Hydrogeochemistryof groundwater in Es-Sbikhat El-Mahmel basin, Khenchela (NE Algeria)

Abstract

Es-Sbikhat El-Mahmel basin, located at the southeastern piedmont of Aures massif (Northeastern Algeria), is characterized by a semi arid condition . The sampling process was realized within 39 boreholes and wells during May 2015. Results of analysis data projected on the PCA (Principal Componet Analysis) plan which express 52.70% of variance has shown a chemical facies evolution from calcium bicarbonate water into calcium chloride water, going through a transition facies marked by calcium-sulfate to magnesium-sulfate water.
Thermodynamic analysis corroborated that water rock interaction is the main process that control mineralization (dissolution precipitation, cationic exchange and anthropogenic pollution).