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Origin of water salinity in a lake and coastal aquifer system

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Environmental Geology

Abstract

The studied area is in the Algerian Northeast. A number of interacting factors at the site are able to modify salinity. The main influences are: (1) The lithology, (2) Fedzara Lake, (3) marine waters, and (4) a prolonged drought. (1) The lithology is very clearly delineated by the outcrop of metamorphic formations (gneiss, marbles, micaschists, and quartzites) and sedimentary formations (limestones, clay, sandstones, and sands). All these formations can influence the chemical composition of waters. (2) Fedzara Lake evacuates its salted waters via the Wadi Meboudja, which connects with the Wadi Seybouse and the phreatic surface. These lake waters might induce changes in salinity. (3) The marine waters represent the third source of salinity change. Over-pumping of water from wells and drillings can cause an imbalance to the fresh–salted water interface. (4) The effects of a local prolonged drought of more than 10 years may increase water salinity. Over-pumping to augment water supply generates a fall in water levels and the drier atmosphere increases evapotranspiration. Both may contribute to increased salinity. Results of water analysis were used to observe the evolution of these various factors.

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Acknowledgment

This work has been realized through the framework of Tassili project 05 HCU 003.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Laboratoire des Zones Humides, University of Annaba, Annaba, Algeria

    L. Djabri, A. Rouabhia & A. Hani

  2. University of Lille 1, Villeneuved’Ascq Cedex, France

    Ch. Lamouroux

  3. Department of Hydrogeology, University of Almeria, Edificio CITE II-B, 04120, Almeria, Spain

    A. Pulido-Bosch

Authors
  1. L. Djabri
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  2. A. Rouabhia
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  3. A. Hani
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  4. Ch. Lamouroux
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  5. A. Pulido-Bosch
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Correspondence to L. Djabri.

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Djabri, L., Rouabhia, A., Hani, A. et al. Origin of water salinity in a lake and coastal aquifer system. Environ Geol 54, 565–573 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00254-007-0851-2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00254-007-0851-2

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