Study of the Physico-chemical Characteristics of the Water in the Hydrographic Network of the Wadi El Hachem (Wilaya of Tipaza. Algeria)

Water is the driving force of nature, the health and well-being of mankind. At present, it is the most essential and most threatened natural source. Water pollution is one of the problems that concern all of humanity. Our study aims to study the physico-chemical characteristics and water pollution of the hydrographic network of Oued El Hachem (Wilaya of Tipaza. Algeria). Because the plain of Oued El Hachem is the main source of drinking water supply for large cities such as Tipaza and Cherchell, as well as the irrigation of large agricultural plots. The results of the physico-chemical analyses of the water in the hydrographic network of the Wadi El Hachem show that the waters present significant mineralization linked to the geological nature of the watershed and to domestic and agricultural discharges. The high rates of biological oxygen demand (BOD₅), chemical oxygen demand (COD) and nutrient salts (nitrates, nitrites and phosphates) inform us about the presence of industrial, agricultural and urban activities in the watershed. The results of the principal component analysis (PCA) show that there are two types of pollution: mineral and organic at the level of the hydrographic network studied.