The third issue, No. 3

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Samia Benrabah , Mounira Touati , Fahima Halimi , Salah Eddine , Hamza Bouguera

The environmental impact of dam construction in a wetland area. A case study Boukhroufa (El Taref) Algeria

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DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.15576/GLL/2024.3.01

This article presents an approach to the assessment of the environmental impact of a dam construction for agricultural use in the Boutheldja region. This region’s environment is rich in natural resources and forms a part of the El Kala National Park (P.N.E.K). It was designated a wetland of international importance under the Ramsar convention by UNESCO in 1983 and later declared a biosphere reserve in 1990. It is among the most significant aquatic areas in this region (contains about 40% of surface water resources). The physical characteristics of the watershed support the construction of the dam, although there could be a number of unfavorable effects: upstream – including soil erosion and reservoir sedimentation, reduced storage capacity, lower water quality and loss of productivity of flooded area; downstream – removal of silt from downstream flows, loss of fertilising functions, changes in water quality, changes in productivity, reduction in natural floods, loss of access to resources and ecological disturbance. Such processes will have an impact on an ecosystem so fragile. Although Boukhroufa dam provides significant benefits to the city, such as controlling stream regime, preventing floods, and supplying agricultural water from stored water, it also has significant negative effects on the surrounding watershed ecosystem.

Keywords: watershed • Boukhroufa dam • El Taref • environmental impact • flood

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Nouar Charef , Yacine Berrah , Abderrahman Boumezbeur

Geotechnical identification of soil deposits and clay sensitivity evaluation: A case study from East Algeria

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DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.15576/GLL/2024.3.02

This article provides an overview of a comprehensive study conducted in the Tebessa region of Algeria to identify and characterize sensitive soils susceptible to swelling. This phenomenon poses significant challenges to construction activities and infrastructure development in the area. The study employed a multidisciplinary approach, combining geotechnical and mineralogical analyses to understand the behavior of sensitive soils in the region. Geotechnical investigations involved laboratory identification tests, including Atterberg limits, grain size analysis, methylene blue value, sedimentometry, as well as mechanical tests: oedometer swelling and compressibility tests. Additionally, over 110 boreholes in four sectors were drilled in order to collect soil samples for the analysis. Classification of the studied soils was performed based on grain size distribution, Atterberg limits, and geotechnical properties, utilizing classification systems like LPC and GTR. Results indicated that the sensitive soils in the Tebessa region predominantly belonged to highly plastic clayey categories, exhibiting medium to extremely high swelling potential. Mineralogical analysis through X-ray diffraction provided insights into the composition of the clay fraction, with a focus on identifying swelling clay minerals, such as smectites. The study identified a significant presence of smectites in the soil samples, which are known for their high swelling potential. Integrating geotechnical and mineralogical analyses allows engineers to correlate mineral compositions with soil behaviors such as compaction, consolidation, and shear strength. This correlation predicts how the soil will respond to engineering activities such as construction and slope stability. In the Tebessa region, this integration improves the understanding of clayey soil behavior, aiding informed decisions for sustainable development and resilient infrastructure.

Keywords: Tebessa region • sensitive soils • geotechnical analysis • mineralogical analysis • soil classification

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Abderrahim Bezai , Nafaa Brinis , Azzeddine Reghais , Samir Djenba , Khadidja Bouzid

Hydrochemical analysis and groundwater quality assessment for irrigation in the Remila Plain, Khenchela, Northeast Algeria

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DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.15576/GLL/2024.3.03

Water resources are facing significant challenges in result of rapidly growing demand, deteriorating quality, and the effects of climate change. Today, water quantity and quality issues have become prevalent in various regions across the globe, affecting both northern and southern territories. Among the sectors reliant on this resource, irrigation stands out as the largest consumer of water. When surface water becomes inaccessible due to insufficient precipitation or other factors, the use of groundwater becomes the only viable alternative for irrigation. The Remila Plain (Khenchela) is located in an endorean watershed in northeastern Algeria and extends over 250 km2 in a synclinal basin filled with water from the Mio-Plio Quaternary - the main aquifer of the region, widely used for irrigation. The aim of this work is to study the hydrochemistry of these waters, as well as the evolution of mineralisation, the identification of the origin of the chemistry, and the suitability of these waters for irrigation. Initial results indicate an evolution of mineralisation in the direction of groundwater flow, with electrical conductivity values varying between 1000μS/cm in the recharge zones, and 2700μS/cm at the outlet. This mineralisation is mainly due to the dissolution of evaporitic minerals and the alteration of silicates. In addition, the various water quality indices used indicate that the water can be used for irrigation without major risk to plants and soils.

Keywords: hydrochemistry • mineralisation • Remila plain • Mio-Plio-Quaternary aquifer •  suitability for irrigation

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Iklass Hamaili , Chemseddine Fehdi, Fethi Baali

Monitoring of hydrogeochemistry and hydrological isotopes in karst springs of Tezbent Plateau, Tebessa region, north-east of Algeria

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DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.15576/GLL/2024.3.04

The karst springs of Tezbent Plateau were studied to gain insight into the hydrogeological and hydrodynamic behaviour of this karstic system. Four springs and six domestic wells were analysed for hydrogeochemical constituents, δ18O, and δ2H from September 2021 to June 2022. The Tezbent mountain range, located in northeastern Algeria, drains carbonate aquifers through several significant karst springs. The physical and chemical characteristics of water samples were analysed in order to assess the groundwater origins and identify the factors influencing its geochemical composition. Ionic speciation and mineral dissolution/precipitation were calculated. It was found that geology, specifically the presence of carbonate formations, elevation, and the rate of karst development, are the primary factors influencing groundwater composition and seasonal variations. The carbonate chemistry serves as a diagnostic indicator of karst development effects. The interaction between groundwater and surrounding host rocks is believed to be the primary process influencing the observed chemical characteristics of groundwater in the study area. The δ18O and δ2H values of groundwater samples indicate the meteoric origin of the groundwater recharge and suggest a minimal evaporation impact on the isotopic composition.

Keywords: karst aquifer • hydrochemistry • isotopes • Tezbent • Algeria

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Zine Elabidine Barkat , Djamel Seghiri , Hanane Houbib

Collective residential neighbourhoods in Algeria: between reality and planning. A case study of the 800 Housing Units neighbourhood in Batna City

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DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.15576/GLL/2024.3.05

The housing problem, or housing crisis, affecting most Algerian cities has compelled political and executive authorities at all levels (central, regional, and local) to adopt numerous housing policies aimed at reducing the significant gap between the two sides of the housing equation (high demand – low supply). Additionally, the challenge of providing housing units to realize all planned housing projects troubles local officials. Therefore, there has been a trend towards prioritizing collective housing projects to rationalize property consumption and enhance the real estate portfolio of local communities. Batna city has had its share of these collective housing programs, and our research paper focused on its deteriorating reality due to numerous changes affecting both the built and unbuilt environment. This has led to a decline in the quality of life in these neighbourhoods, prompting the intervention of relevant authorities to launch ‘urban improvement’ projects to rectify the imbalances recorded in the urban aspect of most collective residential neighbourhoods, including the 800 Housing Units neighbourhood (800-Unit Neighbourhood) as a good example. The process has been initiated to stop the aforementioned area from a deteriorating and elevate it from poor condition to a better, if not ideal, situation. In conclusion, we recommend that urban laws be activated to halt any illegal alterations or modifications, and above all, that design aspect of collective housing units during the planning phase be considered to align with residents’ preferences before the latter occupy them and make changes, thereby avoiding visual pollution with urban concepts.

Keywords: collective residential neighbourhoods • 800 Housing Units Neighbourhood (800-Unit Neighbourhood) • Batna city • changes • visual pollution • built and unbuilt environment

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Hubert Aleksander Małyszek , Bartosz Mitka

Impact of image file formats on the accuracy of photogrammetric models: A comparative analysis

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DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.15576/GLL/2024.3.06

This study provides a thorough analysis of the impact of different image file formats on the accuracy of photogrammetric studies using non-metric cameras. It specifically examines three widely used data storage formats: digital RAW negatives, lossless TIFF files, and compressed JPEG files, evaluating their effectiveness across various measurement conditions. The research involved photogrammetric measurements of two distinct test objects, providing a basis to evaluate how the choice of equipment and data format influences the quality of the resulting 3D models. The findings from this study highlight that the RAW format offers the highest quality and fidelity of detail in photogrammetric models, which is particularly crucial for professional applications where extreme accuracy is required. Conversely, the TIFF format, while balancing quality and file size, introduces minor geometric errors that might be acceptable in applications with less stringent accuracy demands. The JPEG format, although the most efficient in terms of file size reduction, shows the greatest level of distortion and the lowest level of model geometry accuracy. This is attributed to the lossy nature of JPEG compression, which significantly compromises the precision needed for high-quality photogrammetric output. Consequently, the study underscores the importance of selecting the appropriate file format based on the specific accuracy requirements of the photogrammetric task at hand.

Keywords: photogrammetry • analysis • 3D modelling • camera comparison • accuracy testing

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Mounira Touati , Samia Benrabah

Assessment of the dynamics of heavy metal contamination in the alluvial aquifer of the Drean plain, El Taref (North-Eastern Algeria) using GIS indices and water quality analysis

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DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.15576/GLL/2024.3.07

The study was conducted to assess the quality of shallow groundwater in the Drean plain, with a focus on the concentration of heavy metals. The indices employed included the water quality index (WQI), heavy metal pollution index (HPI), and metal index (MI). Spatial distribution maps of heavy metals, as well as pollution indices, were developed based on twenty samples. The physicochemical parameters, including T, pH, EC, DO, and TDS, were measured using standard techniques. Heavy metals, including iron (Fe), lead (Pb), zinc (Zn), chromium (Cr), manganese (Mn), and cadmium (Cd), were analysed through spectrophotometry. The average concentrations of Mn, Cr, Cd, and Pb exceeded the World Health Organization (WHO) drinking water standards, with respective values of 0.16 mg/L, 0.06 mg/L, 0.28 mg/L, and 0.38 mg/L. According to the water quality index (WQI), which ranges from 21 to 800, approximately 50% of the water samples was classified as highly polluted and therefore not recommended for consumption. According to the metal index (MI), the average value is 6.77, with 80% classified as highly polluted. The average value of the heavy metal pollution index (HPI) was 2201, indicating that the water in the plain is severely polluted for consumption, with 100% of the samples classified as unfit for consumption. The study underlines the urgency of reducing the health risks to the urban population and recommends continuous monitoring of the area to assess the evolution of the pollution.

Keywords: Drean plain • groundwater quality • heavy metals pollution • GIS

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Rayene Hafid , Abida Hamouda

Evaluation of the quality of school spaces and identification of qualitative variables in primary schools

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DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.15576/GLL/2024.3.08

There is a growing awareness of the influence that the design of school space has on student physical and mental health. The aim of this article is to evaluate the quality of school spaces and determine the variables that are important for their users, using the case of public primary schools in the city of Oum El Bouaghi in Algeria. We propose the following hypothesis: ‘green garden, innovative school environment and ergonomics are qualitative variables of the school space that need to be taken into account to ensure the well-being of students.’ To demonstrate such a hypothesis, we used a quantitative approach, based on observation, analysis and a questionnaire survey carried out on school users. The results obtained from the fieldwork highlighted multiple conceptual problems in the studied schools. The qualitative variables suggested in the hypothesis reflect the worries, desires and inclinations of the users of the school space that should guarantee their personal and professional comfort. This research may challenge other Algerian researchers and education officials to reflect more on the current and future state of school facilities in order to make them more appropriate, according to the opinions of users and to guarantee their well-being.

Keywords: evaluate • quality of spaces • qualitative variables • users • primary schools • Oum El Bouaghi

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Wiktor Halecki , Dawid Bedla , Nuria Lopez

Adapted RCP 4.5 and 8.5 climate change scenarios for invasive Sus scrofa in Mexico

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DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.15576/GLL/2024.3.09

Climate change is a common factor that contributes to the growth or decline of animal populations. The present study, conducted using the Species Distribution Model, highlights the fact that despite the recognized negative impact of wild boar (Sus scrofa) on semi-natural areas and agricultural systems worldwide, the species remains poorly studied. According to projections for Representative Concentration Pathways (RCP) 4.5 and 8.5, increased clusters of wild boar abundance are expected to emerge around fragmented species assemblages by 2070. Sus scrofa is an extremely destructive and rapidly spreading invasive species whose movement appears to be facilitated by humans. As a consequence, many endemic plants are threatened with extinction. Biological corridors between fragments with poor conservation status should be linked
to priority areas for adequate protection. The creation of preserved landscapes in territories separated from semi-natural ecosystems is recommended. Additionally, these measures can help mitigate the negative impact of S. scrofa on local biodiversity. Continuous monitoring and adaptive management strategies will be crucial for long-term conservation of the affected areas. Environmental protection efforts must prioritize the restoration of natural habitats and the implementation of strict regulations to control the spread of this invasive species. Collaborations between conservation organizations, governments, farmers, and local communities are essential to ensure effective wild boar management and the preservation of arable land and forests. Moreover, public awareness campaigns about the environmental impact of wild boar and the
importance of conservation efforts are critical for garnering broader support.

Keywords: biological conservation • climate change scenario • invasive alien species • species distribution model

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Hamza Bendechou , Ahmed Akakba, Mohammed Issam Kalla, Abderrahmane Ben Salem Hachi

Urban dynamics and socio-spatial transformations of housing in Djelfa City, Algeria

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DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.15576/GLL/2024.1.10

This study examines the socio-spatial transformations of Djelfa, Algeria in the contexts of its urbanization from 1990 to 2024, focusing on the transition from extended to nuclear family structures and from monocentric to polycentric urban forms. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach, including interviews, questionnaires, observations, and data analysis with 200 participants, the research outlines the adaptation of housing and urban space to meet the needs of Djelfa’s growing population. Key findings highlight a dramatic demographic shift marked by a 75.6% increase in population, a reduction in average household size from 6.3 to 4.1, and a 150% surge in the number of households. This demographic expansion has spurred extensive urban expansion, effectively doubling the built-up area and necessitating the development of sub-centres of the city to mitigate pressure on the primary city center (CC). This evolution underscores Djelfa’s progression towards a polycentric urban model, reflecting broader urban space decentralization and diversification trends to improve accessibility and reduce congestion. The study contributes to the understanding of complex effects that urbanization has on social and spatial structures in the Global South, highlighting the critical interplay between demographic shifts, urban planning, and social restructuring. Advocating for strategic, inclusive urban planning and policymaking, the research underscores the importance of addressing the diverse needs of rapidly urbanizing populations, offering invaluable insights into sustainable urban management practices applicable to similar urban scenarios worldwide.

Keywords: urbanization • urban form • demographic shift • family structure • urban planning • Djelfa

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