Multivariate statistical-based approach to the physical-chemical behavior of shallow groundwater in a semiarid dry climate: The case study of the Gadaïne-Ain Yaghout plain NE Algeria

Abstract

Purpose. Several natural and anthropogenic factors control the hydro-geochemical behavior of groundwater. These factors influence on the quality, even the suitability of this resource for drinking. The main purpose of our study is the application of multivariate statistical methods to compile the mechanisms of mineralization acquisition in confined aquifers. Methods. The adopted method measures the chemical evolution of Ca+2, Mg+2, Na+, K+, HCO-3, Cl-, SO4-2, NO-3, NO-2, NH+4, and PO4-3 using an atomic-absorption spectrometer. The content of nitrogen and dissolved oxygen is measured using a spectrophotometer. Temperature (T°), electrical conductivity (EC), pH and dissolved oxygen are determined using a multi-parameter system. Findings. The main results show that 28 water samples from the Mio-Plio-Quaternary aquifer of the Gadaïne-Ain Yaghout plain have chemical facies of chloride, sulfate-calcium and chloride-magnesium types. Originality. The originality of the study is in the demonstration that water acquires its carbonate mineralization at the supply limits. Whereas it acquires its chloride, sodium and sulfate mineralization in contact with terrigenous saliferous formations, as well as in its interaction with the salt chotts formations. The results show a significant variation in the concentrations of chemical elements, in some cases exceeding drinkability standards. Mineralization is mainly caused by the dissolution of evaporitic minerals such as gypsum, halite and epsomite. Practical implications. The practical implications of this study could be resumed in terms of the convenience of multiva-riate statistical evaluation of complex physical-chemical databases in identifying pollution sources and understanding temporal variations for effective groundwater quality management in semiarid regions.

Multivariate statistical analysis of the alluvial aquifer of Tadjenanet-Chelghoum Laid (Eastern Algeria)

“…Although PCA is an exploratory and descriptive method (Dagnélie, 2006), the purpose of this treatment is to determine the main factors that control the chemistry of these waters. This statistical method has been widely applied to investigate environmental phenomena and hydrogeochemical processes (Chiaudani et al, 2017;Deiana et al, 2017;Anazawa et al, 2005;Güler and Thyne, 2004;Belkhiri et al, 2011;Tiri et al, 2011;Ghodbane et al, 2016;Dib et al, 2022 ). This work therefore focuses on the strength of this technique to characterize the hydrochemical variations in the Tadjnanet-Chelghoum Laid aquifer.…”

“…The presence of fissured and karstified limestone formations at the border of the aquifer suggests an infiltration of precipitation waters where they acquire their original calcium bicarbonate mineralization, which explains the low salinity of the waters on these limits. These waters become more mineralized in chlorides, sodium and sulphates in contact with the saliferous terrigenous formations by dissolution of the salty minerals, by base exchange with the clays and by concentration of the waters in chemical elements along the underground flow (Said et al, 2020;Dib et al, 2022;Elango & Kannan, 2007). They thus acquire their final saliferous mineralization (calcium sulphate then sodium chloride).…”

Impact of Natural Radioactivity (Uranium, Thorium and Potassium) and Toxic Heavy Metals Contents in Water and Sediments from North Africa Dams (Algeria and Tunisia): Geochemical Behavior and Environmental Implications

“…It is the cumulative impact on the water and on the soil. These higher values are mainly recorded in specific areas such as the cities of Tebessa, Souk Ahras, Annaba, Jendouba, El Kef, and Beja, which are associated with the mining and ore industry and also with the presence of the diapiric and the metamorphic rocks in the high altitude (1,500 -2,800 m) [18,19,20,21,22].…”