The Schlumberger array method was used to carry out a total of eight (8) Vertical Electrical Soun... more The Schlumberger array method was used to carry out a total of eight (8) Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES) with a spread of 350 m in the study area. The Pasi 16-GL Terrameter was used to acquire the data. The data obtained were analyzed with the Winresist 1.0 software to obtain the curves of best fit to the theoretical models. The modeling program converted the apparent resistivity into true resistivity values in 1-D model curves. Five (5) to seven (7) layers were delineated which correspond to the topsoil, sandy clay, clayey sand, sand, dry sandstone and saturated sandstone. The depth to aquifer ranges from 95.0 to 169.6 m with resistivity values ranging from 324.3 to 1524.7 Ωm. Keywords: Apparent resistivity, Aquifer, lithology and vertical electrical sounding.
Modellazione sequenziale diretta e inversa di flusso delle acque sotterranee nell'acquifero alluv... more Modellazione sequenziale diretta e inversa di flusso delle acque sotterranee nell'acquifero alluvionale della Piana del Cheliff Superiore, Algeria ourdia KabEn a , Djamel Maizi a , Mebarka taKoRabt a
This work aimed at evaluating the impact of human activity and geology on the surface water quali... more This work aimed at evaluating the impact of human activity and geology on the surface water quality of the Ouled Mellouk dam (northwestern Algeria). Specifically, methodology aims to assess seasonal variations of several parameters (EC, TDS, pH, SO42−, Cl−, Ca2+, Na+, HCO3−, NO3−, PO43− and Mg2+, organic matter, suspended solids, BOD5, COD) from 2007 to 2013 to define the processes controlling the mineralization and pollution of the surface water. The results show high salinization recorded during the periods of heavy precipitation or flooding, due to leaching of dolomitic limestones and evaporitic deposits from the saliferous formations of the surrounding mountains. High concentrations of NO3−, NO2−, NH4+, and organic matter can instead be attributed to the use of fertilizers in agriculture. Moreover, the PCA application shows that salinization (49.92%), anthropogenic pollution (19.38%) and agricultural pollution (12%) are the most significant degradation factors, respectively. The...
Lo scopo di questo studio è di valutare le principali caratteristiche climatiche e il loro impatt... more Lo scopo di questo studio è di valutare le principali caratteristiche climatiche e il loro impatto sul regime idrologico ed il funzionamento idrodinamico della falda acquifera nella pianura orientale di Mitidja (Algeria). Lo studio ha l'obiettivo di determinare la modalità di ricarica della falda acquifera, proporre un soluzione per lo sfruttamento eccessivo delle acque sotterranee e porre rimedio al problema di intrusione salina nella sua parte nord-orientale. L'applicazione di tre metodi statistici (test di Pettitt, test U di Buishand ed il test di Lee e Heghinian) e due indici di siccità (SPI e Ipmc) ha permesso di identificare i periodi umidi e secchi per l'intervallo di tempo 1906-2018. Inoltre, sono state effettuate le analisi delle mappe piezometriche per gli anni 1973, 1981, 2015 e 2020 per indagare il comportamento idrodinamico dell'area di studio e per determinare l'effetto del regime idrologico sul funzionamento della falda acquifera. I risultati ottenuti applicando i tre metodi statistici e l'indice di siccità indicano due periodi distinti. Il primo periodo è umido e si estende dal 1906 al 1973. Il secondo periodo, secco, dal 1974 al 2018, è caratterizzato da un deficit pluviometrico dal 15% al 19%. Inoltre, dal 1973 al 2020 si osserva un calo significativo dei livelli piezometrici, variabile tra 10 e 80 m. Si osserva un livello piezometrico negativo tra-10 e-35 m. Questo abbassamento coincide con il deficit di precipitazioni osservato durante il periodo 1973-2018. Inoltre, l'intrusione di acqua di mare è stata osservata nella parte nord-orientale della pianura. Per migliorare la gestione delle acque sotterranee, una strategia efficace di contrasto all'intrusione salina consiste nell'utilizzare una tecnica di ricarica artificiale utilizzando gli impianti di trattamento delle acque reflue esistenti nella regione, unita all'arresto del pompaggio dei pozzi nelle zone costiere interessate dall'intrusione di acqua di mare con l'integrazione di un monitoraggio idrochimico delle acque sotterranee. The aim of this study is to assess the main climatic characteristics and their impact on the hydrological regime at the watershed and the hydrodynamic functioning of the aquifer in the Eastern Mitidja plain (Algeria, 2,382 millions km 2). In detail, specific objectives are to determine the recharge mode of the aquifer, to propose solutions for the groundwater overexploitation and to remedy the seawater problem in its northeastern part. The application of three statistical methods (Pettitt's, Buishand's U statistic and, Lee and Heghinian's tests) and two drought indices (SPI and Ipmc) allowed identifying the wet and dry periods for the time interval 1906-2018. In addition, the piezometric maps analysis for the years 1973, 1981, 2015 and 2020 was carried out to investigate the hydrodynamic behavior of the study area and to determine the effect of the hydrological regime on the hydrogeological functioning of the aquifer. Results obtained by the application of the three statistical methods and two drought indices indicate two distinct periods. The first period is wet and it extends from 1906 to 1973, while the second period is dry and it goes from 1974 to 2018. It is characterised by a rainfall deficit between 15% and 19% compared to the previous period (1906-1973). Furthermore, a significant drawdown in the piezometric levels is observed from 1973 to 2020, varying between 10 and 80 m, that indicates a negative trend of piezometric levels. This drawdown coincides with the rainfall deficit noticed during the period 1973-2018. Also, seawater intrusion was observed in the northeastern part of the plain. To enhance groundwater management, an effective remediation strategy is to use an artificial recharge technique from the existing wastewater treatment plants in the region, complemented by stopping the pumping of wells in coastal zones that are affected by seawater intrusion supplemented by a hydro-chemical monitoring of the groundwater.
In a basin, the increase of the water demand in all sectors creates a giant problem of water scar... more In a basin, the increase of the water demand in all sectors creates a giant problem of water scarcity. Precipitation is the only major source to mitigate this problem. However, groundwater recharge is an important hydrological parameter for the quantification of the water budgets quantification in order to achieve a better sustainable groundwater management. In the Macta basin (Western Algeria), the average annual precipitation is insufficient in most of the part especially during summer season. In this region, the recharge is a difficult parameter to calculate due to its variabilities: climatic, geological, hydrogeological, soil, etc. The aim of this study is to propose a new method of identifying potential recharge zone which is applicable to watersheds. For this study and in order to identify the potential groundwater recharge areas in the Macta watershed, a new method has been applied. In this approach, two considerations must be taken into account for the selection of potential recharge areas, remote sensing and GIS which allow the analysis of the water harvesting structure for extracting the information of various features such as lineament, land use/land cover, soil, slope, lithology, drainage, rainfall, etc. In order of importance, we have assigned weights for each feature. Slope and design discharge are parameters' key in site suitable analysis, so we assigned a maximum weight to this parameters. A possible suitable map site for water harvesting/conservation structures was derived following an analytical hierarchy process (AHP) and multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA). The data are combined through a multi-criteria analysis to facilitate the spatial analysis and the identification of appropriate zones recharge areas. The results indicate that potential areas of high recharge account for about 32% of the total watershed area. They are mainly located in the south center and appear fragmented in the north of watershed, which mainly match to the permeable areas. These results depict the groundwater potential zones in the study area and provide the information for the proper planning and groundwater resources management.
Environmental Science and Pollution Research, Oct 22, 2021
After more than a year from the first confirmed cases of coronavirus (COVID-19) disease, the role... more After more than a year from the first confirmed cases of coronavirus (COVID-19) disease, the role of meteorological factors in the transmission of the virus still needs to be correctly determined. In this scenario of deep uncertainty, the present study aims to investigate the effects of temperature and relative humidity on daily new cases of COVID-19. For this purpose, the COVID-19's development of infection in fourteen Algerian cities characterized by different climatic conditions, during the period from April 1, 2020, to August 31, 2020, has been investigated. A detailed time series analysis along with linear regression was used to state a possible correlation among some climate's factor variability (temperature and relative humidity) and daily new confirmed cases of COVID-19. The results showed a weak correlation between daily new cases of COVID-19 and meteorological factors throughout the selected regions. In addition, we concluded that the COVID-19 could fit to high or low values of temperature and relative humidity, and other factors not climates could affect the spreading of the virus like demography and human contact. So, after the discovery of the vaccine and before vaccination of 70% of the world's population, living with the virus has become an inevitable reality, and it is mandatory to apply the sanitary procedures to slow down the COVID-19 transmission.
Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 2021
After more than a year from the first confirmed cases of coronavirus (COVID-19) disease, the role... more After more than a year from the first confirmed cases of coronavirus (COVID-19) disease, the role of meteorological factors in the transmission of the virus still needs to be correctly determined. In this scenario of deep uncertainty, the present study aims to investigate the effects of temperature and relative humidity on daily new cases of COVID-19. For this purpose, the COVID-19's development of infection in fourteen Algerian cities characterized by different climatic conditions, during the period from April 1, 2020, to August 31, 2020, has been investigated. A detailed time series analysis along with linear regression was used to state a possible correlation among some climate's factor variability (temperature and relative humidity) and daily new confirmed cases of COVID-19. The results showed a weak correlation between daily new cases of COVID-19 and meteorological factors throughout the selected regions. In addition, we concluded that the COVID-19 could fit to high or low values of temperature and relative humidity, and other factors not climates could affect the spreading of the virus like demography and human contact. So, after the discovery of the vaccine and before vaccination of 70% of the world's population, living with the virus has become an inevitable reality, and it is mandatory to apply the sanitary procedures to slow down the COVID-19 transmission.
In a basin, the increase of the water demand in all sectors creates a giant problem of water scar... more In a basin, the increase of the water demand in all sectors creates a giant problem of water scarcity. Precipitation is the only major source to mitigate this problem. However, groundwater recharge is an important hydrological parameter for the quantification of the water budgets quantification in order to achieve a better sustainable groundwater management. In the Macta basin (Western Algeria), the average annual precipitation is insufficient in most of the part especially during summer season. In this region, the recharge is a difficult parameter to calculate due to its variabilities: climatic, geological, hydrogeological, soil, etc. The aim of this study is to propose a new method of identifying potential recharge zone which is applicable to watersheds. For this study and in order to identify the potential groundwater recharge areas in the Macta watershed, a new method has been applied. In this approach, two considerations must be taken into account for the selection of potential recharge areas, remote sensing and GIS which allow the analysis of the water harvesting structure for extracting the information of various features such as lineament, land use/land cover, soil, slope, lithology, drainage, rainfall, etc. In order of importance, we have assigned weights for each feature. Slope and design discharge are parameters' key in site suitable analysis, so we assigned a maximum weight to this parameters. A possible suitable map site for water harvesting/conservation structures was derived following an analytical hierarchy process (AHP) and multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA). The data are combined through a multi-criteria analysis to facilitate the spatial analysis and the identification of appropriate zones recharge areas. The results indicate that potential areas of high recharge account for about 32% of the total watershed area. They are mainly located in the south center and appear fragmented in the north of watershed, which mainly match to the permeable areas. These results depict the groundwater potential zones in the study area and provide the information for the proper planning and groundwater resources management.
This study presents hydrochemical analysis and geothermal evaluation of thermal springs located i... more This study presents hydrochemical analysis and geothermal evaluation of thermal springs located in north central Algeria for possible exploitation in agriculture, greenhouses, and residential heating. The exploitation of this energy depends on geothermal water parameters such as T°, pH, flow rate, and thermal power. Thirty one thermal springs were identified in our study area including Ouarsenis, Biban, and Kabylie provinces in the Tell Atlas, northern Algeria. These thermal springs are included by hammams, baths, and spas with hot waters exhibiting a mean temperature of 60°C. Samples were collected during March 2018 on the thirty-one sites to evaluate the hydrochemical properties of hot waters and physicochemical parameters were measured in situ. The results show that the geothermal temperature of the reservoir in the study area is of approximately 130°C. The temperature of hot waters varied between 22 and 80°C. The pH revealed that the hot waters are acid; the flow rate varied from 0.8 to 30 L/s. The thermal power water calculated for all sites is ranged between 40 and 5020 KWth. This study is a part of a project related to a new global mapping of thermal spring parameters with corresponding geothermal energy potential. This potential is important for sustainable development by introducing geothermal energy instead of fossil energy.
Acque Sotterranee - Italian Journal of Groundwater
The aim of this study is to assess the main climatic characteristics and their impact on the hydr... more The aim of this study is to assess the main climatic characteristics and their impact on the hydrological regime at the watershed and the hydrodynamic functioning of the aquifer in the Eastern Mitidja plain (Algeria, 2,382 millions km2). In detail, specific objectives are to determine the recharge mode of the aquifer, to propose solutions for the groundwater overexploitation and to remedy the seawater problem in its northeastern part. The application of three statistical methods (Pettitt’s, Buishand’s U statistic and, Lee and Heghinian’s tests) and two drought indices (SPI and Ipmc) allowed identifying the wet and dry periods for the time interval 1906-2018. In addition, the piezometric maps analysis for the years 1973, 1981, 2015 and 2020 was carried out to investigate the hydrodynamic behavior of the study area and to determine the effect of the hydrological regime on the hydrogeological functioning of the aquifer. Results obtained by the application of the three statistical metho...
In this study, a new approach integrating a groundwater vulnerability method and a numerical mode... more In this study, a new approach integrating a groundwater vulnerability method and a numerical model for predicting groundwater resource sustainability under actual and future conditions of exploitation (2010–2030) is proposed in the semi-arid region of the Tebessa-Morsott alluvial aquifer (northeastern Algeria). The groundwater vulnerability method-based DRASTIC model was used to evaluate and delineate the vulnerable areas using a GIS technique. The MODFLOW code, on the other hand, was used to calculate the dynamics of groundwater level under actual and future conditions of exploitation considering two scenarios. The results of the application of the DRASTIC method to the reference year conditions (year 2010) showed that the high and average vulnerability classes covered a wide zone of the study area, about 97%. These results were validated based on the nitrate concentration values (R2 = 0.955). However, the results for predicting future groundwater vulnerability showed that groundwa...
Acque Sotterranee - Italian Journal of Groundwater
Due to the rapid population increase in the Middle Seybouse sub-catchment area in North-East Alge... more Due to the rapid population increase in the Middle Seybouse sub-catchment area in North-East Algeria, the intense agricultural practices, and the industrial development, precious water resources proven to be significantly challenged in their sustainable exploitation both in terms of quantity and quality. The aim of this study is to identify the most suitable areas for groundwater recharge in the Middle Seybouse sub-catchment, over about 770.91 km², using remote sensing data and Geographical Information Systems (GIS). Six factors are recognized to positively affect groundwater recharge: rainfall, land cover, topography, drainage density, lineament density, and lithology. According to their level of involvement in the recharge process, these parameters have been reclassified and then evaluated using the multi-criteria analysis known as “Analytical Hierarchy Process” (AHP). A potential recharge map of the study area was produced showing that 60% of this area, located in the southern an...
The Schlumberger array method was used to carry out a total of eight (8) Vertical Electrical Soun... more The Schlumberger array method was used to carry out a total of eight (8) Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES) with a spread of 350 m in the study area. The Pasi 16-GL Terrameter was used to acquire the data. The data obtained were analyzed with the Winresist 1.0 software to obtain the curves of best fit to the theoretical models. The modeling program converted the apparent resistivity into true resistivity values in 1-D model curves. Five (5) to seven (7) layers were delineated which correspond to the topsoil, sandy clay, clayey sand, sand, dry sandstone and saturated sandstone. The depth to aquifer ranges from 95.0 to 169.6 m with resistivity values ranging from 324.3 to 1524.7 Ωm. Keywords: Apparent resistivity, Aquifer, lithology and vertical electrical sounding.
Modellazione sequenziale diretta e inversa di flusso delle acque sotterranee nell'acquifero alluv... more Modellazione sequenziale diretta e inversa di flusso delle acque sotterranee nell'acquifero alluvionale della Piana del Cheliff Superiore, Algeria ourdia KabEn a , Djamel Maizi a , Mebarka taKoRabt a
This work aimed at evaluating the impact of human activity and geology on the surface water quali... more This work aimed at evaluating the impact of human activity and geology on the surface water quality of the Ouled Mellouk dam (northwestern Algeria). Specifically, methodology aims to assess seasonal variations of several parameters (EC, TDS, pH, SO42−, Cl−, Ca2+, Na+, HCO3−, NO3−, PO43− and Mg2+, organic matter, suspended solids, BOD5, COD) from 2007 to 2013 to define the processes controlling the mineralization and pollution of the surface water. The results show high salinization recorded during the periods of heavy precipitation or flooding, due to leaching of dolomitic limestones and evaporitic deposits from the saliferous formations of the surrounding mountains. High concentrations of NO3−, NO2−, NH4+, and organic matter can instead be attributed to the use of fertilizers in agriculture. Moreover, the PCA application shows that salinization (49.92%), anthropogenic pollution (19.38%) and agricultural pollution (12%) are the most significant degradation factors, respectively. The...
Lo scopo di questo studio è di valutare le principali caratteristiche climatiche e il loro impatt... more Lo scopo di questo studio è di valutare le principali caratteristiche climatiche e il loro impatto sul regime idrologico ed il funzionamento idrodinamico della falda acquifera nella pianura orientale di Mitidja (Algeria). Lo studio ha l'obiettivo di determinare la modalità di ricarica della falda acquifera, proporre un soluzione per lo sfruttamento eccessivo delle acque sotterranee e porre rimedio al problema di intrusione salina nella sua parte nord-orientale. L'applicazione di tre metodi statistici (test di Pettitt, test U di Buishand ed il test di Lee e Heghinian) e due indici di siccità (SPI e Ipmc) ha permesso di identificare i periodi umidi e secchi per l'intervallo di tempo 1906-2018. Inoltre, sono state effettuate le analisi delle mappe piezometriche per gli anni 1973, 1981, 2015 e 2020 per indagare il comportamento idrodinamico dell'area di studio e per determinare l'effetto del regime idrologico sul funzionamento della falda acquifera. I risultati ottenuti applicando i tre metodi statistici e l'indice di siccità indicano due periodi distinti. Il primo periodo è umido e si estende dal 1906 al 1973. Il secondo periodo, secco, dal 1974 al 2018, è caratterizzato da un deficit pluviometrico dal 15% al 19%. Inoltre, dal 1973 al 2020 si osserva un calo significativo dei livelli piezometrici, variabile tra 10 e 80 m. Si osserva un livello piezometrico negativo tra-10 e-35 m. Questo abbassamento coincide con il deficit di precipitazioni osservato durante il periodo 1973-2018. Inoltre, l'intrusione di acqua di mare è stata osservata nella parte nord-orientale della pianura. Per migliorare la gestione delle acque sotterranee, una strategia efficace di contrasto all'intrusione salina consiste nell'utilizzare una tecnica di ricarica artificiale utilizzando gli impianti di trattamento delle acque reflue esistenti nella regione, unita all'arresto del pompaggio dei pozzi nelle zone costiere interessate dall'intrusione di acqua di mare con l'integrazione di un monitoraggio idrochimico delle acque sotterranee. The aim of this study is to assess the main climatic characteristics and their impact on the hydrological regime at the watershed and the hydrodynamic functioning of the aquifer in the Eastern Mitidja plain (Algeria, 2,382 millions km 2). In detail, specific objectives are to determine the recharge mode of the aquifer, to propose solutions for the groundwater overexploitation and to remedy the seawater problem in its northeastern part. The application of three statistical methods (Pettitt's, Buishand's U statistic and, Lee and Heghinian's tests) and two drought indices (SPI and Ipmc) allowed identifying the wet and dry periods for the time interval 1906-2018. In addition, the piezometric maps analysis for the years 1973, 1981, 2015 and 2020 was carried out to investigate the hydrodynamic behavior of the study area and to determine the effect of the hydrological regime on the hydrogeological functioning of the aquifer. Results obtained by the application of the three statistical methods and two drought indices indicate two distinct periods. The first period is wet and it extends from 1906 to 1973, while the second period is dry and it goes from 1974 to 2018. It is characterised by a rainfall deficit between 15% and 19% compared to the previous period (1906-1973). Furthermore, a significant drawdown in the piezometric levels is observed from 1973 to 2020, varying between 10 and 80 m, that indicates a negative trend of piezometric levels. This drawdown coincides with the rainfall deficit noticed during the period 1973-2018. Also, seawater intrusion was observed in the northeastern part of the plain. To enhance groundwater management, an effective remediation strategy is to use an artificial recharge technique from the existing wastewater treatment plants in the region, complemented by stopping the pumping of wells in coastal zones that are affected by seawater intrusion supplemented by a hydro-chemical monitoring of the groundwater.
In a basin, the increase of the water demand in all sectors creates a giant problem of water scar... more In a basin, the increase of the water demand in all sectors creates a giant problem of water scarcity. Precipitation is the only major source to mitigate this problem. However, groundwater recharge is an important hydrological parameter for the quantification of the water budgets quantification in order to achieve a better sustainable groundwater management. In the Macta basin (Western Algeria), the average annual precipitation is insufficient in most of the part especially during summer season. In this region, the recharge is a difficult parameter to calculate due to its variabilities: climatic, geological, hydrogeological, soil, etc. The aim of this study is to propose a new method of identifying potential recharge zone which is applicable to watersheds. For this study and in order to identify the potential groundwater recharge areas in the Macta watershed, a new method has been applied. In this approach, two considerations must be taken into account for the selection of potential recharge areas, remote sensing and GIS which allow the analysis of the water harvesting structure for extracting the information of various features such as lineament, land use/land cover, soil, slope, lithology, drainage, rainfall, etc. In order of importance, we have assigned weights for each feature. Slope and design discharge are parameters' key in site suitable analysis, so we assigned a maximum weight to this parameters. A possible suitable map site for water harvesting/conservation structures was derived following an analytical hierarchy process (AHP) and multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA). The data are combined through a multi-criteria analysis to facilitate the spatial analysis and the identification of appropriate zones recharge areas. The results indicate that potential areas of high recharge account for about 32% of the total watershed area. They are mainly located in the south center and appear fragmented in the north of watershed, which mainly match to the permeable areas. These results depict the groundwater potential zones in the study area and provide the information for the proper planning and groundwater resources management.
Environmental Science and Pollution Research, Oct 22, 2021
After more than a year from the first confirmed cases of coronavirus (COVID-19) disease, the role... more After more than a year from the first confirmed cases of coronavirus (COVID-19) disease, the role of meteorological factors in the transmission of the virus still needs to be correctly determined. In this scenario of deep uncertainty, the present study aims to investigate the effects of temperature and relative humidity on daily new cases of COVID-19. For this purpose, the COVID-19's development of infection in fourteen Algerian cities characterized by different climatic conditions, during the period from April 1, 2020, to August 31, 2020, has been investigated. A detailed time series analysis along with linear regression was used to state a possible correlation among some climate's factor variability (temperature and relative humidity) and daily new confirmed cases of COVID-19. The results showed a weak correlation between daily new cases of COVID-19 and meteorological factors throughout the selected regions. In addition, we concluded that the COVID-19 could fit to high or low values of temperature and relative humidity, and other factors not climates could affect the spreading of the virus like demography and human contact. So, after the discovery of the vaccine and before vaccination of 70% of the world's population, living with the virus has become an inevitable reality, and it is mandatory to apply the sanitary procedures to slow down the COVID-19 transmission.
Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 2021
After more than a year from the first confirmed cases of coronavirus (COVID-19) disease, the role... more After more than a year from the first confirmed cases of coronavirus (COVID-19) disease, the role of meteorological factors in the transmission of the virus still needs to be correctly determined. In this scenario of deep uncertainty, the present study aims to investigate the effects of temperature and relative humidity on daily new cases of COVID-19. For this purpose, the COVID-19's development of infection in fourteen Algerian cities characterized by different climatic conditions, during the period from April 1, 2020, to August 31, 2020, has been investigated. A detailed time series analysis along with linear regression was used to state a possible correlation among some climate's factor variability (temperature and relative humidity) and daily new confirmed cases of COVID-19. The results showed a weak correlation between daily new cases of COVID-19 and meteorological factors throughout the selected regions. In addition, we concluded that the COVID-19 could fit to high or low values of temperature and relative humidity, and other factors not climates could affect the spreading of the virus like demography and human contact. So, after the discovery of the vaccine and before vaccination of 70% of the world's population, living with the virus has become an inevitable reality, and it is mandatory to apply the sanitary procedures to slow down the COVID-19 transmission.
In a basin, the increase of the water demand in all sectors creates a giant problem of water scar... more In a basin, the increase of the water demand in all sectors creates a giant problem of water scarcity. Precipitation is the only major source to mitigate this problem. However, groundwater recharge is an important hydrological parameter for the quantification of the water budgets quantification in order to achieve a better sustainable groundwater management. In the Macta basin (Western Algeria), the average annual precipitation is insufficient in most of the part especially during summer season. In this region, the recharge is a difficult parameter to calculate due to its variabilities: climatic, geological, hydrogeological, soil, etc. The aim of this study is to propose a new method of identifying potential recharge zone which is applicable to watersheds. For this study and in order to identify the potential groundwater recharge areas in the Macta watershed, a new method has been applied. In this approach, two considerations must be taken into account for the selection of potential recharge areas, remote sensing and GIS which allow the analysis of the water harvesting structure for extracting the information of various features such as lineament, land use/land cover, soil, slope, lithology, drainage, rainfall, etc. In order of importance, we have assigned weights for each feature. Slope and design discharge are parameters' key in site suitable analysis, so we assigned a maximum weight to this parameters. A possible suitable map site for water harvesting/conservation structures was derived following an analytical hierarchy process (AHP) and multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA). The data are combined through a multi-criteria analysis to facilitate the spatial analysis and the identification of appropriate zones recharge areas. The results indicate that potential areas of high recharge account for about 32% of the total watershed area. They are mainly located in the south center and appear fragmented in the north of watershed, which mainly match to the permeable areas. These results depict the groundwater potential zones in the study area and provide the information for the proper planning and groundwater resources management.
This study presents hydrochemical analysis and geothermal evaluation of thermal springs located i... more This study presents hydrochemical analysis and geothermal evaluation of thermal springs located in north central Algeria for possible exploitation in agriculture, greenhouses, and residential heating. The exploitation of this energy depends on geothermal water parameters such as T°, pH, flow rate, and thermal power. Thirty one thermal springs were identified in our study area including Ouarsenis, Biban, and Kabylie provinces in the Tell Atlas, northern Algeria. These thermal springs are included by hammams, baths, and spas with hot waters exhibiting a mean temperature of 60°C. Samples were collected during March 2018 on the thirty-one sites to evaluate the hydrochemical properties of hot waters and physicochemical parameters were measured in situ. The results show that the geothermal temperature of the reservoir in the study area is of approximately 130°C. The temperature of hot waters varied between 22 and 80°C. The pH revealed that the hot waters are acid; the flow rate varied from 0.8 to 30 L/s. The thermal power water calculated for all sites is ranged between 40 and 5020 KWth. This study is a part of a project related to a new global mapping of thermal spring parameters with corresponding geothermal energy potential. This potential is important for sustainable development by introducing geothermal energy instead of fossil energy.
Acque Sotterranee - Italian Journal of Groundwater
The aim of this study is to assess the main climatic characteristics and their impact on the hydr... more The aim of this study is to assess the main climatic characteristics and their impact on the hydrological regime at the watershed and the hydrodynamic functioning of the aquifer in the Eastern Mitidja plain (Algeria, 2,382 millions km2). In detail, specific objectives are to determine the recharge mode of the aquifer, to propose solutions for the groundwater overexploitation and to remedy the seawater problem in its northeastern part. The application of three statistical methods (Pettitt’s, Buishand’s U statistic and, Lee and Heghinian’s tests) and two drought indices (SPI and Ipmc) allowed identifying the wet and dry periods for the time interval 1906-2018. In addition, the piezometric maps analysis for the years 1973, 1981, 2015 and 2020 was carried out to investigate the hydrodynamic behavior of the study area and to determine the effect of the hydrological regime on the hydrogeological functioning of the aquifer. Results obtained by the application of the three statistical metho...
In this study, a new approach integrating a groundwater vulnerability method and a numerical mode... more In this study, a new approach integrating a groundwater vulnerability method and a numerical model for predicting groundwater resource sustainability under actual and future conditions of exploitation (2010–2030) is proposed in the semi-arid region of the Tebessa-Morsott alluvial aquifer (northeastern Algeria). The groundwater vulnerability method-based DRASTIC model was used to evaluate and delineate the vulnerable areas using a GIS technique. The MODFLOW code, on the other hand, was used to calculate the dynamics of groundwater level under actual and future conditions of exploitation considering two scenarios. The results of the application of the DRASTIC method to the reference year conditions (year 2010) showed that the high and average vulnerability classes covered a wide zone of the study area, about 97%. These results were validated based on the nitrate concentration values (R2 = 0.955). However, the results for predicting future groundwater vulnerability showed that groundwa...
Acque Sotterranee - Italian Journal of Groundwater
Due to the rapid population increase in the Middle Seybouse sub-catchment area in North-East Alge... more Due to the rapid population increase in the Middle Seybouse sub-catchment area in North-East Algeria, the intense agricultural practices, and the industrial development, precious water resources proven to be significantly challenged in their sustainable exploitation both in terms of quantity and quality. The aim of this study is to identify the most suitable areas for groundwater recharge in the Middle Seybouse sub-catchment, over about 770.91 km², using remote sensing data and Geographical Information Systems (GIS). Six factors are recognized to positively affect groundwater recharge: rainfall, land cover, topography, drainage density, lineament density, and lithology. According to their level of involvement in the recharge process, these parameters have been reclassified and then evaluated using the multi-criteria analysis known as “Analytical Hierarchy Process” (AHP). A potential recharge map of the study area was produced showing that 60% of this area, located in the southern an...
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