Author(s): I. Hassen; F. Hamzaoui-Azaza; R. Bouhlila
Linked Author(s):
Keywords: No keywords
Abstract: Feriana-Skhirat is a deep groundwater aquifer, located in Central Tunisia. Groundwater exploited for Miocene aquifer is the main water resource for the region. The system is composed of unconfined Miocene sandstone with a thickness about 200 m. The aquifer lies deep under a thick layer of marl and clay of Upper Miocene exceeding the thickness of 400 m. Sampling surveys were undertaken in January-February 2014 from 13 wells and concentration of different physico-chemical parameters (TDS, Na +, Ga 2+, Mg 2+, HCO 3 -, SO 4 2-, Cl -, pH and temperature) were considered to determine the origin of mineralization and the suitability of groundwater for irrigation and drinking consumption. The hydrochemical data interpretation reveals that the mineralization is mainly regulated by water/rock interaction through mineral dissolution and ions exchange processes. The water facies gradually changes from SO 4 2- -Ga 2+ -Mg 2+ to SO 4 2- -Na + facies. All the major ions fall in the permissible range of the WHO (2008). On the basis of the Water Quality Index WQI, Feriana-Skhirat aquifer has been classified as “Excellent Water” . Sustainability of groundwater for irrigation based on the Wilcox and Richard diagrams, indicating that groundwater serves good irrigation quality. Groundwater samples fall within the (C3-S1) field, indicating good irrigation quality. In the C4-S2 field, two samples were found; indicating very high salinity and medium alkalinity hazard. Water with such characteristic may be used for plants tolerating high salinity.
Year: 2016