Carpathian Journal of Earth and Environmental Sciences

Groundwater is a critical water resource in Algeria, especially in areas where surface water availability is limited by climatic conditions. However, its quality is increasingly threatened by human pressures such as intensive farming, uncontrolled wastewater discharges, and inadequate sanitation infrastructure. This study evaluates the physicochemical and bacteriological quality of groundwater from ten boreholes in the Bouira region, a semi-arid area facing growing water demands. Key physicochemical parameters (pH, electrical conductivity, temperature, major ions, nitrates, bicarbonates) and microbiological indicators (fecal coliforms, enterococci) were measured. Multivariate statistical analyses, including Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Ascending Hierarchical Classification (AHC), revealed four distinct water quality clusters. Results indicate slightly acidic to neutral water (mean pH 7 ± 0.23) with moderate mineralization (mean conductivity 1271.8 ± 293.7 µS/cm). Significant correlations were found between electrical conductivity and several major ions, and between turbidity, calcium, and nitrate levels. While most samples met drinking water standards, elevated levels of nitrates, chlorides, and bicarbonates suggest contamination of both anthropogenic and geogenic origin. On a positive note, bacteriological assessments showed no evidence of fecal contamination. These findings provide valuable insights into groundwater vulnerability in semi-arid environments and may be of broad interest to researchers and practitioners in the fields of hydrogeology, environmental sciences, and water resource management.

Naila MAIZI, Naziha LAMRI,  Taous BACHIRI, Karim BELHOCINE, Tiziri IDIR, Fadila KHALDI & Nedjoud GRARA (2026). GROUNDWATER QUALITY IN ALGERIA: THE CHALLENGE OF WATER STRESS AND POLLUTION, Carpathian Journal of Earth and Environmental Sciences, February 2026, Vol. 21, No. 1, p. 49 – 60; https://doi.org/10.26471/cjees/2026/021/351