Contribution of hydrogeochemical and statistical tools to the acquisition of water quality in the Bouchegouf Plain (northeast Algeria)

Abstract

This study was conducted using quantitative methods of physicochemical and bacteriological analyses to investigate the chemical characterization of surface and groundwater from the Bouchegouf Aquifer (Algeria) and the delimitation of protective perimeters for catchment wells. The objective is to determine the impact of the various anthropogenic activities on the degradation of water quality and, therefore, the delimitation of protective perimeters for catchment wells. The analytical results have revealed a significant threat both to the receiving environment (Mellah and Seybouse streams) and the alluvial aquifer.Also, the pollutant load expressed by the elevated concentrations of specific physicochemical and bacteriological parameters, mainly at the discharge point of the yeast factory, can have harmful effects on fauna, flora, and human health (water-borne diseases), if they are present in large quantities. Furthermore, the simulation of underground flows showed that the groundwater was strongly affected by drainage from the Seybouse wadi. Hydrodispersive modelling highlights pollution risks which can be linked to the use of pesticides, domestic wastewater, and especially by discharge from the yeast factory. Additionally, road traffic can also cause a risk of accidental pollution.