Monitoring of hydrogeochemistry and hydrological isotopes in karst springs of Tezbent Plateau, Tebessa region, north-east of Algeria

The karst springs of Tezbent Plateau were studied to gain insight into the hydrogeological and hydrodynamic behaviour of this karstic system. Four springs and six domestic wells were analysed for hydrogeochemical constituents, δ18O, and δ2H from September 2021 to June 2022. The Tezbent mountain range, located in northeastern Algeria, drains carbonate aquifers through several significant karst springs. The physical and chemical characteristics of water samples were analysed in order to assess the groundwater origins and identify the factors influencing its geochemical composition. Ionic speciation and mineral dissolution/precipitation were calculated. It was found that geology, specifically the presence of carbonate formations, elevation, and the rate of karst development, are the primary factors influencing groundwater composition and seasonal variations. The carbonate chemistry serves as a diagnostic indicator of karst development effects. The interaction between groundwater and surrounding host rocks is believed to be the primary process influencing the observed chemical characteristics of groundwater in the study area. The δ18O and δ2H values of groundwater samples indicate the meteoric origin of the groundwater recharge and suggest a minimal evaporation impact on the isotopic composition.