Use of discriminant statistical analysis to determine the origin of an industrial pollution type in the aquiferous system of the area of Berrahal, Algeria

International audienceThe continuous increase of industrial activities in the area of Berrahal (northeast of Algeria) resulted in an increase of waste disposal, inducing environmental pollution and contamination of groundwater. Available data on groundwater contamination were used to develop a statistical study for contaminated regions and to identify exposure scenarios of pollution. Chemical analysis of the samples shows that water of most wells and drillings is in bad quality or not drinkable, whereas statistical processing of these data by principal component analysis and discriminant factor analysis suggests that wastewater coming from companies of the industrial park of Berrahal is very rich in organic pollutants (high percentages of BOD5 and NO2−) and has high mineralization (has strong concentration in major elements and high electric conductivity); these constitute the main factors of the deterioration of the quality of this water. The considered exposure pathways were drinking water exploited from wells and drillings implanted in this area and its contact with soil (ingestion and dermal contact) that could threaten either humans or wildlife, on site or off site. In addition, groundwater was considered to be a potential risk pathway, especially for the ecosystem of Lake Fetzara and for the aquiferous system