In this work, we have conducted a physicochemical study that assesses the impact of agricultural activities and urban domestic wastewater on the surface water quality of the dam reservoir Mexa in the area of El-Taref, which is located in the eastern coastal basin of Constantine. 36 samplings have been conducted for three years (2010, 2011 and 2012), at the rate of one sampling per month on the dam reservoir water; 36 samples have been analysed. The samples taken have been subjected to an in situ measurement of physicochemical parameters (temperature, hydrogen potential, electric conductivity and dissolved oxygen) and laboratory analysis (anions, cations, biological oxygen demand, chemical oxygen demand, organic matter, phosphate, nitrate, nitrite and ammonium).Concentrations of various organic and inorganic pollutants varied from one month to another and from one year to another. From a temporal point of view, the contamination of water of the dam reservoir Mexa varies according to climatic conditions, being generally low during the winter period and high during the low-flow periods. The results obtained reveal that water of the dam reservoir Mexa is fairly contaminated. It is certain that the dam reservoir is subject to pollution of agricultural and urban origin.

National authorized pesticides used in agriculture are one hot spot issue to human health especially for those working in the field. The aim of this study is to evaluate the health problems of authorized pesticides. Risk assessment was evaluated by 1) Toxicological classification of the WHO, and 2) Bio-Pesticides Database (BPDB) and Pesticide Properties Data Base (PPDB). The 2015 Algerian index of phytosanitary products used in agriculture includes 173 active ingredients (IAs) belonging to 83 chemical groups represented by 757 commercial formulations (CF) categorized into: 36% fungicides, 29% insecticides and 22% herbicides. One-third of the AIs are not approved according to EC 91/414 directive. Otherwise, only 3% and 6% of AIs are classified as extremely and highly hazardous respectively. About 47%, 37% and 30% of IAs can cause eye, skin and respiratory tract irritation respectively while approximately 32%, 13%, 10% and 8% of AIs can have/be reproductive and/or developmental effects, neurotoxic effects, cholinesterase inhibitors and endocrine disruptors respectively when only 5% and almost 3% of AIs are carcinogenic and mutagenic, respectively. It is essential to periodically update the list of authorized pesticides at national level in accordance with international legislation and bans. On the other hand, farmers must be aware of the health risks due to each AI to which they are exposed. Also, farmers must wear personal protective equipment (PPE). On the other hand, continuous epidemiological studies aimed primarily at farmers and their families must be carried out and the results of these studies must be accessible to researchers.

Background: The area of Oued Righ is one of the important geothermal areas in northeastern Algerian Sahara. It is characterized by a hot arid climate with intense dryness and very high evaporation rates. The water requirements of the Oued Righ region are provided by groundwater resources contained in the two aquifers: the complex terminal and the deeper confined continental intercalaire aquifer. Methods: Twenty-seven samples were taken in November 2010 and April 2012; Water samples were analyzed for major and minor dissolved chemical constituents.

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