Metallic groundwater contamination assessment using the heavy metal pollution index: a case study of the Guelma plain alluvial groundwater, Northeast of Algeria

Groundwater contamination is a serious problem at the local and international levels. It can be influenced by both natural and anthropogenic factors. This study was conducted to assess metal pollution in Guelma plain groundwater during the high water level (May 2022). Groundwater samples were collected at 15 stations. Due to the anthropogenic activities, groundwater contamination was explored based on physicochemical analysis (pH: potentiel hydrogène, EC: electric conductivity, and TDS: total dissolved solids), metallic analysis and heavy metal pollution index (HPI). Results shows that iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), and chromium (Cr) were characterized by good to poor quality levels. However, the values of lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) exceed the standard levels tolerated by WHO in all selected stations. The calculated HPI values varied from 105.7 (P2) to 556.69 (P14). In All selected wells, HPI values were all above the critical value (100). Except for point (P14), the HIP shows that the metal pollution was mainly linked to the presence of Cd. This pollution was essentially originated from the storage of industrial waste and fuel including the use of pesticides and fertilizers from the Guelma-Bouchegouf irrigated perimeter.