Overexploitation and quality assessment of groundwater in arid areas : Adrar province, Southwest Algeria
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.24425/jwld.2025.156042Abstract
The study evaluated the water quality of the Adrar municipality over a decade, using physical and chemical analyses of 12 groundwater wells. Results showed a decrease in sulphate (SO42−), bicarbonate (HCO3−) and sodium (Na+) concentrations, accompanied by an increase in total hardness (TH), potassium (K+) and nitrate (NO3−) levels. The analysis of the Piper diagram confirmed these changes, revealing a transition from the dominance of the sodium sulphate facies to the calcium, magnesium, and chloride sulphate facies. The drinking water quality index (DWQI) showed that all water samples during this period can be classified as suitable to drink, except for well 11, which was classified as poor quality. The analysis of water quality indicators, such as residual sodium carbonate (RSC), sodium adsorption ratio (SAR), and permeability index (PI), revealed that this water was suitable for irrigation during this period, with some indicators showing improvement, especially Kelly index (KI) and sodium percentage (NA%). The Wilcox diagram showed a clear improvement in the quality of water used for irrigation, as all samples in 2024 were classified as good for irrigation. According to Richards’ diagram and the irrigation water quality index (IWQI), this water is classified as suitable for irrigating salt-tolerant crops in well-drained soils. Therefore, local authorities and farmers in the Adrar region should implement sustainable management practices, such as planting salt-tolerant crops, adopting irrigation techniques that reduce salt accumulation and water waste, and regularly monitoring water quality.References
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