Assessing Groundwater Quality and Vulnerability to Mineral Pollution in the Arid Ouargla Basin: Implications for Sustainable Water Use

This study aims to assess the vulnerability of groundwater to mineral pollution in the arid region of Ouargla, Southeastern Algeria. Eighteen groundwater samples were collected from boreholes tapping into various aquifers, particularly the Terminal Complex (TC), which is a key source of drinking water. A set of physicochemical parameters was analyzed in the laboratory, including pH, electrical conductivity, turbidity, calcium, magnesium, sulfates, chlorides, and bicarbonates. The results showed a wide variability in water quality, with elevated salinity and mineral content in several locations. To quantify the extent of contamination, a Mineral Pollution Index (MPI) was introduced and applied using spatial analysis software (Surfer 22), allowing for the development of vulnerability maps. The findings highlight the spatial distribution of pollution levels, from low to very strong, and underscore the impact of both natural geology and anthropogenic pressures on groundwater quality. The proposed MPI-based mapping approach provides a valuable decision-support tool for sustainable water resource management in arid environments.