<p>Characterizing karst systems, whether in the Mediterranean basin or globally, presents challenges due to their inherent geological complexity. Conventional groundwater study methods often prove inadequate due to karst’s heterogeneity. Addressing these challenges necessitates application of specific research approaches to enhance the understanding and management of these water resources. Isotopic and geochemical data were employed as distinctive markers to characterize rainwater and groundwater in this study. The primary objective was to identify and evaluate the potential relationship between these water masses, focusing on the karstic system of Zaccar located in northern Algeria (North Africa), emphasizing the significant potential of mobilizable groundwater reserves within the system. Rainwater (677&#xa0;mm annual precipitation) infiltrates the subsurface with minimal mineral content and a distinctive isotopic signature (Local-Meteoric-Water-Line established as part of this work). As it interacts with subsurface elements, it undergoes mineralization and flows until resurfacing as springs or captured by boreholes. These emergent waters exhibit a chemical composition rich in calcium and bicarbonate, indicative of the Jurassic carbonate reservoir with Triassic evaporite presence as confirmed by geological analysis. The vulnerability of the karstic system is evident through some springs displaying nitrate pollution, indicating its sensitivity. Therefore the study highlights the recharge zone as the most sensitive area. This study unveils the potential of a previously overlooked karstic system, offering readily exploitable resources in terms of quality and quantity, and providing a solid foundation for effective water resource management. Additionally, it serves as a basis for further research and as a model for future studies.</p>

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Geochemical and isotopic relationships between groundwater and rainwater in the Zaccar karst system (Northern Algeria)

  • R. Abdelouahab,
  • H. Azzaz,
  • M. E.-H. Cherchali,
  • M. Belaid,
  • A. S. Moulla,
  • R. Said,
  • H. Chorfi

摘要

Characterizing karst systems, whether in the Mediterranean basin or globally, presents challenges due to their inherent geological complexity. Conventional groundwater study methods often prove inadequate due to karst’s heterogeneity. Addressing these challenges necessitates application of specific research approaches to enhance the understanding and management of these water resources. Isotopic and geochemical data were employed as distinctive markers to characterize rainwater and groundwater in this study. The primary objective was to identify and evaluate the potential relationship between these water masses, focusing on the karstic system of Zaccar located in northern Algeria (North Africa), emphasizing the significant potential of mobilizable groundwater reserves within the system. Rainwater (677 mm annual precipitation) infiltrates the subsurface with minimal mineral content and a distinctive isotopic signature (Local-Meteoric-Water-Line established as part of this work). As it interacts with subsurface elements, it undergoes mineralization and flows until resurfacing as springs or captured by boreholes. These emergent waters exhibit a chemical composition rich in calcium and bicarbonate, indicative of the Jurassic carbonate reservoir with Triassic evaporite presence as confirmed by geological analysis. The vulnerability of the karstic system is evident through some springs displaying nitrate pollution, indicating its sensitivity. Therefore the study highlights the recharge zone as the most sensitive area. This study unveils the potential of a previously overlooked karstic system, offering readily exploitable resources in terms of quality and quantity, and providing a solid foundation for effective water resource management. Additionally, it serves as a basis for further research and as a model for future studies.