Hydrogeochemical Characterization and Assessment of Groundwater Quality in the Touffana Region, Northeastern Algeria: Implications for Irrigation and Water Resource Management

Groundwater is a vital source of freshwater, but its quality is increasingly compromised by anthropogenic activities such as industrialization, urbanization, agriculture, population growth, and excessive fertilizer use. This study aims to assess groundwater quality through a hydrogeochemical evaluation to identify water quality issues and propose strategies for improvement. Focusing on the hydrogeochemistry of groundwater in northeastern Algeria, specifically in the commune of Touffana, Batna Province, within the Oued Boulfreis sub-basin a region characterized by a semi-arid climate the research explores the influence of lithology, groundwater residence time, climatic factors, and human activities on water quality. In light of population growth and the expansion of agro-industrial activities, sustainable water resource management is increasingly important. The study seeks to develop a piezometric map of the superficial aquifer and perform a comprehensive hydrochemical analysis of 11 water samples. The objectives are to determine water facies, monitor mineralization trends, identify the chemical origins of the water, and evaluate its suitability for irrigation using the Richards method. This research is critical for enhancing the quantitative and qualitative management of water resources in this region, where groundwater is heavily relied upon for urban water supply and irrigation.