Characterization of groundwater in arid zones (case of Ouargla basin)

• Published in: Energy procedia 2017-01, Vol.119, p.556-564
• Main Authors: Aissa, R. Belhadj, Boutoutaou, D.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Algeria; Aquifers; Arid zones; Characterization; Groundwater; Mineralization; Ouargla
• ISSN: 1876-6102; 1876-6102
• DOI: 10.1016/j.egypro.2017.07.077

The preservation of natural water resources occupies a dominant position in the expectations of the population in Algeria, particularly in the south of the country. The region of Ouargla is fed by groundwater and it is subject to a strong demand for water, including the share of agriculture. The quality of these waters varies from one zone to another. According to previous studies, the quality of these resources is mediocre and requires treatment. Then, it is essential to bring elements of knowledge and explanation to make an analysis of the situation and to implement the strategies face of the threats looming over the quality of water resources. The objective of this work is to evaluate the physico-chemical quality of water from different aquifers and determine their quality according to potability standards. The obtained results reveal that the waters of water table are very poor quality and they are too mineralized, very hard, high conductivity, in the other hand lower values are observed in the water of Albian aquifer, but its high temperature and their great depth makes it exploitation difficult. The waters of terminal complex (miopliocene and senonian) the more interesting for drinking water supply, show an average mineralization, with acceptable temperature 22 C˚, nevertheless they are bad physico-chemical quality according of WHO standards, these waters require a further treatment before distribution.