Origin and Evolution of Groundwater Salinization in the Ouargla Region, South-Eastern Algeria
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Abstract
This study presents a hydrogeochemical investigation based on the analysis of 24 groundwater samples collected mainly from boreholes within the Ouargla basin (south-eastern Algeria). Particular attention is given to the vulnerability of the Terminal Complex (TC) aquifer to chemical pollution of both mineral and organic origin. Hydrochemical analyses were interpreted using Wilcox and Riverside diagrams, allowing groundwater quality to be classified into three main categories: acceptable quality (Mekhadma and Sokra areas), moderate quality (Said Otba area), and poor quality (Beni Thour area). Spatial mapping of the contamination index was carried out using Surfer 12 software, highlighting the Chott area as the most vulnerable zone to mineral pollution, while the Beni Thour area shows the highest vulnerability to organic pollution. Geochemical modeling and statistical analysis using PHREEQC and STATISTICA software indicate that anhydrite and gypsum dissolution constitutes the main source of calcium and sulfate in the groundwater of the Terminal Complex aquifer. The results provide valuable insights for groundwater management and pollution mitigation in arid environments.
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