Appraisal of groundwater suitability and hydrochemical characteristics by using various water quality indices and statistical analyses in the Wadi Righ area, Algeria

Abstract

This assessment research focuses on the hydrochemical characteristics and groundwater suitability in the Wadi Righ region, in southern Algeria. The statement of the problem revolves around determining water quality using various indices including Permeability Index (PI), Residual Sodium Carbonate (RSC), Water Quality Index (WQI), Sodium Percentage (Na%), Sodium Adsorption Ratio (SAR), Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment's Water Quality Index (CCME WQI), Magnesium Hazard (MH), Irrigation Water Quality Index (IWQI), and Kelly Index (KR). Additionally, statistical methods were utilized to establish correlations between these indices and chemical elements. The working method involved investigating hydrochemical parameters in Wadi Righ's groundwater and analyzing 52 samples. The results indicate that water quality, as assessed by the water quality indices, was categorized as very poor and unsuitable overall, with lower quality observed particularly in the central and southern regions. However, groundwater demonstrated excellence and suitability for irrigation purposes. Qualitatively, the findings suggest that there are significant relationships among irrigation suitability indices, as indicated by Pearson correlation analysis. These relationships stem from shared inputs and hydrogeochemical characteristics of groundwater. This analysis reinforces the quantitative findings and provides insights into the underlying factors influencing groundwater quality and suitability for irrigation in the Wadi Righ region. HIGHLIGHTS Within the scope of this investigation lies a comprehensive evaluation of water quality, aimed at mitigating the risks of groundwater contamination stemming from agricultural activities, geogenic factors, and anthropogenic influences, as well as addressing potential environmental challenges associated with the utilization of these water resources.; Most of groundwater in Wadi Righ area is unsuitable for consumption, such as drinking, but it is suitable (permissible) for irrigation purposes.; The contamination of water due to the leaching of salts from the Earth's crust as a result of irrigation water use and the dissolution of chemical fertilizers (in agricultural areas) is a primary cause of elevated sodium levels.; The sulfate values are associated with the dissolution of gypsum formations in the region, whereas the bicarbonate values are attributed to the presence of carbonate geological formations, including limestone and sandstone.;

Keywords

• groundwater
• statistical methods
• suitability
• wadi righ
• water quality indices