Original Papers
Vol. 15 No. 3 (2026)
Hydrochemical characterization and assessment of groundwater in the Bechar-Kenadsa Coal Basin (Southwestern Algeria)
Publisher's note
All claims expressed in this article are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of their affiliated organizations, or those of the publisher, the editors and the reviewers. Any product that may be evaluated in this article or claim that may be made by its manufacturer is not guaranteed or endorsed by the publisher.
All claims expressed in this article are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of their affiliated organizations, or those of the publisher, the editors and the reviewers. Any product that may be evaluated in this article or claim that may be made by its manufacturer is not guaranteed or endorsed by the publisher.
Published: 30 September 2026
0
Views
0
Downloads
Authors
In arid and semi-arid zones, groundwater is indispensable but has become extremely limited due to climate change, salinization, overexploitation, and other anthropogenic factors. This study assessed the hydrogeochemistry and quality of groundwater in the Bechar-Kenadsa region of Southwestern Algeria. A total of 37 borehole water samples tapping the aquifer system were collected across the entire study area using a simple random sampling method. These samples were analyzed for physicochemical parameters, as well as major cations and anions, using standard analytical methods. Hydrogeochemical characteristics were assessed using various software tools, including QGIS for cartography, XLSTAT, and diagrams such as Piper, Gibbs, Gaillardet, and Schoeller-Berkaloff. The results showed that the pH ranges from 6.70 to 7.97, while water temperatures vary minimally between 24.5°C and 24.7°C. Electrical conductivity ranges between 1993 and 16990 μS/cm. Regarding major ions, Ca+2 ranges from 45 to 915 mg/L, Mg+2 from 72 to 645 mg/L, and combined sodium and potassium (Na+, K+) range between 190.2 and 2718 mg/L. For anions, chloride (Cl−) ranges from 300 to 4400 mg/L, sulfate (SO4−2) from 11 to 3200 mg/L, bicarbonate (HCO3−) from 64 to 308 mg/L, and nitrate (NO3−) from 2 to 332 mg/L. The groundwater from this aquifer is used exclusively for agricultural purposes. Overall, these waters are highly mineralized, of poor quality, and not potable. This degraded water quality is attributed to the regional paleogeographic setting of coal formations, the vulnerability of the aquifer, the dissolution of slag heaps, the excessive use of fertilizers, and urban wastewater discharges. Furthermore, effective groundwater protection will rely on wastewater treatment, reduced fertilizer application, the protection of wellhead capture zones, regular water quality monitoring, and sustainable resource management.
Downloads
Download data is not yet available.
Citations
Abhilash-Rani, A., Kumari, A., & Kumar, J. (2020). Water resource and use efficiency under changing climate. Resour Use Eff Agric. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-15-6953-1_15 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-15-6953-1_15
Adimalla, N., Li, P., & Venkatayogi, S. (2018). Hydrogeochemical evaluation of groundwater quality for drinking and irrigation purposes and integrated interpretation with water quality index studies. Environmental Processes, 5, 363-383. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40710-018-0297-4 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40710-018-0297-4
Aloui, R. (2019) Caractérisation hydrogéologique du système aquifère jurassique de Mougheul (Djebel Grouz, Sud-Ouest, Algérie), “Hydrogeological characterization of the Jurassic aquifer system of Mougheul (Djebel Grouz, Southwest Algeria) “, Thèse, UTMB, 162 p.
Aly, A.A., Al-Omran, A.M., Alharby, & M.M. (2015). The water quality index and hydrochemical characterization of groundwater resources in Hafar Albatin, Saudi Arabia. Arab J Geosci 8, 4177– 4190 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12517-014-1463-2 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12517-014-1463-2
Amri, S., Mekkaoui, A., & Brahmi, H. (2023). Traits saillants des eaux souterraines du Westphalien à « Kenadsa-Guelb el Aouda » ‘Région de Bechar, Sud-Ouest, Algerie) “Salient features of Westphalian groundwater in “Kenadsa-Guelb el Aouda” (Bechar Region, Southwest Algeria)”. http://dx.doi.org/10.47743/lsgdc.v51i1.01 DOI: https://doi.org/10.47743/lsgdc.v51i1.01
Akhtar, N., Syakir-Ishak, MI., Bhawani, SA., & Umar, K. (2021). Various natural and anthropogenic factors responsible for water quality degradation: a review. Water 13(19):2660. https://doi.org/10.3390/w13192660 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/w13192660
Belkendil, A., Habi, M., Yakhlefoune, M., Sarra A., Mekkaoui A., Tariq A., & Zineb, M. (2025). Integrated GIS-Based approach for groundwater potential mapping in Arid Regions: A case study of Kenadsa-Bechar using AHP and frequency ratio methods. Groundw Sustain Dev 101461. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gsd.2025.101461 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gsd.2025.101461
Belkendil, A. (2021). Les ressources hydriques dans les zones arides, caractérisation, dynamique et durabilité (cas du sud – ouest algérien) ”Water resources in arid zones ; characterization, dynamics, and sustainability (case of southwestern Algeria)”. Thèse université de Tlemcen, p225
Belkendil, A. Habi, M., Morsli, B., (2018) Evaluation of the physicochemical quality of groundwater in arid areas: case study (watershed of the Oued Bechar) in Bechar-Kenadsa Region. Desalination Water Treat., 107 (2018), pp. 136-146, https://doi.org/10.5004/dwt.2018.22117 DOI: https://doi.org/10.5004/dwt.2018.22117
Bellaredj, A. E. M. (2025). Groundwater quality assessment for drinking and irrigation in the plains of Oran (Northwestern Algeria) using SIG, water quality indices and multivariate statistical methods. Acque Sotterranee-Italian Journal of Groundwater ,14(3), 33-50. https://doi.org/10.7343/as-2025-878 DOI: https://doi.org/10.7343/as-2025-878
Bellaredj A. E. M. &, Hamidi M. (2023). Computer modelling of groundwater overexploitation: case study from the plain of Sidi Bel Abbes (northwestern Algeria). Journal of Fundamental and Applied Sciences, 12(1), 257-290.
Benmarce, K., Hadji, R., Hamed, Y., Zahri, F., Zighmi, K., Hamad A., ... , & Besser, H. (2023). Hydrogeological and water quality analysis of thermal springs in the Guelma region of North-Eastern Algeria: A study using hydrochemical, statistical, and isotopic approaches. Journal of African Earth Sciences, 205, 105011. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jafrearsci.2023.105011 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jafrearsci.2023.105011
Benyoucef, M. (2012). Le bassin crétacé du Guir (Sud-ouest, Algérie) Caractérisation litho-Biostratigraphiques, sédimento-logique et paléogéographiques “The Cretaceous basin of Guir (Southwest Algeria): Litho-biostratigraphic, sedimentological, and paleogeographic characterization” Thèse. Univ. Tlemcen pp. 219.
Bourgeois, M. (1960). Etude géologique sur la possibilité d’exploiter les eaux souterraines dans les Ksour de Nord de Colomb-Béchar (Département de la Saoura) “Geological study on the possibility of exploiting groundwater in the North Ksour of Colomb-Béchar (Department of Saoura)”. [Unpublished] pp. 35.
Brahmi, H. (2015). Contribution à l’étude des eaux souterraines au Sahara, exemple des eaux de la région de Kenadsa “Contribution to the study of groundwater in the Sahara ; example of waters in the Kenadsa region”. Master, université de Tlemcen, p83
Castany G. (1982). Principes et méthodes de l’hydrogéologie “Principles and Methods of Hydrogeology”. Dunod, Paris, 238p.
Collin, J. J. (2004). Les eaux souterraines; Connaissance et gestion “Groundwater ; Knowledge and Management”. (Ed. BRGM/Hermann).
Daniele, L., Vallejos, A., Corbella, M., Molina, L., & Pulido-Bosch, A. (2013). Hydrogeochemistry and geochemical simulations to assess water–rock interactions in complex carbonate aquifers: the case of Aguadulce (SE Spain). Appl Geochem 29:43–54. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apgeochem.2012.11.011 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apgeochem.2012.11.011
Deleau, P. (1955). Contribution à l’étude hydrogéologique de la région de Colomb Béchar “Contribution to the hydrogeological study of the Colomb Béchar region”, Publ. Géol. Algérie ; N°6, 1955, P177-190
Deleau, P. (1952). Les bassins Houillers du Sud oranais dans la région de Béchar-Abadla “The Coal Basins of South Oran in the Colomb-Béchar-Abadla Region”. Bulletin du Service Géologique de l’Algérie, Livre I, Stratigraphie, 275 p.
Deleau, P. (1951). Les bassins houillers du Sud-Oranais dans la région de Colomb-Béchar-Abadla “The Coal Basins of South Oran in the Colomb-Béchar-Abadla Region”. Bulletin de Service. Carte Géologique de Algérie 2e série, n°20, 277 p.
De Marsily, G. (1981). Hydrogéologie Quantitative ““Quantitative Hydrogeology”. Masson, Paris.
Diongue, D. M., Sagnane, L., Emvoutou, H., Faye, M., Gueye, I. D., & Faye S. (2022). Evaluation of groundwater quality in the deep maastrichtian aquifer of senegal using multivariate statistics and water quality index-based GIS. Journal of Environmental Protection, 13(11), 819-841. https://doi.org/10.4236/jep.2022.1311052 DOI: https://doi.org/10.4236/jep.2022.1311052
Dubief, J. (1963). Le climat du Sahara “The Climate of the Sahara”. Mém. de l’Inst. Rech. Sahar. Alger, 2, 275 p.
Ferlatte, M., Tremblay Y., Rouleau A., & Larouche U. F. (2014). Les eaux souterraines pour tous. Première Édition. Réseau québécois sur les eaux souterraines (RQES) “Groundwater for All, First Edition, Quebec Groundwater Network (RQES)”. 63 p.
Flamand, G.B.M. (1911). Recherches géologiques et géographiques sur le Haut Pays de l’Oranie et sur le Sahara (Algérie et territoires du Sud) “Geological and geographical research on the High Country of Oran and the Sahara (Algeria and Southern Territories)”. Th. Sc., Univ. Lyon, 47 et A, p. 1 -1001.
Guerre, C. (1975). Rapport (inédit) sur l’alimentation en eau potable de villes de Béchar et Kenadsa “Unpublished report on the drinking water supply for the cities of Béchar and Kenadsa”. Direction d’hydraulique. p.55.
Idrotechnico, (1976). Etude hydrogéologique de la région de Béchar, “Hydrogeological study of the Béchar region”. SONAREM (rapport inédit).
Kabour A. &, Chebbah, L. (2017). Caractérisation hydro-chimique et mise à jour de la salinité des eaux souterraines en région aride : cas de l’aquifère du grès carbonifère de Kénadsa (Sud-Ouest Algérien) “Hydrochemical characterization and updated groundwater salinity in an arid region: case of the Carboniferous sandstone aquifer of Kénadsa (Southwest Algeria)”, GEO-ECO-TROP, pp 99-106
Lachache, S., Nebou, M., Merzouguui, T., & Amroune, A. (2018). Hydrochemistry and origin of principal major elements in the groundwater of the Béchar–Kénadsa basin in arid zone, South-West of Algeria https://doi.org/10.2478/jwld-2018-0008 DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/jwld-2018-0008
Lachache, S., Amroune, A., Ilyes, B. R., Lachache, A., Sofiane, B. M., & Tadjeddine, A. A. (2026). Groundwater Quality and Mineralization Processes in the Béchar Region, Algeria: A Hydrochemical and Statistical Approach. Rocznik Ochrona Srodowiska, 28, 153-164. https://doi.org/10.54740/ros.2026.012 DOI: https://doi.org/10.54740/ros.2026.012
Lemosquet, Y., Pareyn, C., & Weyant, M. (1985). Bechar Basin, in WAGNER R. H., WINKLER PRINS C. F., GRANADOS L. F. (eds), e Carboniferous of the Word, vol. 2. IUGS Publication 20. Instituto Geologico y Minero de Espana, Madrid : 306-315.
Lemosquet, Y., Pareyn, C., & Weyant, M. (1980). Transgressions dinantiennes et mouvements hercyniens précoces sur la bordure septentrionale du craton africain (Bassin de Béchar, Sahara Sudoranais, Algérie) “Dinantian transgressions and early Hercynian movements on the northern border of the African craton (Béchar Basin, South Oran Sahara, Algeria)”. Huitième Congrès International de Stratigraphie et de Géologie Carbonifère, Moscou, Compte Rendu 6: 199-209.
Lemosquet, Y., Pareyn, C., & Weyant, M. (1976). Schéma de l’évolution tectono-sédimentaire du Carbonifère inférieur et moyen dans le Bassin de Béchar (Sahara sud-oranais) “Outline of the tectonosedimentary evolution of the Lower and Middle Carboniferous in the Béchar Basin (South Oran Sahara)”. 4ème Réunion Annuelle en Sciences de la Terre, Paris, 13 Livre des résumés : 126
Levy, R. (1949). Le bassin du Ziz-Guir “The Ziz-Guir Basin”. Rapport Géologique Inédit, Maroc, Rabat : 35 p. 6 cartes.
Li, P. & Qian, H. (2018). Water resources research to support a sustainable China. International Journal of Water Resources Development, 34(3), 327-336.https://doi.org/10.1080/07900627.2018.1452723 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/07900627.2018.1452723
Li, P., Tian, R., Xue, C., & Wu, J. (2017). Progress, opportunities, and key fields for groundwater quality research under the impacts of human activities in China with a special focus on western China. Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 24, 13224-13234. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-017-8753-7 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-017-8753-7
Liu, M, Xiao, C, & Liang, X. (2019). The hydrochemical characteristics and quality assessment of groundwater in Shuangliao City, China. E3S Web Conf 98:01034. https://doi.org/10.1051/e3sconf/20199801034 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1051/e3sconf/20199801034
Margat, J. (1998). Les eaux souterraines dans le bassin méditerranéen. Ressources et utilisations “Groundwater in the Mediterranean Basin: Resources and Uses”. Ed. Plan Bleu et BRGM, Documents du BRGM, 282, 110 p. Orléans
Mebarki, S. (2012). Caractéristique hydrogéologique de l’aquifère jurassique dans la plaine de Mougheul, (Ksour du Nord, Béchar), “Hydrogeological characteristics of the Jurassic aquifer in the Mougheul Plain (Northern Ksour, Béchar) ”, Mémoire de Magistère Université de Béchar. p.136,40.
Mekkaoui, A. (2000). Bordure du sillon atlasique et plate-forme Saharienne. Jurassique inférieur et moyen. (Grouz méridional, Charef-Fendi, Algérie Sud Occidentale “Border of the Atlasic trough and Saharan platform: Lower and Middle Jurassic (Southern Grouz, Charef-Fendi, Southwestern Algeria)”. Mémoire de magister, univ. Oran
Olea-Olea, S., Escolero, O., Mahlknecht, J., Ortega, L., Taran, Y., Moran-Zenteno, DJ., &Tadeo-Leon, J. (2020). Water-rock interaction and mixing processes of complex urban groundwater flow system subject to intensive exploitation: the case of Mexico City. J S Am Earth Sci 103:102719. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsames.2020.102719 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsames.2020.102719
O.N.M. (2018). Rapport de l’office national de météorologie (rapport inédit) “Report of the National Meteorological Office (unpublished report)”.
Ouda, S. & Tidjini N. (2014). Contribution à l’étude des eaux souterraines dans les systèmes multicouches en zone aride cas du westphalien de Kenadsa “Contribution to the study of groundwater in multilayer systems in arid zones: case of the Westphalian of Kenadsa”. Mémoire, master, université de Béchar. p.128.
Paryen, C. (1961). Les massifs carbonifères du Sahara sud-oranais oranais “The Carboniferous Massifs of the South Oran Sahara, C.N.R.S”, Edit. C.N.R.S.
Poirmeur, M. (1906). La région du Guir-Zousfana. Renseignements coloniaux “The Guir-Zousfana Region ; Colonial Information”. Bureau Topographie du Territoire d’Ain Sefra. Publication du Comité du Maroc, Paris, XVI : 101 p
Ray, R. K., Syed, T. H., Saha, D., Sarkar, B. C., & Patre, A. K. (2017). Assessment of village-wise groundwater draft for irrigation: a field based study in hard-rock aquifers of central India. Hydrogeology Journal, 25(8), 2513-2525. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10040-017-1625-x DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10040-017-1625-x
Rodier, J. & Legube B. (2009). L’analyse de l’eau “Water Analysis”. Dunod Schoeller H (1965) Qualitative evaluation of groundwater resources. UNESCO, Methods and techniques of groundwater investigations and development, p 5483
Rodier, J. (1996). L’Analyse de l’eau. Eaux naturelles, eaux résiduelles, eau de mer “Water Analysis; Natural Waters, Wastewater, Seawater”. 8ème Edition, DUNOD, Paris, 1383 p.
Sadat, S., Hamidi, M., Mekkaoui, A., & Merzougui, T., (2020). Identification and evolution of the Turonian aquifer case study: Cretaceous basin of Bechar, southwestern Algeria. Journal Of Water and Land Development No. 46 (VII–IX): 190–199. DOI: https://doi.org/10.24425/jwld.2020.134213
Sellami, F. & Rabah, M. (2017). Eaux souterraines dans la région de Béchar; Caractérisations et perspectives “Groundwater in the Béchar Region ; Characterization and Perspectives (Béchar Region, Southwest Algeria)” (Région de Béchar, Sud-Ouest, Algérie) Mémoire de Fin d’Etudes, p. 145.
Soukaina, E.., Mohammed G, Rachida E., Azzaoui, K., Shehdeh J., Hanbali, G., & Lamhamdi, A., (2024). Identification of hydrochemical processes of groundwater in Nekor-Ghiss plain (Morocco): using the application of multivariate statistics and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to map groundwater Applied Water Science. http://doi.org/10.1007/s13201-024-02220-4 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13201-024-02220-4
Todd, D.K. (1980). Groundwater Hydrology. 2nd Edition, John Wiley & Sons, New York.
Wagh, V.M., Mukate, S.V., & Panaskar, D.B. et al. (2019). Study of groundwater hydrochemistry and drinking suitability through Water Quality Index (WQI) modelling in Kadava river basin, India. SN Appl. Sci.1, 1251 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s42452-019-1268-8 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s42452-019-1268-8
World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines for drinking-water quality (2022).
Zahedi, S. (2017). Modification of expected conflicts between drinking water quality index and irrigation water quality index in water quality ranking of shared extraction wells using multi criteria decision making techniques. Ecological Indicators, 83, 368-379. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecolind.2017.08.017 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecolind.2017.08.017
How to Cite
Hydrochemical characterization and assessment of groundwater in the Bechar-Kenadsa Coal Basin (Southwestern Algeria). (2026). Acque Sotterranee - Italian Journal of Groundwater, 15(3). https://doi.org/10.7343/as-2026-983
Copyright (c) 2026 the Author(s)
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.
