Physico-chemical and bacteriological characterization of surface water in Djendjen River (North Eastern Algeria)

Djendjen River is one of the largest rivers in the region of Jijel (Algeria). Human activities such as urban discharges, industrial, agricultural, and livestock have significant effects on the quality of water. The present study attempts to evaluate the quality of water along the banks of the Djendjen River at different sampling sites, using physico-chemical and bacteriological methods. The collected samples are analyzed per standard method parameters and measured in situ. The mean values of the physico-chemical parameters of the river water samples are consistently lower than the levels, certified by the Algerian standard (exept for pH and PO4^3-). The total and fecal coliform surpasses the Algerian standard limits (0 cfu/ 100 ml) at all sites, signifying that without treatment the water is unsuitable for human consumption. Results reveal that water quality of the Djendjen River is generally affected by the anthropogenic activities, taking place along its banks. The moderate organic pollution (OPI= 2-2.6) and high faecal contamination (MQI=3-3.25) of water in the study area has adverse impacts on the environment and public health, which requires a combined treatment (biological and physicochemical).