results revealed that the fluoride concentration of Algerian bottled waters is ranged from 0.19 ± 0.02 to 1.07 ± 0.026 mg/L. Almost half of the bottled waters (48.28%) did not exceed 0.5 mg F − /L and 37.93% were weakly fluoridated (≤0.3 mg F − /L). Only three (3) among twenty nine (29) brands of bottled waters tested have specified the fluoride concentration on their labels. Conclusions The results show that Algerian bottled waters can be regarded as a relevant source of dietary fluoride. Significant differences were found in fluoride concentration of bottled waters tested. These data are essential to consumer and all health care professionals especially dentists.

Retrospective of natural mineral waters and spring waters in Algeria: Regulatory Framework and Technical Aspects

In this paper, we present the current situation of both natural mineral waters and spring waters in Algeria. The evolution in legislation regarding the exploitation, production and marketing of bottled natural mineral and spring water are discussed in the first part. A critical analysis of this legislation, through a comparative study with European and international legislations is also exposed in this study. In the second part, an inventory of operating sites of natural mineral water or spring water is given. Then, the physicochemical characterization and classification of waters on the different sites of natural mineral waters are presented. Finally, in order to establish a database for natural mineral waters and spring waters in Algeria, the first data are then given.

Hydrochemistry and bacteriology of western and Saharan spring waters of Algeria

This study presents the physico-chemical and the bacteriological characteristics of 26 spring waters from nine regions (western and Saharan regions) of Algeria: Mostaganem, Mascara, Ain Temouchent, Tlemcen, Saida, Chlef, Adrar, Bechar and Ghardaia. In total, 26 groundwater samples have been analyzed for major physico-chemical elements and metals. The results show that the water samples exhibit pH values that range between 7 and 8.1, salinities that range between 216 and 1,082 mg/L, and nitrate concentrations that range between 0.25 and 47.5 mg/L. The samples are mainly of the Ca–Na–HCO3 type. The chemistry of the spring waters results from their contact with carbonate rocks. All the trace metal concentrations are within the admissible standard ranges, except those of Zn and Mn; some spring waters present slightly high values of these metals. The bacteriological analysis of the 26 samples showed that five samples (nos. 1, 8, 12, 13, and 18) are contaminated. We conclude that the groundwater samples may be safely used for drinking, domestic, agricultural, and industrial purposes, with the exception of sample nos. 1, 8, 12, 13, and 18. Herein, we employed descriptive statistics, correlation matrices, and principal component analyses to understand the hydrogeochemistry of the spring water in the western and Saharan parts of Algeria.

Eaux minérales naturelles et eaux de sources en Algérie

An up-to-date inventory of natural mineral and spring waters in Algeria is here presented. First, the legislation regarding exploitation, production and marketing of the latter is compared to the EU and international ones. Then, a physicochemical characterization and classification of the water types are proposed as well as a tentative establishment of a database for natural mineral and spring waters in Algeria.

ERI PX technology helps produce affordable water in Algeria

ERI PX technology helps produce affordable water in Algeria