Assessment of groundwater quality and hydrogeochemical properties in the adrar continental intercalaire aquifer of the Algerian Sahara
Abstract Adrar, located in an arid desert environment in southwest Algeria, relies exclusively on groundwater from the Continental Intercalaire aquifer for its water supply. This study aims to assess the quality of this groundwater for human consumption, irrigation, and industrial use and identify t...
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2025-06-01
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| Series: | Applied Water Science |
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| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1007/s13201-025-02552-9 |
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| author | Alia Sara Lakhdari Boualem Bouselsal Hakim Saibi Mohammed Ouarekh |
| author_facet | Alia Sara Lakhdari Boualem Bouselsal Hakim Saibi Mohammed Ouarekh |
| author_sort | Alia Sara Lakhdari |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Abstract Adrar, located in an arid desert environment in southwest Algeria, relies exclusively on groundwater from the Continental Intercalaire aquifer for its water supply. This study aims to assess the quality of this groundwater for human consumption, irrigation, and industrial use and identify the hydrogeochemical processes driving its mineralization. To achieve this, 18 wells were analyzed using conventional laboratory methods. Quality indices applied include the drinking water quality index for potability and the irrigation water quality index for agricultural suitability. Corrosion and scaling potential were evaluated using the Langelier index, Ryznar index, Larson–Skold index, Puckorius index, and aggressive index. The results indicate that 44.44% of the water is suitable for drinking, 50% is of medium quality, and 5.56% is unsuitable for drinking. For irrigation, 31.25% of wells provide good-quality water, while 68.75% are classified as doubtful. Most of the analyzed waters are corrosive, with a tendency toward scaling and CaCO3 precipitation. Hydrochemical analyses, including Piper diagrams, identified two water types: Ca–Mg–Cl (50%) and Ca–Cl (50%). Based on the Gibbs diagram, bivariate plots, and saturation indices, the groundwater’s mineralization is primarily attributed to water–rock interactions, such as the dissolution of silicate rocks, halite, and gypsum, along with cation exchange. Additionally, human activities significantly influence water chemistry. This study provides scientific foundations for sustainable groundwater resource management in Adrar, including water quality and exploitation. This work helps inform strategies for the preservation, rational use, and treatment of water, ensuring sustainable water access for domestic, agricultural, and industrial needs. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-ffc6577d638d4136a2a48a15f971621c |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 2190-5487 2190-5495 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-06-01 |
| publisher | SpringerOpen |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Applied Water Science |
| spelling | doaj-art-ffc6577d638d4136a2a48a15f971621c2025-08-20T03:43:25ZengSpringerOpenApplied Water Science2190-54872190-54952025-06-0115712510.1007/s13201-025-02552-9Assessment of groundwater quality and hydrogeochemical properties in the adrar continental intercalaire aquifer of the Algerian SaharaAlia Sara Lakhdari0Boualem Bouselsal1Hakim Saibi2Mohammed Ouarekh3Laboratory of Underground Reservoirs: Oil, Gas and Aquifers, Department of Earth and Universe Sciences, University of Kasdi MerbahLaboratory of Underground Reservoirs: Oil, Gas and Aquifers, Department of Earth and Universe Sciences, University of Kasdi MerbahGeosciences Department, College of Science, United Arab Emirates UniversityLaboratory of Underground Reservoirs: Oil, Gas and Aquifers, Department of Earth and Universe Sciences, University of Kasdi MerbahAbstract Adrar, located in an arid desert environment in southwest Algeria, relies exclusively on groundwater from the Continental Intercalaire aquifer for its water supply. This study aims to assess the quality of this groundwater for human consumption, irrigation, and industrial use and identify the hydrogeochemical processes driving its mineralization. To achieve this, 18 wells were analyzed using conventional laboratory methods. Quality indices applied include the drinking water quality index for potability and the irrigation water quality index for agricultural suitability. Corrosion and scaling potential were evaluated using the Langelier index, Ryznar index, Larson–Skold index, Puckorius index, and aggressive index. The results indicate that 44.44% of the water is suitable for drinking, 50% is of medium quality, and 5.56% is unsuitable for drinking. For irrigation, 31.25% of wells provide good-quality water, while 68.75% are classified as doubtful. Most of the analyzed waters are corrosive, with a tendency toward scaling and CaCO3 precipitation. Hydrochemical analyses, including Piper diagrams, identified two water types: Ca–Mg–Cl (50%) and Ca–Cl (50%). Based on the Gibbs diagram, bivariate plots, and saturation indices, the groundwater’s mineralization is primarily attributed to water–rock interactions, such as the dissolution of silicate rocks, halite, and gypsum, along with cation exchange. Additionally, human activities significantly influence water chemistry. This study provides scientific foundations for sustainable groundwater resource management in Adrar, including water quality and exploitation. This work helps inform strategies for the preservation, rational use, and treatment of water, ensuring sustainable water access for domestic, agricultural, and industrial needs.https://doi.org/10.1007/s13201-025-02552-9SalinizationWater quality indicesAnthropogenic influencesContinental Intercalaire aquiferAlgerian Sahara |
| spellingShingle | Alia Sara Lakhdari Boualem Bouselsal Hakim Saibi Mohammed Ouarekh Assessment of groundwater quality and hydrogeochemical properties in the adrar continental intercalaire aquifer of the Algerian Sahara Applied Water Science Salinization Water quality indices Anthropogenic influences Continental Intercalaire aquifer Algerian Sahara |
| title | Assessment of groundwater quality and hydrogeochemical properties in the adrar continental intercalaire aquifer of the Algerian Sahara |
| title_full | Assessment of groundwater quality and hydrogeochemical properties in the adrar continental intercalaire aquifer of the Algerian Sahara |
| title_fullStr | Assessment of groundwater quality and hydrogeochemical properties in the adrar continental intercalaire aquifer of the Algerian Sahara |
| title_full_unstemmed | Assessment of groundwater quality and hydrogeochemical properties in the adrar continental intercalaire aquifer of the Algerian Sahara |
| title_short | Assessment of groundwater quality and hydrogeochemical properties in the adrar continental intercalaire aquifer of the Algerian Sahara |
| title_sort | assessment of groundwater quality and hydrogeochemical properties in the adrar continental intercalaire aquifer of the algerian sahara |
| topic | Salinization Water quality indices Anthropogenic influences Continental Intercalaire aquifer Algerian Sahara |
| url | https://doi.org/10.1007/s13201-025-02552-9 |
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