Mineral Signatures in Oued K’sob River (Algeria): Highlighting Geological Variations and Potential Anthropogenic Impacts

This study examines the mineral composition of sediment samples collected from five distinct zones along the Oued K’sob River in Bordj Bou Arreridj, Algeria using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The analysis revealed intriguing patterns, the Zone 5 emerged as a distinct outlier, exhibiting significantly lower calcium (29.32% vs. 53.25% in Zone 1) and iron (14.94% vs. 6.31% in Zone 1) content compared to other zones, while displaying a higher silicon content (28.82% vs. 25.27% in Zone 1). This suggests a unique geological origin or specific weathering processes shaping the mineral fingerprint of Zone 5. Interestingly, Zones 1, 2, and 3 displayed a relative consistency in silicon content (around 25%, with pairwise comparisons exceeding p > 0.05), suggesting potential similarities in mineral sources or enrichment mechanisms within their watersheds. However, Zone 4 deviated slightly, showing a higher calcium content (64.18% vs. 29.32% in Zone 5) and lower silicon content (17.99% vs. 28.82% in Zone 5), indicating potential differences in its geological makeup or weathering processes. Furthermore, all zones exhibited trace amounts of elements like lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) (ranging from 0.76% to 2.16% for Pb and 0.000% to 0.114% for Cd) (Please recheck these values They are very high). This warrants further investigation to understand their potential anthropogenic origins and impact on the river ecosystem. Further investigations incorporating detailed geological surveys, isotopic analyses, and expanded sampling strategies are recommended to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the complex factors shaping the sediment chemistry within the Oued K’sob River system.