ISSN 2375-1266
African Journal of Environmental and Waste Management ISSN: 2375-1266 Vol. 3 (2), pp. 165-168, February, 2015. © International Scholars Journals
Full length research paper
Evaluation of groundwater pollution by hydrocarbons and heavy metals (Northeast of Algeria)
*1Robert Lang, Karen Rebecca2 and Bruce Hynek Jones2
1Department of Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Batna, Batna, Algeria.
2Department of Geology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Algiers, Algiers, Algeria.
*Corresponding Author Email: [email protected]
Accepted 17 July, 2014
Abstract
Groundwater in the study area was shallow and found in the relatively permeable Mio-Pliocene alluviums comprised of sand and gravels. To assess groundwater pollution by hydrocarbons and heavy metals, piezometric level and physico-chemical data were monitored for eight months using 19 piezometers. The industrial effluents were sampled from a drainage channel within the industrial zone. The average results of physico-chemical analyses (TSS, Total Hydrocarbons and some metals) show an important qualitative degradation of the groundwater, especially in the parts situated in the down gradient area and in direct proximity of the drainage channel. Key factors influencing the extent of groundwater contamination include the depth of the water table, permeability of the soil, and therefore its infiltration rate. In order to prevent further deterioration of groundwater quality, effluent must be transported via pipes or impervious channels for treatment prior to discharge.
Keywords: Groundwater, Pollution, Effluents, Coastal aquifer, Northeast region, Algeria.