The Relationship between Brittle Tectonics and Hydrothermalism: A Case Study of the Aïn Ouarka Area in the Saharan Atlas, Western Algeria

Hadjou, F.; Refas, S.; Asfirane, F.; Hamidi, M.; Zaagane, Mansour; Bendella, M.

doi:10.1134/s0016852123020036

Cited by 1 publication

(1 citation statement)

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“…Groundwater from the region percolates deep underground, following geological faults, where it undergoes natural heating near a geothermal source. This heated groundwater subsequently contributes to the emergence of a hot thermal spring, as detailed in the study by (Hadjou et al 2023). This intricate geothermal phenomenon not only provides valuable insights into the local hydrogeology but also offers a unique opportunity for harnessing geothermal energy resources in the area.…”

Section: Groundwater Chemistry and Water Typementioning

confidence: 92%

Hydrochemical assessment of groundwater using multivariate statistical methods and water quality indices (WQIs)

Hamma,

Alodah,

Bouaicha

et al. 2024

Appl Water Sci

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Groundwater quality assessment is crucial for the sustainable management of water resources in arid regions, where groundwater is the primary source of water supply and increasing demand raises concerns. The study area in Southwest Algeria relies heavily on groundwater as a source of water supply, and the increasing demand for freshwater raises concerns about the quality of groundwater. To assess the hydrochemical characteristics and water quality of groundwater in the Ain Sefra region, multivariate statistical methods, geochemical modeling and water quality indices were employed. The study revealed that the groundwater samples could be classified into four water groups using hierarchical cluster analysis Q mode (HCA), namely Ca–Mg–HCO3, Ca–Mg–Cl–SO4, Ca–SO4 and Na–Cl. Factor analysis was used to identify the main factors controlling the study area’s hydrochemical processes. The results indicated that water–rock interaction, reverse ion exchange and anthropogenic pollution were the main hydrochemical processes affecting groundwater chemistry. The water quality index indicated that the groundwater was suitable for human consumption, with only 2.32% of the samples being unsuitable. Additionally, the groundwater was suitable for agricultural use, but salinity control was necessary. The saturation index values showed that the groundwater was supersaturated with aragonite, calcite, dolomite, anhydrite and gypsum, and undersaturated with halite. Ca-smectite, Mg-smectite and kaolinite were identified as the primary processes controlling the chemical composition of groundwater. The application of multivariate statistical methods, geochemical modeling and water quality indices provided a comprehensive understanding of the hydrochemical characteristics and water quality of groundwater in the Ain Sefra region. The findings of the study can serve as a useful basis for future studies on groundwater quality assessment in the region.

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Section: Groundwater Chemistry and Water Typementioning

confidence: 92%