Physicochemical Parameters and Suitability for Irrigation of Groundwater Resources from Biskra Area (Southeastern Algeria)

Abstract

This study is part of the more general framework for diagnosis of the quality of water resources in the Biskra area and its suitability for irrigation. This work reports the results of an analysis of physicochemical groundwater quality. Groundwater samples were collected from 12 boreholes in different aquifers exploited in the area, and used for drinking and domestic purposes. The results showed that the water of the limestone aquifer (Maastrichtian) is better than other aquifers (phreatic, Miopliocene, Lower Eocene). This affects more particularly the pH, conductivity (mineralization), total hardness, and concentration of the major elements. As far as the same aquifers (phreatic, Miopliocene, Lower Eocene), present water which classified mediocre highly mineralized for irrigation because EC > 2250 μS/cm (class 4). The Maastrichtian aquifer presents a poor water quality (class 3), according to the Riverside classification.