Water quality index, risk assessment in a coastal aquifer: the Djendjen aquifer (Jijel, Algeria)

Abstract

Preserving the quality of water resources requires researching and identifying areas susceptible to potential aquifer contamination. Therefore, the protection of these resources is paramount. This work falls within this thematic area. The main objective of this study is to identify areas at potential risk of marine intrusion and assess the Water Quality Index (WQI) in the Djedjen plain. To achieve this goal, our choice was to combine the GALDIT model based on six criteria and the Water Quality Index (WQI) based on seven parameters (Na⁺, Mg²⁺, Ca²⁺, SO₄²⁻, Cl⁻, HCO₃⁻, and EC). We utilized Geographic Information System (GIS) for this purpose. The analytical results have shown that 11% of the study area's surface is at potential risk of contamination, linked both to marine intrusion and various anthropogenic activities. Therefore, continuous monitoring of the water quality in this area is necessary.