PHYSICO-CHEMICAL AND BACTERIOLOGICAL CHARACTERIZATION OF OUED SEYBOUSENORTH-EASTERN ALGERIA

Abstract

This study was conducted to assess both biological and chemical pollution of Oued Seybouse (Guelma). To achieve that, indicator bacteria of fecal pollution were isolated and counted and physico-chemical parameters of such watershed including anionic surfactants were measured. Also, acute toxicity of sodium dodecyl sulphate (as an ionic surfactant) was tested on Daphnia magna. According to our results, it was observed that: The values of physico-chemical parameters of pollution were not within the permissible limits as the concentrations of total phosphorus and nitrate exceeded 7 mg/L and 52 mg/L. respectively. The concentration of an anionic surfactant did not exceed the accepted norm but it can be toxic on aquatic organisms. Regarding the bacterial load, it largely exceeded the accepted standards for the three types of bacteria which are indicators of fecal contamination. In conclusion, this pollution is a consequence of the solid and liquid wild discharges that have a direct and significant impact on the quality of water throughout Oued Seybouse.