Suitability of groundwater from the Kherzet Youcef lead-zinc deposit (North-eastern Algeria) for irrigation and drinking water supply

Abstract As part of the hydrogeological study of the Kherzet Youcef deposit, a drilling battery was carried out. The objective of this achievement is the satisfaction of the water needs of the city of Ain Azel (drinking water supply, irrigation and industrial water supply) and even the transfer to other municipalities suffering by the lack of water and the resumption of mining activity at the deposit of Kherzet Youcef. This water table is located in carbonate formations of Paleo-Neogene age linked to lead-zinc mineralization. Knowledge of water quality and its suitability for human consumption is an obligation. These metals have adverse health effects. We used the results of Sonarem's analyses between 1973-1979. In addition, we carried out two analyses, during two years 2015 - 2016, on five boreholes. The parameters analyzed are major elements, physical parameters and trace metal elements (Zn, Pb and Fe). The analyses were done by ICP-AES. In our work, it has been shown that waste water is suitable for use in agriculture. For this we used the electrical conductivity at 25°C and those of the sodium adsorption ratio (SAR). For drinking water supply, monitoring the change in TME (Zn, Pb and Fe) for two years has allowed us to conclude that groundwater in the groundwater table east of the Kherzet Youcef fault is generally acceptable. They are eligible by the quality standard set by Algerian regulations. However, they exceed WHO standards, especially for lead. We recommend a revision of drinking water quality standards set by Algerian regulations, rigorous monitoring of TME content variation and water treatment before distribution.