In the heart of Algeria, a critical study is underway that could reshape how we approach groundwater management and artificial recharge, with significant implications for the energy sector. The Mitidja Plain, a vital agricultural and industrial hub, is facing severe groundwater quality challenges, and a team of researchers led by Ouahiba Aziez from the National School of Hydraulics (ENSH) is at the forefront of understanding and addressing these issues.
The Mitidja aquifer, a lifeline for the region’s drinking water supply, is under threat from various sources, including irrigation water infiltration, industrial discharges, and marine intrusion. To assess the extent of this pollution and plan for artificial recharge, Aziez and her team conducted an extensive study, monitoring 49 water points throughout 2019. Their findings, published in the journal *Acque Sotterranee* (which translates to “Underground Waters”), offer a compelling narrative of the aquifer’s health and the urgent need for intervention.
The researchers employed two quality indices—the Groundwater Pollution Index (GPI) and the Entropy Water Quality Index (EWQI)—to evaluate the groundwater quality during both high and low-water periods. Their analysis revealed a stark reality: during the dry season, pollution levels increased, with 17.4% of the water classified as “high pollution” and 43.4% as “moderate pollution.” This trend was particularly pronounced in the far western agricultural areas and the far eastern industrial zones, including the heavily populated Rouiba industrial area.
“Our results indicate a strong spatial dependence of pollution, with certain parameters like chloride, sulfate, electrical conductivity, and total dissolved solids showing significant autocorrelation,” Aziez explained. This spatial analysis, conducted using Moran’s I index and ordinary kriging, highlights the urgent need for targeted pollution control measures.
The study’s findings have profound implications for the energy sector, particularly in regions where groundwater is a critical resource for both industrial processes and cooling systems. The degradation of groundwater quality can lead to increased treatment costs, operational inefficiencies, and potential environmental liabilities. Moreover, the planned artificial recharge of the aquifer with treated wastewater underscores the need for stringent pollution control measures to prevent further contamination.
As the world grapples with water scarcity and the impacts of climate change, studies like this one are crucial for informing policy and practice. The Mitidja aquifer’s challenges mirror those faced by aquifers worldwide, making this research a valuable contribution to the global discourse on groundwater management.
Aziez’s work serves as a clarion call for immediate action. “It is imperative that actions are urgently implemented to detect and control pollution sources before the aquifer is artificially recharged,” she emphasized. By addressing these issues proactively, stakeholders can mitigate risks and ensure the sustainable management of this vital resource.
The study’s innovative use of spatial analysis and quality indices sets a new standard for groundwater assessment. As the energy sector continues to rely on groundwater resources, the insights gained from this research will be instrumental in shaping future developments and ensuring the long-term viability of these critical water sources.