The aim of this work is to characterize clays of Middle Eocene age from the Ghoufi-Atlas Saharan region, Algeria, in order to know the fields of their use and their eventual valuation. To this end, an outcrop sampling campaign was carried out across these formations. The samples collected were analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray fluorescence (XRF), and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Potential samples rich in clay fraction were further analyzed using laser granulometry, physicochemical tests, and copper adsorption recovery tests. The results showed that the clay fraction, which varies between 71 and 86%, are entirely represented Palygorskite, accompanied by 06–18% of dolomite, 03–7% of calcite, and traces of quartz as non-clay minerals. Further analysis showed that these clays have a cation exchange capacity (CEC) of 07 and 07.16 meq/100 g and a specific surface area (SS) of 57 and 60 m²/g. Copper adsorption tests have shown that fixation kinetics are very rapid and that these clays have a very high adsorption capacity.

This presentation examines the Cenomanian–Turonian Bahloul Formation in NE Algeria and NW Tunisia through integrated facies, stratigraphic, structural, and geochemical analysis. It highlights the role of synsedimentary tectonics and OAE2-related sea-level rise in controlling organic-matter distribution and source-rock development in the Algero-Tunisian Atlassic Basin.

The Bir Haddada Plain is located in eastern Algeria and is characterized by a semi-arid climate with low rainfall. The irrigation of this region's agricultural lands is almost assured by hundreds of wells that exploit the shallow aquifer. The strong pumping of the shallow aquifer triggered the latter's utter exhaustion. To resolve the irrigation water shortage, we need to explore the subsoils to find potentially exploitable aquifers more closely. The objective is the geoelectric characterization of this area and also the detection of underground water aquifers. The geophysical study by vertical electrical survey (VES) is more adequate because it allows identifying the conductive and resistant layers to the electric field. Exploration by VES was carried out with a spacing of the measuring electrodes ranging from AB = 100 to AB = 1000 m. The study of the results obtained indicates that the prospective zone is distinguished by a filling exceeding 300 m corresponding to the miopliocene formations. These formations are generally clays, conglomerates, and lacustrine limestones. In contrast, the low resistivity values seem to be related to the presence of conductive formations such as Miopliocene gypsum clays or to the presence of Triassic rocks linked to the contact of the bedrock. The maps of the apparent resistivity often show a network of different direction faults.

L’aquifère de Hammam Bradaa se situe au Nord-Est de Guelma à l’Est algérien. Il fait partie du bassin versant de la Seybouse et plus précisément le sous bassin de la moyenne Seybouse qui couvre une superficie de 820 km2. Du point de vue géologique, les formations rencontrées sont en majeure partie carbonatées d’âge Crétacé, avec une couverture récente hétérogène (remplissage d’âge tertiaire). L’objectif est l’identification de la qualité des eaux par l’outil statistique pour ressortir les tendances et par conséquent les groupes chimiques qui caractérisent les eaux de la nappe profonde de Hammam Bradaa. Tout d’abord, l’estimation du coefficient de variation (CV%) indique que la majorité des mesures liées à chaque variable se rapprochent de la moyenne et ne montre pas une grande dispersion, contrairement aux mesures des nitrates qui présentent une grande dispersion autour de la moyenne, ceci peut être expliqué par l’utilisation sélective des engrais chimiques pour l’agriculture des terres exploitées. Par ailleurs, la corrélation simple (matrice de corrélation) et multiple (ACP et C.A.H), mettent en évidence des liens significatifs entre les ions issus de la dissolution des minéraux carbonatés (Mg et HCO3) ainsi que ceux résultants des minéraux évaporitiques (Na et Cl). La conductivité électrique n’indique pas une bonne corrélation avec les ions témoignant ainsi de la faible minéralisation des eaux étudiées. Nous remarquons la bonne concordance entre les résultats de l’analyse statistique et ceux de l’interprétation hydro chimique. 

This paper presents a gravimetric study aimed at analyzing the geological structure and hydrogeological potential of the Télidjene basin in eastern Algeria. The data used are based on the EGM2012 gravimetric model and have been corrected using the International Gravimetric Bureau (BGI). Bouguer anomalies were calculated using spherical harmonic coefficients and underwent topographic corrections. The upward continuation method was used to attenuate shortwavelength anomalies and separate regional and residual components. Spectral analysis allowed for determining the average depths of geological formations. The results obtained from the gravimetric processing provided valuable information on the geological structure and hydrogeological potential of the study area and enabled the creation of a structural map illustrating the fault system responsible for the structuring of the study area. This map serves as a highly useful document for guiding future hydrogeological research in the study area.

Located in northeast Algeria, the coastal aquifer of the Plain of the El-Nil River constitutes a significant source of groundwater. It contains many municipal and private wells used for several purposes, including agriculture irrigation and drinking water. This paper describes a review of potential anthropogenic sources of groundwater contamination over the Plain of the El-Nil River territory. Different potential sources are identified, including 1) cultivated fields, 2) old private sanitation systems, 3) seawater intrusion, 4) dumpsite, and 5) the contaminated rivers crossing the study area. The multi-sources of contamination in the coastal aquifer of the Plain of the El-Nil River could affect large sectors of the aquifer. However, the existing documentation of groundwater contamination of the Plain of the El-Nil River is still limited. Hence, a hydrogeochemical study, including the analyses of major chemical elements and certain stable isotopes, is proposed as the principal outcome of this site-review paper. If undertaken, this proposed study is expected to provide more accurate information on groundwater contamination and, subsequently, could help decision-makers to prepare a practical plan for protecting the local water resources.

Located in north-east Algerian, the coastal aquifer of Taleza constitutes a significant source of groundwater. It contains hundreds of private wells installed by the population for several purposes including drinking water. Recently, the groundwater has become quite saline; in order to investigate this issue, hydrochemical and isotopic groundwater characterization is carried out, including the analyses of major elements and water stable isotopes d2H-H2O and d18O-H2O. Results confirmed a saltwater intrusion, and interestingly, the intrusion mechanism appears to be more complex than a direct intrusion from the Mediterranean Sea. During the high-water period, saltwater intrusion may also originate from the two rivers bordering the aquifer, via upstream migration of seawater through the river mouths. The heavier ratios in d2H-H2O and d18O-H2O of surface water collected from the rivers suggest that the Mediterranean Sea water is mixing with rivers water. The present study shows that seawater may exert deleterious impacts on groundwater quality and greatly limit conditions for the sustainable groundwater management.

Low cost bentonite clay was chemically modified using magnesium chloride in order to enhance its sulfide removal capacity. The incorporation of Co and Al into bentonite (MB). Batch adsorption experiments were conducted to study and optimize various operational parameters such as adsorbent dose, contact time, pH, and initial sulfide concentration. It was observed that the MB works effectively over wide range of pH and showed a maximum sulfide removal capacity of 2.26mgg−1 at an initial fluoride concentration of 5mg L−1, which is much better than the unmodified bentonite. Desorption study of MB suggest that almost all the loaded fluoride was desorbed (~97%) using 1M NaOH solution however maximum sulfide removal decreases from 95.47 to 73 (%) after regeneration. From the experimental results, it may be inferred that chemical modification enhances the sulfide removal efficiency of bentonite and it works as an effective