AUTHOR(S): Abdelkader Bentabet, Habib Azzaz, Christophe Emblanch, Benyakhelef Benamina
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TITLE Impact of Agricultural Development on Karstic Groundwater of Saïda Mountains in Algeria |
ABSTRACT The Saïda Mountains are composed of carbonate massifs (limestone-dolomite rocks) of Early to Middle Jurassic age. The Saïda Mountains aquifer is fed by precipitation and by a relatively dense temporary hydrographic system. The mountains represent an important water reservoir for northwestern Algeria. Anthropogenic impacts have continuously modified the physico-chemical characteristics of the water in this fragile aquifer. Concentrations of anthropogenic parameters [NO- 3 (62 mg/l), SO2- 4 (173 mg /l), Cl- (123 mg/l)] at water points represent critical values that pose risks to the population. Interpretation of graphs of anthropogenic water parameters shows that the primary source of pollution is agricultural activity, which has increased significantly in the study area. However, our investigations and interviews with water resource managers show that great difficulties persist in the implementation of recommended protective actions |
KEYWORDS karstic aquifers, anthropogenic pollution, agricultural livestock, Saïda Mountains, Nitrate pollution, physico-chemical characteristics. |
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Cite this paper Abdelkader Bentabet, Habib Azzaz, Christophe Emblanch, Benyakhelef Benamina. (2019) Impact of Agricultural Development on Karstic Groundwater of Saïda Mountains in Algeria. International Journal of Environmental Science, 4, 190-198 |
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