Assessment of Water Quality for Drinking and Domestic Use from Three Sources in the Mila Region, Northeastern Algeria

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Lalaoui, M. | Bouchareb, N.^{; *} | Bousbia, S. | Rebbah, A.C. | Baali, M. | Belmekimah, D. | Fekraoui, R.

Affiliations: Laboratory of Natural Sciences and Materials, Institute of Natural and Life Sciences, Department of Biological Sciences and Agronomy, Abdelhafid Boussouf University Center, Mila, Algeria | [a] Laboratory of Natural Sciences and Materials, Institute of Natural and Life Sciences, Department of Ecology and Environment, Abdelhafid Boussouf University Center, Mila, Algeria

Correspondence: [*] Corresponding Author. [email protected]

Abstract: This study evaluates the suitability of water from three natural sources in the Mila region of northeast Algeria for human consumption over three months (February-April 2023). It compares physicochemical parameters with Algerian (AS) and World Health Organization (WHO) standards and calculates the Water Quality Index (WQI). Results show that while all parameters met Algerian standards, some exceeded WHO standards, particularly EC, TDS, and Si(OH)4. WQI values ranged from 43.64 to 86.19, indicating water quality varied from good (78%) to excellent (22%). Although the water is generally suitable for consumption, daily chlorination is recommended to maintain safety. The study highlights the need for ongoing water quality monitoring to protect public health and preserve natural spring waters in Algeria.

Keywords: Source water, NE Algeria, physico-chemical parameters, water quality, human consumption

DOI: 10.3233/AJW240082

Journal: Asian Journal of Water, Environment and Pollution, vol. 21, no. 6, pp. 151-159, 2024