Characterization of Algerian Sahara groundwater for irrigation and water supply: Adrar region study case

[摘要] Groundwater hydrochemistry of Algerian Sahara (Southwest, Algeria) was used to assess groundwater quality to de-termine its suitability for drinking and agricultural purposes. A total of 26 groundwater samples were analysed for 14 para-meters. Standards laboratory methods were used to determine physicochemical groundwater properties. This study shows that these pH, electric conductivity, total hardness, bicarbonate, and phosphate were within WHO limits. The concentration of magnesium ranging from 30.49 to 120 mg∙dm–3 with an average value of 67.21 mg∙dm–3. 38.56% of the water points analysed have a concentration lower than the value set by the WHO at 75.00 mg∙dm–3. It also showed that 70% of the points studied have potassium concentrations that exceed World Health Organization standards. Groundwater of Algerian Sahara is low in nitrogen (NO3–) and the higher concentration may result in various health risks. The result for this study showed that the water was to be found suitable for drinking purposes except for few samples. Piper diagram indicates that groundwater in Adrar belongs to chlorinated-sulphated, sodium and magnesium facies. The groundwater samples of Adrar present high salinity and low alkalinity fall into the field of C3S1 and C3S2. Based on the RSC values, all samples had values less than 1.25 and were good for irrigation.

[学科分类] 农业科学（综合）

[关键词] Adrar area;Algerian Sahara;drinking water;groundwater;hydrochemical;irrigation water;Piper diagram