Assessment of the vulnerability and sensitivity of groundwater for drinking water supply and irrigation: The case of the Mitidja alluvial aquifer (Northern Algeria)

The aim of this study is to combine the hydrochemical data, geostatistical methods, and numerical approaches with the water pollution vulnerability index of the Mitidja alluvium. This index is obtained by applying the DRASTIC model and a numerical rating system to develop a methodology based on the water sensitivity index. The socio-economic development has led to the overexploitation of groundwater and surface water resources, coupled with insufficient rainfall, which has exacerbated the sensitivity and vulnerability of this precious resource. Compared to previous studies, the most recent sensitivity map serves as an important decision support tool for relevant authorities. According to the survey, this index was very low, accounting for 45.43% of the total drinking water area in 2010. It decreased to 8.25% and later increased to 28.06% in 2018. The high and very high sensitivity index to water pollution (SI) accounted for 5.34% and 9.87% in 2010, and 19.77% and 15.78% in 2018. The variation in irrigation water sensitivity was similar that of drinking water sources (DWS). The medium and high sensitivity indices (SI) increased from 27.21% and 18.20% to 37.19% and 42.01%, reflecting a significant and alarming increase in groundwater sensitivity, vulnerability, and pollution within the study area. The results of the geostatistical approach yielded some interesting results, considering the water intended for drinking water supply and the water intended for irrigation separately in the Mitidja alluvial aquifer.