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<p>This study investigates the physical, chemical, and microbial characteristics of aquifer water used for tomato irrigation in the Kairouan region of Tunisia and examines its effects on soil health and the microbial quality of harvested tomatoes. Water samples were collected periodically from three wells (S1, S2, and S3) throughout the irrigation cycle and analyzed for pH, salinity, ionic composition, and pathogenic bacteria using standard methods, including the Most Probable Number (MPN) technique. Soil samples were collected at two depths (0–10&#xa0;cm and 10–20&#xa0;cm) and assessed for microbial communities and potential pathogens. Microbiological analyses were also performed on tomato fruits at harvest. Results showed minor fluctuations in water pH (7.51–7.56) and salinity (up to 3.52 dS/m), with no significant temporal changes; overall, water quality remained compliant with Tunisian standards. Microbial analysis revealed occasional presence of coliform bacteria above international limits, while Salmonella spp. were consistently absent. Soil composition, salinity, alkalinity, and ion concentrations varied over time, with higher microbial counts in the surface layer, but no significant increase in pathogenic bacteria was observed. Tomatoes met all microbiological quality standards, and their morphometric and physicochemical traits were unaffected by the irrigation source. Overall, these findings indicate that aquifer water can be safely used for tomato irrigation in semi-arid Mediterranean regions, supporting sustainable water management and maintaining crop quality.</p>

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Assessment of microbial and quality impacts of aquifer water irrigation on tomato production: a case study from Kairouan, Tunisia

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年1月6日

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  • Marwa Zouari,
  • Rim Werheni,
  • Besma Zarai,
  • Khammeri Yousra,
  • Khawla Khaskhoussy,
  • Mohamed Hachicha

摘要

This study investigates the physical, chemical, and microbial characteristics of aquifer water used for tomato irrigation in the Kairouan region of Tunisia and examines its effects on soil health and the microbial quality of harvested tomatoes. Water samples were collected periodically from three wells (S1, S2, and S3) throughout the irrigation cycle and analyzed for pH, salinity, ionic composition, and pathogenic bacteria using standard methods, including the Most Probable Number (MPN) technique. Soil samples were collected at two depths (0–10 cm and 10–20 cm) and assessed for microbial communities and potential pathogens. Microbiological analyses were also performed on tomato fruits at harvest. Results showed minor fluctuations in water pH (7.51–7.56) and salinity (up to 3.52 dS/m), with no significant temporal changes; overall, water quality remained compliant with Tunisian standards. Microbial analysis revealed occasional presence of coliform bacteria above international limits, while Salmonella spp. were consistently absent. Soil composition, salinity, alkalinity, and ion concentrations varied over time, with higher microbial counts in the surface layer, but no significant increase in pathogenic bacteria was observed. Tomatoes met all microbiological quality standards, and their morphometric and physicochemical traits were unaffected by the irrigation source. Overall, these findings indicate that aquifer water can be safely used for tomato irrigation in semi-arid Mediterranean regions, supporting sustainable water management and maintaining crop quality.