Title: Contribution of the multivariate analysis and origin for groundwater quality of mixed aquifer in the M'sila plain (Algeria)

Authors: Mostefa Dougha; Mahmoud Hasbaia

Addresses: VESDD Laboratory, University of M'sila, 28000, Algeria ' VESDD Laboratory, University of M'sila, 28000, Algeria

Abstract: The change of climate and intensive exploitation of groundwater resources in the plain of M'sila has influenced the hydrochemical functioning of the complex aquifer. This resulted in a decrease in the piezometric level of groundwater. The multivariate statistical techniques were used to determine the main factors and regrouping parameters/wells and to understand the origin of groundwater chemistry. Multivariate analysis (principal component analysis and cluster analysis) was performed to identify a common source for sampling data of a semi-arid aquifer. Physicochemical analyses were conducted on the waters of 17 wells. The chemical water classification shows the dominance of a chlorinated calcium and magnesium sulphate type facies, which has a very remarkable tendency towards the salinisation. Cluster analysis based on major parameters contents defined four main chemical water groups with increased water-rock interaction. Some parameters presented the highest concentrations of the total of dissolved salts provoking a poor quality of water.

Keywords: multivariate analysis; PCA technique; HCA technique; piper; hydrochemical facies; water quality; origin of groundwater; salinity; mixed aquifer; M'sila plain.

DOI: 10.1504/IJHST.2019.098160

International Journal of Hydrology Science and Technology, 2019 Vol.9 No.2, pp.154 - 172

Received: 24 Jul 2017
Accepted: 01 Oct 2017
Published online: 05 Mar 2019 *

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