Assessment of water quality of the Cheffia Dam in Algeria based on microbiological quality index and suitability for irrigation

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Introduction

The development of agriculture and fertility of soils plain have created dense human settlements in the studied area particularly in North. Research has indicated that agricultural practices may cause nitrate, chlorides and sulfates contamination to be high to exceed the maximum acceptable level for water (Benrabah, 2016). Water is a transversal vector of the ecosystem in interaction with all the elements of the biosphere (Olivaux, 2007; Barbault, 2007) and the development of human activity (domestic, collective, agricultural, industrial). Water is vital for life, but it is also responsible for the death of millions of human beings in the Third World, because of its pollution due to chemicals and microbiological products that make it unfit for consumption (Guiraud, 1998). Today, Algeria has 70 operational dams and 25are in construction. The Cheffia dam, built in 1965, is a dam in normal retaining land of 165 m. It regularizes 95 Hm³ annually for the needs of the irrigated Bounamoussa perimeter (Wilaya El Tarf), Annaba city and regional industries including El Hadjar steel. The water quality had in recent years various problems due to uncontrolled industrial discharges and the intensive use of chemical fertilizers in agriculture. There is a failure in dam waters management especially in distribution. The needs for agricultural water were never satisfied at 100%. Therefore, in the last few years, the control of pollution and water quality became particularly obligatory explodes, in order to preserve the environment and the health of living beings, or to exploit it for human consumption and industrial use (Barbault, 2007). For this reason, this work aims to study the physico-chemical and microbiological quality of water in Cheffia dam, which is characterized by an intense anthropic influence manifested by agricultural activities practiced throughout the catchment area, and knowing that suitability of water for irrigation can assessed not only from the total concentration of salt, but also from the type of salt and ions constituting it. It is then essential to study the parameters defining the characteristics of waters intended to irrigation.

Materials and Methods

Study area

The Cheffia dam on Bounamoussa wadi (river) is located 40 km south-east in the upstream of Annaba city, and 42 km south-west of El Tarf city in Cheffia town, Daïra of Bouteldja. It covers an area of 1000 ha. It is boarded from North by the communes of Cheffia and Asfour. In West by the commune of Asfour. In South by the municipalities of Hammam Béni Salah and Bouhadjar. And from East by Cheffia town (Fig. 1).

Fig 1. Location of study area and dam water sampling points.

Characteristics of Cheffia dam

Cheffia dam has a regulable water with a volume of 95 hm³. It supplies Bounamoussa perimeters with agricultural water in summer, the steel complex of El-Hadjar as well as the Annaba city and Bouhadjar with AEP. This dam is made of compacted soil with an upstream clay-sealing mask and alluvial recharge. The total volume of embankments is 1.3 million m³.

Cheffia dam is facing huge problems in water management from the point of view of distribution. The needs in agricultural water have never been satisfied at 100%, which justifies the failure in its management. The priority is given to the industrial sector and the AEP (cities of Annaba and El-Hadjar), and finally to the agricultural sector. The existence of Cheffia, and its dam location has served the need of water in three important sectors: a large city, that of Annaba, an industrial sector that of the steel complex of El-Hadjar and finally an agricultural sector, the irrigation perimeter of Bounamoussa.

Sampling and analysis

The sampling of Cheffia dam water was carried out along three campaigns (Febraury, March and April 2019). 27 samples were collected from 3 sampling points as shown in (Fig. 1). During these campaigns, samples were stored in polyethylene bottles with a capacity of 1.5 L, which have been rinsed three times with sampled water for a physicochemical analysis following accepted methods (Rodier, et al., 2009). The analyzed parameters were as follows: Temperature, pH, Electrical Conductivity EC, Salinity, Turbidity, Dissolved oxygen, Calcium (Ca²⁺), Magnesuim (Mg²⁺), Chloride (Cl^–), Nitrate (NO₃^–), Nitrite (NO₂^-), Ammonium (NH⁴⁺), Phosphate (PO₄^3–) and Iron (Fe) (Table 1). All of the sampling is usually conducted between 9:30 am and 11:00 am. After bottling and labeling, the sample should be placed in a cooler at 4°C to keep it cool. We located our sampling stations for the three samples as follows (Fig. 1):

Station 01: Southeast of the dam

Station 02: Depth of the dam

Station 03: North of the dam

Table 1. Different instruments or methods for parameters analysis.

For microbiological analysis, 27 samples were carried out using the standard Methods described by (APHA, 1999; Rodier et al., 2009). The study of bacteriological parameters was determined by the Millipore membrane filtration method (0.45 μm) and concerned with the quantification of faecal origin parameters: faecal coliforms (FC) and total coliforms (TC). This method utilizes elevated temperature incubation to distinguish faecal coliforms from the total coliforms. For faecal streptococci group, the counts were made with filtered membrane on Slanetz and Bartley Agar. The Results are expressed as colony forming units per unit of volume.

To characterize the microbiological contamination at the level of spring waters studied, we proceeded according to a method the calculation of the MCI. (Leclercq, 2001; Bovesse and Depelchin, 1980).

The Microbiological Contamination Index method is presented below (Bovesse and Depelchin, 1980). They include five quality classes corresponding to the generally accepted colors (Fig. 2).

Fig 2. Class of alteration.

The principle is to divide the values of the bacteriological parameters into five classes (Table 2), then to determine, from one's own measurements, the corresponding class number for each parameter and then to take the average.

Table 2. Quality grid (MCI).

MCI = (Total Coliforms + Faecal Coliforms + Faecal Streptococci)/3

MCI of 5.0 to 4.6: Null microbiological contamination;

MCI of 4.5 to 4.0: Low microbiological contamination;

MCI of 3.9 to 3.0: Moderate microbiological contamination;

MCI of 2.9 to 2.0: Strong microbiological contamination;

MCI of 1.9 to 1.0: Very strong microbiological contamination.

Sodium Adsorption Rate (SAR)

Alkalinity hazard is generally expressed by sodium adsorption rate (SAR). This parameter quantifies sodium ions proportion (Na⁺), calcium (Ca²⁺) and magnesium (Mg²⁺) in a water sample. It should be noted that Na⁺ plays a negative role in the soil since it reacts with the soil by decreasing its permeability and so by stopping waters circulation; its presence in the soil increases the clay particles volume, thereby leading to an obstruction of the pores between the particles. SAR calculation allows assessing the probable degradation of the soil structure and the alteration of its physical qualities. Sodium adsorption rate SAR has been calculated from the equation proposed by Richard (1954):

Results and Discussion

Physico-chemical characteristics of the water

The physico-chemical characteristics give an idea about the water quality in any water body.

Temperature (Tº)

The water temperature influences many other parameters. It is the first case for dissolved oxygen, which is essential for aquatic life. The higher water temperature the more the quantity of dissolved oxygen decreases. A too high water temperature can lead to dramatic situations like the lack of dissolved oxygen that can lead to: the disappearance of species, the reduction of the disappearance of species, the reduction of self-purification, the accumulation of foul-smelling deposits, accelerated growth of plants (including algae) (Arrigon, 1991). Water temperature measurements at Cheffia dam reached a minimum of 13.3°C (S3) during March and a maximum of 18.9°C at the same station during the month of April (Table 3).

Table 3. Descriptive study for water chemistry

Potential of hydrogen (pH)

The pH (hydrogen potential) measures the concentration of H⁺ ions in water. It translates the balance between acid and base on a scale of 0 to 14 being the pH of neutrality. This parameter characterizes a large number of physico-chemical equilibrium and depends on multiple factors including the origin of the water. The pH must be measured on the ground and must be between 6.5 and 9 (Devillers, et al., 2005). The pH of the dam water usually varies between a minimum value of 7.01 (S1) and a maximum of 7.71 (S3). The majority of this pH is slightly basic (Table 3). Our pH levels are almost similar to those obtained in Bounamoussa River which varied between 6.94 and 8.02 (Ramdani and Laifa, 2017).

Electrical conductivity (EC)

Conductivity measures the ability of water to conduct an electric current between two electrodes. Most substances dissolved in water are in the form of electrically charged ions. Thus, measuring conductivity allows us to evaluate the amount of dissolved salts in the water (Devillers, et al., 2005). The obtained results in the study area show that the electrical conductivity of water varies between 292 μS/Cm (S2) in March and a maximum value of 453 μS/Cm (S3) in February (Table 3). Our results show that EC values do not exceed the permissible limit (1500 μS/cm) set for drinking water (WHO, 2004).

Dissolved Oxygen

Oxygen is one of the particularly useful parameters for water and it is an excellent indicator of its quality. It is one of the most sensitive parameters to pollution (Makhoukh, et al., 2011). The observed dissolved oxygen content of the dam water rises to significant concentrations up to 81% O₂ (S3) during the month of April (Table 3).

Salinity

Salinity is an ecological factor specific to aquatic biotopes (but also to soils) which characterize their salt content (NaCl) and other salts dissolved in water. Furthermore, any untimely modification of the salinity due to the action of man can present a frightening impact on the aquatic biotopes concerned (Rodier, et al., 2009). The salinity content of the dam water varies between 0.15 g/l at sites (S1) in March (minimum value), and a maximum value 0.2 g/l for (S1, S2 and S3) in February, while it stabilizes for the other two stations during the 3 months (Table 3). This value is lower than the average salinity value obtained in the study of El Mehdi, et al, (2009).

Turbidity

Turbidity reflects the presence of particles in suspension in water (organic debris, mud, microorganisms, etc.). High turbidity can allow microorganisms to adhere to suspended particles and reduce the light that aquatic plants use for photosynthesis. Turbidity is expressed in turbidity units (NTU) and should be less than 5 NTU (Bengoumi, et al., 2013). For all analyzed samples of water, the turbidity varies between a minimum value of 5.35 NTU (S3) during April and a maximum value of 104 NTU (S2) in March (Table 3) which is higher than the standard permissible limits set by Algeria and the World Health Organization. These high values are due to the high presence of organic and inorganic materials such as silt and Sediment.

Cations calcium and magnesium (Ca⁺² and Mg⁺²)

Both calcium and magnesium are essential minerals and beneficial to human health in several aspects (Boumaraf, et al., 2017). Inadequate intake of either nutrient can result in adverse health consequences (WHO standard). The results of cations Ca⁺² and Mg⁺² were found to be in the range of 10 to 59 mg/l and 2.5 to 22 mg/l, respectively (Table 3). The calcium levels are mostly below the maximum acceptable concentration (200 mg/l) set by Algeria and WHO for drinking water. The magnesium values are in agreement with the Algerian standard (JORA, 2011) which is set a maximum value of 150 mg/l.

Chlorides (Cl^-)

The chloride content of water is extremely different and it is mainly related to the nature of soil through which it flows. The WHO recommends a guide value of 200 mg/l for the chloride content in water intended for human consumption. The contents fluctuate between a minimum value 2.5 mg/l at the station 1 (March) and a maximum value of 42.84 mg/l at (S2) depth of the dam during February (Table 3). Concentrations of all these anions were found to be under permissible limits set by Algeria and WHO for drinking and irrigation water (Cl-<250 mg/l). Our chlorides levels are similar to those obtained in the Guebli River (Boudeffa et al., 2020).

Ammonium (NH⁴⁺)

Ammoniacal salts are pollutants that come from domestic effluents, agricultural fertilizers and some industrial and industrial units. In groundwater, NH⁴⁺ is frequently present without being an indication of pollution. On the other hand in surface waters NH⁴⁺ is present only in polluted waters (Valiron, 1994). The water of Cheffia dam presents an important content of ammonium arrives until 0,28 mg/l and that is in the depth of the dam (S2) in the months February and March (Table 3). The WHO recommends 0.5 mg/l as a limit value, for the analyzed samples the ammonium contents in all samples are within the standards of potability vary between 0.013 mg/l and 0.28 mg/l.

Nitrate (NO₃^-)

Nitrates (NO₃^-) are produced from the oxidation of organic nitrogen from fertilizer leaching, urban, industrial leaching of fertilizers and urban industrial waste, and are therefore naturally present in soil and water. Nitrates are one of the main plant nutrients. Their presence, together with other nutrients, stimulates the growth of aquatic plants (Kahoul and Touhami, 2014). The average concentrations of NO₃^– ions are lower than 1.1 mg/l during the 3 months of (February, March and April) (Table 3). These values were at the lower limit of the range for nitrate ion concentrations in the unpolluted surface water. These results indicate that the studied waters of Cheffia dam are not at risk of pollution from nitrate ions.

Nitrite (NO₂^-)

Nitrite (NO₂), in the form of nitrate, occurs naturally in soil, water and plants, but usually in small amounts plants, and typically in small amounts. The higher the nitrate content of the water, the greater the risk of consuming nitrites is greater, because nitrates are converted into nitrates by the chemical reduction (removal of oxygen). A very high concentration of nitrite in the body can lead to serious diseases (especially cyanosis) (Toumi, et al., 2016). The average concentrations of nitrite ions were smaller than ammonium ions. The results of the nitrite content are low during the three months of (February, March and April) (Table 3). According to WHO standards, our water corresponds to good quality (NO₂^- ≤ 0.2 mg/l).

Phosphate (PO₄^-3)

The natural presence of phosphates (PO₄^-3) in waters is linked to the characteristics of the ground crossed and to decomposition of organic matter (Kumar et al., 2017). The presence of phosphates in natural waters with concentrations above 0.2 mg/l indicated pollution by synthetic detergents, as well as by runoff water (Kumar et al., 2018). According to the results, the dam water has very low phosphate concentrations which are <0.025 mg/l. Compared to the WHO standards (PO₄^-3<0.1 mg/l), most of the samples correspond to good quality waters (Table 3).

Iron (Fe)

The presence of iron could be due to the contact of rocks, a high concentration of iron affects the taste and has adverse effects on domestic uses which promotes the growth of iron bacteria (Kumar et al., 2017). The iron content of the dam water varies from a minimum value of 0.01 mg/l (S1) in February to a maximum value of 5 mg/l (S2) in the month of March. The waters from depth (S2) have higher iron contents than the values limited by the world standards at 0.3 mg/l (Table 3). Accidental overdose of iron can cause damage to the liver, heart and joints. It can also lead to hematochromatosis (heavy iron deposition in tissues). Also cerebral edema, hypovolemia, hypotension and sometimes even spontaneous abortion or premature delivery (Hlavackova, 2005).

Water suitability for irrigation

SAR values calculated allow isolating only one category: excellent quality water with low-alkalinization hazard. According to Riverside diagram established by surface waters of study area ) which shown that they belong to classes (C2-S1) (Fig. 3). These classes were as medium to good quality for irrigation and as water for use with sensitive plants and in poorly drained soils and for sensitive plants (fruit trees).

Fig 3. Reverside diagram for classification of irrigation waters.

Bacteriological analysis of dam waters

Total coliforms

Based on the analysis of data and the interpretation of total coliforms percentage, fecal coliforms and streptococci; our results show values during the three months of study (February, March and April) as follows. The majority of the waters are dominated by total coliforms during the month of April S1 (500TC), S2 (520TC) and S3 (460TC). On the other hand, a decrease is observed during the month of February S1 (50TC), S2 (105TC) and S3 (82TC) (Table 4). The results of water bacteriological analysis show that all samples collected during the month of April were polluted by the presence of coliforms. These are indicators of faecal contamination of the water. The contamination of these waters by total germs could be due to the poor protection of the dam and the ignorance of the elementary rules of hygiene.

Table 4. Values of indices and classes of contamination for dam waters.

Faecal coliforms and Faecal Streptococci

Our results indicate significant values of faecal coliforms during the month of March with an average concentration of (166FC) (Table 4). Significant values of faecal Streptococcus are observed during the study period: S1 (Avg. 49 FS), S2 (Avg. 57FS), S3 (Avg. 68 FS) (Table 4). The rate of faecal coliforms is 250 colonies/100 ml. These values are higher than the WHO standards (S2 during the month of March). The high presence of faecal coliforms in the dam water presents a potential risk for health and human consumption. The discharge of wastewater from several residential units into the dam may also be an important source of streptococci in the water that participate in the contamination of this site. However; a strong faecal contamination in low water period where bacterial multiplication is more favored by temperature, basic pH and alkaline environment which was supported by other works (Aboulkacem, et al., 2007; El-Addouli, et al., 2011; Lamrani, et al., 2011). The high concentrations of total coliforms, faecal coliforms and faecal streptococci suggest the possible existence of the wastewater discharge at this dam.

Application of the microbiological contamination index method

For a more significant interpretation, we have chosen two results from the different bacteriological parameters of each month for all sites (Table 4).

According to the Table 4, and during the month of February we have noticed that at the level of all the sites the microbiological contamination is null. According to the results of April, we notice a null contamination but with an early more or less high of total coliforms at the level of S1 and S2, with respectively 500 and 520 germs/100 ml, seen the norms of WHO. This does not translate a danger but rather a water to be watched.

During the month of March and following the results of Table 4, the contamination index is null but with an increase of faecal coliforms at the site S2 level whose early is 250 germs/100 ml, respectively, due to runoff and gravity runoff of the mountains.

Finally, for the faecal Streptococci and according to the results, we note a null contamination consequently water of good bacteriological quality.

The low values of this index are explained by a low total coliform count and faecal coliforms and faecal streptococci in the studied stations.

Conclusion

At the end of this study, we have assessed surface waters quality of Cheffia dam, used for irrigation by the application of quality parameters of waters intended to agricultural activity, such as sodium adsorption rate (SAR).

At the physicochemical level, the present study showed that the water samples were great in quality and below the concentrations permitted by the World Health Organization for drinking water. The faecal contamination germs counted in Cheffia dam water are due to the domestic wastewater discharges and the use of chemical and natural fertilizers (animal droppings). According to the microbiological contamination index and during all our period of study, the contamination is null. It emerges that the studied water stations is of an excellent bacteriological quality.

According to the means values of SAR, all sampled surface waters are of good quality for agriculture and that these waters are fit for irrigation of most cultures, but attention should be paid to leaching, difficult in marginally permeable soils, and to drainage.

Acknowledgment

We are very grateful to my husband and my colleague Dr. Bergal for the help and support they have given me.

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