North Algeria has a relatively large number of thermal springs, there are more than 200 hot springs with a total flow rate of 3200 l/s, characterized by different temperatures and mineral compositions.This study was aimed at investigating the hydrogeochemical characteristics and therapeutic potential of hydrothermal springs of the three study sites located in the North-eastern Algeria, in order to evaluate the source of the thermal water and understand the geochemical evolution, to identify the recharge source, rock-water interactions, and to propose a reservoir temperature. The water samples were collected in April 2021, the physio-chemical parameters were assessed in-situ, Chemical analysis was carried out at the LACIP laboratory -Ain-Mlila, Algeria. The Piper, and ternary (Giggenbach) diagrams were used for the classification of major ions. The thermal waters are characterized by outlet temperature values of 38 to 72 °C, the pH value is slightly acid, with high electrical conductivity about (4000μS/Cm) and the Na–Cl water type. The reservoir temperature was estimated to be 40–160 °C based on different geothermometers. Thermal spring waters, with temperatures above the local mean-annual air temperature, have undergone geothermal heating during deep subsurface circulation in areas of high topographic relief. The clinical assessments clearly confirmed the beneficial effects of thermal water in Khenchela area. Thermal springs may have considerable economic potential of developed in a sustainable manner.
Hydrogeochemistry and Therapeutic Effects of Thermal waters of Khenchela (North-East Algeria)
Mohamed Rida MOHAMEDI, Mohamed GHANMI, CHENAKER Hichem, Houha belgacem;[DOI: 10.24214/jecet.A.11.4.50111.]