Hydrogeochemistry of Ground Water in Wadi NiniBasin – East Algeria

Abstract

ABSTRACT Wadi Nini basin is located northeast of Algeria and it is part of Qasantina upper plateau basin. The main aquifers in this basin are in Tertiary-Quaternary and in the Upper Maestrichtian formations; the late is characterized by high fractures and karstified limestones. For the purpose of detecting the quality of groundwater, groundwater samples were collected from deep and hand dug wells during the September of 1998-1999. The hydro-geochemical analysis give the concentration of the total dissolved solid in the water of the basin ranging from 100-1600 ppm. Due to different classifications applied in this study, it shows different structures of water within different parts of the basin, for it is Calcic-Bicarbonate near the recharge area, change to Calcic-Sulphic in the direction of flow, then to Sodic-Chloride near the Sabkhas (discharge area). Generally, the groundwater of Wadi Nini basin is considered to be applicable for using both in domestic and agricultural activities according to the World Standardization, except in few places where the concentrations exceeds the permissible limits.