Geochemical characterization of the salinity of irrigated soils in arid regions (Biskra, SE Algeria)

Abdennour, Mohamed Amine; Douaoui, Abdelkader; Barrena, Jesús; Pulido, Manuel; Bradaï, Abdelhamid; Bennacer, Amel; Piccini, Chiara; Alfonso-Torreño, Alberto

doi:10.1007/s11631-020-00426-2

Cited by 26 publications

(12 citation statements)

References 42 publications

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“…These two ions were subtracted from the solution to precipitate gypsum (Bouteraa et al, 2019; Djamaı et al, 2011; M'nassri et al, 2018). The decrease in alkalinity when the solution was concentrated can be explained by the negative calcite residual alkalinity after the precipitation of calcite (Abdennour et al, 2021; Djamaı et al, 2011). Cl − , Na + , and SO 4 −− ions were the most dominant ions in the soil solution because of the dissolution of evaporative salts such as halite.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Under arid conditions, the evaporation process leads to a concentration of water, causing a considerable accumulation of soluble salts by precipitation, as well as various saline parageneses (Al‐Droubi, 1976). This salinisation leads to severe degradation of soil resources (Abdennour et al, 2021; Abdennour et al, 2019; Medjani et al, 2017; Semar et al, 2019; Koull & Chehma, 2016), which is a real threat to physicochemical soil properties (Ayadi et al, 2018; Besser et al, 2017).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Salinisation of soils in semi‐arid endorheic zone: Case of Chott El Beida (Algeria)

Laoufi,

Ait Mechedal,

Daoud

2023

Land Degrad Dev

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Chott El Beida, North of Algeria (Setif, 585 km2), is an endorheic zone located in a semi‐arid climate. It is among the first chotts listed under the Ramsar Convention on the Wetlands of International Importance. Numerous studies on wetlands in the Setif region have focused on hydrogeology, avifauna, and vegetation. However, only one study has been devoted to soil studies. This study focused on the pedological and geochemical aspects of salinity in this area. This study was conducted on a toposequence of 200 m comprising eight soil profiles. A set of 24 samples were collected from the top to a depth (0–200 cm) and were subjected to a series of physical and chemical analyses. The concentrations of the major elements were used to determine the chemical facies and calculate the saturation indices for each mineral and residual alkalinity using geochemical modelling with PHREEQC. This study shows that the salinity in Chott El Beida is very variable, varying from less saline to extremely saline, moving from the outside to the centre of the chott, with two types of saline profiles: the descending type towards the outside of the chott and the ascending type in the highly saline depression. Geochemical investigations demonstrated that the dominant facies is (Na‐Cl) which is in accordance with the neutral saline pathway. The phenomenon of salinisation in Chott El Beida is controlled mainly by the precipitation of minerals, namely, calcite, aragonite, dolomite, gypsum, and anhydrite, and the dissolution of evaporite minerals. The study of calcite residual alkalinity and generalised residual alkalinity showed that salinisation evolves in the neutral saline path without the risk of alkalinization.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Salinisation of soils in semi‐arid endorheic zone: Case of Chott El Beida (Algeria)

Laoufi,

Ait Mechedal,

Daoud

2023

Land Degrad Dev

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“…The aquifers formed from a lithology of evaporite nature probably confer this excessive mineralization. The high concentrations of Na are probably related to the basic exchanges on the one hand (Zaidi et al, 2015) and to the geological formations present in the region , such as those in the Outaya region, which are exploited as salt ores of the sodium chloride type (halite) on the other (Abdennour et al, 2020). The high concentrations found at a few water points tapping the Lower Eocene water table are related to the predominance of limestone soils (Helstrup et al, 2007) Mg 2+ is generally present in dolomitic rocks and has a chemical affinity with Ca 2+ (Kasha et al, 2015).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…In Algeria, there is, in general, a lack of knowledge of links established between hydrochemical processes and the quality of groundwater and thus the quality of irrigation water and its effect on soil. Some ad hoc work (Fehdi et al, 2009;Belkhiri and Mouni., 2012;Hamamouche et al 2017;Abdennour et al, 2020) are carried out in particular in arid and semi-arid zones. In this study, the assessment of the geochemical status of groundwater from captured aquifers (Quaternary, Mio-Pliocene and Senono-Lower Eocene) is conducted in the Biskra region, where agricultural activity based on irrigation practice dominates.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Aquifers's Hydrochemical status and predictive effects on the soil properties in Biskra area (Saharan region of Algeria)

Semar

Bachir

Bourafai³

2021

Egyptian Journal of Agricultural Research

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Biskra has seen an intensification of agricultural activities in the last few years, and groundwater is widely exploited for irrigation. An investigation has been carried out where water samples are taken according to the standard protocol from 32 boreholes and artisanal wells, thus affecting the three main aquifers (Quaternary, Mio-Pliocene and Senono-Lower Eocene). The study methods are based on the application of Diagrams (Piper, Riverside, Wilcox) and Phreeqc (saturation index). Electrical Conductivity (EC), Percent of Sodium Ions (% Na + ), Residual Sodium Carbonate (RSC), Sodium Adsorption Ratio (SAR), Kelly's Index (KI) and Permeability Index (PI) are used to characterize potential impacts on soil properties. The analytical results obtained show that the groundwater of the 3 aquifers is neutral and highly mineralized (EC reach of 5 dS/m). The chemical facies are Na-Cl, Ca-Cl and Na-SO4. In relation to the geological conditions, the dominant cations and anions in the ion procession are Na+, Ca 2+ and SO42-, Cl-respectively. Carbonate minerals (dolomite, calcite, and aragonite) are found in water in saturated to over-saturated states. Evaporite minerals (anhydrite, gypsum, and halite) evolve from a state close to equilibrium to a sub-saturated level. The Riverside (SAR and EC) and Wilcox (% Na+ and EC) diagrams was applied to the 3 reservoirs reveal excessively mineralized water and are of poor to low quality. RSC index values show a low risk of soil sodization and PI values indicate good quality water for agricultural use. However, the results of the KIs indicate water of poor quality is recommended for irrigation.

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“…The southern part nearby Biskra is mostly affected by tectonic lineaments, hence, the fault network facilitates hydraulic interconnection between different aquifers. A mixing of groundwaters and hydrogeochemical quality (Abdennour et al, 2021;Ghiglieri et al, 2021;Semar et al, 2021) between saline and fresh groundwater resulted in a wide variability in resistivity. Local aquifers are separated by low permeable formations accelerating the inflow and outflow of groundwater where limestone was fissured.…”

Section: Hydrogeological Correlationmentioning

confidence: 99%

Hydrogeological characterization of the Complex Terminal aquifer using geoelectrical investigation in the arid environment of Chetma-Biskra (South-East of Algeria)

Kessasra

Mezerreg²,

Dehibi³

et al. 2023

AS-ITJGW

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As a transition hydrogeological area, Biskra (Algeria) holds large groundwater resources in deeply buried aquifers such as the Complex Terminal. Due to a growing demand of drinking water supply and irrigation combined to low recharge, this arid region is facing an acute shortage of water and hence, the need for groundwater investigation. We used an integrated approach including geophysical investigation correlated to the geological and hydrogeological context in the Chetma area. The results highlight a deep structural form with significant hydrogeological features. In fact, two resistant limestone anticlines called Droh corresponding to a piezometric dome and a syncline filled with conductive deposit materials were identified. The Maastrichtian formation, consisting of fractured limestone, about 200 to 350 m thick, together with Lower Eocene marl limestone and limestone form a complex aquifer. At more than 400 m depth, boreholes capturing Maastrichtian limestone offer a high yield ranging from 25 to 90 L/s. Moreover, groundwater yield provides an average of 40 L/s at 300 m of depth. In contrast, synform geometries with high clay and marl content offer a weak groundwater yield. We confirmed the occurence of fractured aquifers which could constitute potentially groundwater production zones. This study provides new insights to enhance groundwater pumping for domestic and irrigation purposes for 2030.

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Geochemical characterization of the salinity of irrigated soils in arid regions (Biskra, SE Algeria)

Cited by 26 publications

References 42 publications

Salinisation of soils in semi‐arid endorheic zone: Case of Chott El Beida (Algeria)

Salinisation of soils in semi‐arid endorheic zone: Case of Chott El Beida (Algeria)

Aquifers's Hydrochemical status and predictive effects on the soil properties in Biskra area (Saharan region of Algeria)

Hydrogeological characterization of the Complex Terminal aquifer using geoelectrical investigation in the arid environment of Chetma-Biskra (South-East of Algeria)

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