Integrated statistical and hydro-geochemical approach to identify the origin and process of saline contamination of Remila plain groundwater (Khenchela, Algeria)

Abstract

Groundwater is widely used in the semi-arid region of Remila plain (Khenchela, Algeria) for urban and agricultural supplies. An integrated statistical and hydro-geochemical approach was performed with 70 water samples in order to identify the main processes and the origin of water salinisation. The results have suggested the dominance of three chemical facies: Sulphato cloruro calcic (SO4–Cl–Ca) in the northeastern part, Sulphato cloruro calci magnisian (SO–4Cl–Ca–Mg) in most of the waters andalkali-earth bicarbonate (HCO3–Ca–Mg) in the southeastern part. Although based on principal component analysis and hierarchical clustering analysis, the statistical approach identified three water groups: (1) saline water (17 %; total dissolved solids >1000 mg l−1 with the dominance of Sulphate (SO42−)); (2) moderately saline water (17 %) with a dominance of bicarbonate (HCO3−); and (3) moderately saline water (66 %) with mixed facies. The binary diagrams confirmed the predominance of three processes: evaporite dissolution and/or precipitation, combined by ionic exchange. In the northeastern part of the area, however, another process was detected – the saline intrusion of Sabkha water, favoured by extensive groundwater use.

Journal of Water and Land Development

“…Human activity is an important factor that contributes to water deterioration and then encourages water pollution. Massive exploitation of urban supplies and irrigation can affect the salinisation of waters [AOUIDANE et al 2022]. If pollution occurs in the catchment area, then in the discharge zone there will also be a potential decrease in groundwater quality [AZIMOV et al 2022], and even increased activity puts pressure on groundwater quality [RUBIANTORO et al 2022].…”