Etude de la qualité des eaux souterraines de la plaine d’Ain El Hadjer, Sétif Nord -Est Algérien

Abstract

The study area is part of the high plains of Sétifien, where it is characterized by a semi-arid climate. This work has proved objective to see the quality of the groundwater of the plain of Ain El Hadjer, this quality is determined by the physico- hemical parameters, which gave as follows: - The waters in the area are low to medium to high mineralization. - The values of the conductivities are increasing towards the Sebkhet. - The waters of the region are hard to very hard towards the Sebkhet. - Calcium values increase towards the South of the region that comes from the dissolution of the carbonated formations. - The values of potassium and sodium are decreasing towards the north of the region, and come probably from the dissolution of rocks rich in NaCl. - Chlorides are the result of the dissolution of natural salts and wastewater in the south of the region. - The values of sulphates and bicarbonates come from the dissolution of gypsum and limestone. - The waters of the region are in the majority characterized by the sulphated calcium and sodium chloride facies which are indicated the terraines crossed. - Potability of water is characterized by 60% of boreholes are of poor quality, and the 40% of boreholes are drinking water (does not exceed global standards). - The waters used for irrigation are the waters which far from Sebkhet and can be used without danger. -The drilling waters near Sebkhet can use without control. -the drilling waters in the south of the region are heavily mineralized. In general, the waters of the region are characterized by high salinity that probably due to strong evaporation.