Papers by Abdallah Ben Mammou
Integrated approach to understand the multiple natural and anthropogenic stresses on intensively irrigated coastal aquifer in the Mediterranean region
Environmental research, Jul 1, 2024
Understanding the major factors influencing groundwater chemistry and its evolution in irrigation... more Understanding the major factors influencing groundwater chemistry and its evolution in irrigation areas is crucial for efficient irrigation management. Major ions and isotopes (δD-H 2 O together with δ 18 O-H 2 O) were used to identify the natural and anthropogenic factors contributing to groundwater salinization in the shallow aquifer of the Wadi Guenniche Plain (WGP) in the Mediterranean region of Tunisia. A comprehensive geochemical investigation of groundwater was conducted during both the low irrigation season (L-IR) and the high irrigation season (H-IR). The results show that the variation range and average concentrations of almost all the ions in both the L-IR and H-IR seasons are high. The groundwater in both seasons is characterized by high electrical conductivity and CaMgCl/SO 4 and NaCl types. The dissolution of halite and gypsum, the precipitation of calcite and dolomite, and Na-Ca exchange are the main chemical reactions in the geochemical evolution of groundwater in the Wadi Guenniche Shallow Aquifer (WGSA). Stable isotopes of hydrogen and oxygen (δ 18 O-H 2 O and δD-H 2 O) indicate that groundwater in WGSA originated from local precipitation. In the H-IR season, the δ 18 O-H 2 O and δD-H 2 O values indicate that the groundwater experienced noticeable evaporation. The enriched isotopic signatures reveal that the WGSA's groundwater was influenced by irrigation return flow and seawater intrusion. The proportions of mixing with seawater were found to vary between 0.12% and 5.95%, and between 0.13% and 8.42% during the L-IR and H-IR seasons, respectively. Irrigation return flow and the associated evaporation increase the dissolved solids content in groundwater during the irrigation season. The long-term human activities (fertilization, irrigation, and septic waste infiltration) are the main drives of the high nitrate-N concentrations in groundwater. In coastal irrigation areas suffering from water scarcity, these results can help planners and policy makers understand the complexities of groundwater salinization to enable more sustainable management and development.
Revue française de géotechnique, 2008
Dam's reservoir silting is the consequence of erosion. Indeed, the sediments accumulation at the ... more Dam's reservoir silting is the consequence of erosion. Indeed, the sediments accumulation at the reservoir bottom decreases the storage capacity and causes damage on desilting and draining equipments. The alluvium quantification gives an idea on the kinetics of this phenomenon and the study of the geotechnics characteristics makes it possible to evaluate the evolution of their mechanical states. These studies will make it possible to adopt the best solution to maintain the dams. The silting measurement survey of the Joumine reservoir is carried out by bathymetric measurement with the echosondor. The total volume of the trapped sediments is given by subtraction of the two digital models of ground initial and final The geotechnical quality of the sediments trapped by Joumine dam was studied on the sedimentary columns sampled at upstream part of the reservoir, during the dry period when this part was empty.
Contribution de la gravimétrie à l'étude de la structure de la plaine de Mornag (nord est de la Tunisie): implications hydrogéologiques
Hydrological Sciences Journal-journal Des Sciences Hydrologiques, Nov 29, 2010
... Buness, H., Giese, P., Bobier, C., Eva, C., Merlanti, F., Pedone, R., Jenatton, L., Nguyen, D... more ... Buness, H., Giese, P., Bobier, C., Eva, C., Merlanti, F., Pedone, R., Jenatton, L., Nguyen, DT, Thouvenot, F., Egloff, F., Makris, J., Lozej, A., Maistrello, M ... superposition de ce document à la carte géologique de la région extraite de la feuille 1:500 000 nord de la Tunisie (Ben Haj Ali ...
Journal of African Earth Sciences, 2015
The spatial distribution of fracturing in hard rocks is extremely related to the structural profi... more The spatial distribution of fracturing in hard rocks is extremely related to the structural profile and traduces the kinematic evolution. The quantitative and qualitative analysis of fracturing combined to GIS techniques seem to be primordial and efficient in geometric characterization of lineament's network and to reconstruct the relative timing and interaction of the folding and fracturing histories. Also a detailed study of the area geology, lithology, tectonics, is primordial for any hydrogeological study. For that purpose we used a structural approach that
Journal of Environmental Radioactivity, 2005
Groundwaters from the Sebkhet Essijoumi drainage basin, situated in northern Tunisia, West of the... more Groundwaters from the Sebkhet Essijoumi drainage basin, situated in northern Tunisia, West of the city of Tunis, were sampled and analyzed for uranium and radium isotopes. Low 234 U/ 238 U activity ratios coupled with relatively high 228 Ra and 238 U concentrations were found in the Manouba plain phreatic aquifer, at the northern part of the basin, where remote sensing has indicated that this plain corresponds to the main humid zone of the area. Low 234 U/ 238 U ratios probably reflected short residence time for waters in the Manouba plain, and high ratios longer residence time in the south, where water reaching the phreatic aquifer seems to have previously circulated in rocks constituting the southern hills. Assuming that, in the Manouba plain aquifer, the groundwater flows downstream from the Oued Lill pass area to the SouthWest of the Sebkha, the difference in the 228 Ra/ 226 Ra activity ratio suggests that the residence time of water has been 2.8 years longer near the Sebkha than upstream.
International Journal of Environmental Science and Technology, Jun 7, 2018
The integration of the statistical approaches and GIS tools with the hydrogeological and geologic... more The integration of the statistical approaches and GIS tools with the hydrogeological and geological contexts allowed the assessment of the processes that cause groundwater quality deterioration in the great important deltaic aquifer in the northeastern Tunisia (Medjerda Lower Valley Aquifer). The spatial variation of the groundwater parameters and the molar ratio (Cl − /Br −) were also used to determine the possible impacts from seawater intrusion and from the septic tank leachate. Sixty shallow groundwater samples were collected in 2014 and analyzed for major and trace ions over an area of about 1090 km 2 to determine the suitability for drinking or agricultural purposes. The total dissolved solids (TDS) content ranges from 1005 to 19,254 mgl −1 with a mean value of 3477.18 mgl −1. The chemistry is dominated by the sodium-chloride waters (55%). Mapping of TDS, Cl − , Na + , SO 4 2− and NO 3 − using kriging method shows a clear increase in salinity toward the coastline accompanied by Na + and Cl − increase which may be related to seawater intrusion and halite dissolution. Locally, higher nitrate concentration is related to the agricultural activities inducing contribution of chemical fertilizers and irrigation with treated wastewater. The saturation indices indicate that all carbonate minerals tend to reach saturation equilibrium confirming water-rock interactions, while evaporitic minerals are still in sub-saturation state and may increase the salinity of the groundwater. The principal component analysis proves the occurrence of groundwater contamination principally by seawater intrusion in the factor I (74.15%) and secondary by an anthropogenic source in the factor II (10.35%).
Revue française de géotechnique, 2006
The K ef E l H endi cliff of K orbous relief (cap B on, Tunisia) show s a potential risk of falli... more The K ef E l H endi cliff of K orbous relief (cap B on, Tunisia) show s a potential risk of falling rocks on the 128 regional road. To tackle this study and to detect the potential m ajor collapses, we have applied cliff exam ination « M atterock » m ethod. To draw up the hazard m ap, w e carried a detailed geological survey and analyzed directions and dips of all discontinuities (bedding planes, joints and faults) of the different structural areas. The com paring results show that the instability hazards are linked on the one hand to toppling or falling blocks and to collapses of the sandy units an on the other hand to the erosion of the lender levels. The data synthesis allow s to m ap the hazards along K ef E l H endi cliff and to classify it according to danger degrees. This docum ent show s how to program and choose the actions to consolidate this cliff and to secure the road.
Groundwater resources of a multi-layered aquiferous system in arid area: Data analysis and water budgeting
International Journal of Environmental Science and Technology, Jun 1, 2008
The Maknassy basin in central Tunisia receives insignificant precipitation (207 mm/y), but the hy... more The Maknassy basin in central Tunisia receives insignificant precipitation (207 mm/y), but the hydrological system retain very small quantities of water due to the steep topography and surface water resource partially mobilised witch is evacuated toward the basin outlet. However, the Maknassy plain support agriculture based on ground water irrigation with increasing water demand last decades. These developments have boosted agricultural productivity in the region. While these problems are mainly due to poor surface water management strategies in the region, the groundwater resources in this basin should be properly assessed and suitable measures taken for uniform surface water mobilization. As a first step in this direction, groundwater resources have been assessed. Regional specific yield (0.017) and groundwater recharge have been estimated on the basis of water table fluctuation method. Groundwater recharge amounting to 61.5 106 m3 in a year takes place in the region through infiltration of rainwater (48.1*106 m3 for phreatic aquifer and 13.4*106 m3 for the deep one), and recharge due to the infiltration in the Leben quady bed (1.57*106 m3). Recharge to deeper aquifers has been estimated at 0.1*106 m3 during dry seasons. Assuming that at least 40 % (102.61*106 m3) of the total precipitation water (256.64*106 m3) makes the runoff water, this important resource can be mobilized in order to increase groundwater recharge. Subject to an arid climate, such region requires an integrated water resource management. It permits to keep aquiferous system equilibrium and participate to the sustainable development which integrates natural resource management.
Natural Hazards, Nov 22, 2016
Soil erosion is a natural process causing grave land degradation problems. In Tunisia, soil erosi... more Soil erosion is a natural process causing grave land degradation problems. In Tunisia, soil erosion represents a serious environmental problem. Both man-made and natural phenomenon is reducing acres of agricultural land. The problem of soil erosion by water is very critical in Lebna watershed. In fact, Lebna is a town in the northeast of Tunisia and it seems high time to protect water and ground resources and to prevent the Lebna dam situated in the downstream from silting. In this context, the application of geographic RUSLE model using the techniques of geographic information system (GIS) and remote sensing has made it possible to assess the estimation of the soil erosion risk at the targeted watershed. This model is composed of several factors associated with climate, topography, soil and vegetation. The spatial distribution of annual average rate of soil loss resulting of this methodology shows an average of 24 ton/ha/year. Consequently, this method based on a combination of RUSLE as erosion model gave very similar results with bathymetric measures performed by Institute of Research for Development. It was about 29 ton/ha/year. Accordingly, Lebna watershed belongs to a zone of rather a steep erosive potential knowing that the maximum acceptable limit value of the erosive potential estimated is 12 ton/ha/year (Roose in Introduction à la gestion conservatoire de l'eau, de la biomasse et de la fertilité des sols (GCES). FAORome, 1994). The results have shown that I. Gaubi and A. Chaabani have contributed equally to this work.
Collapses in Recent Accumui,Ations at Henchir El Yahoudia, Tunis, Tunisia
The Henchir El Yahoudia lk~rest soil is a "lunette'" deposil mainly composed of gyp... more The Henchir El Yahoudia lk~rest soil is a "lunette'" deposil mainly composed of gypsum, soluble salts, quartz, clays and limestone. This material is carried by eolian deflation at the Sebkhet Essijoumi surface, and laid down on a calcretc eocene ~;ubstraturn. The structure and mim:ralogical composition explains the disturbances : dessication cracks, collapse and caving. These disturbances follow the pluvial waters flow axis and stop at the limestone substratum level.
Study of contaminated soils of the abandoned Pb, Zn, Cd Jebel Ressas mine tailings (North eastern Tunisia)
EGUGA, Apr 1, 2012
ABSTRACT Under semi-arid climatic conditions, Pb, Zn and Cd bearing particles are carried by wind... more ABSTRACT Under semi-arid climatic conditions, Pb, Zn and Cd bearing particles are carried by wind and water from the flotation tailing heaps of the former Pb-Zn mine of Jebel Ressas towards the surrounding agricultural areas. The risk of ecotoxicity depends on the phytoaccessible fraction of metals which is closely related to their physico-chemical and biological environment. The objective of this study is to assess the contamination of soils surrounding the waste dumps and to estimate the bioaccessible fraction of metals present in these soils. These silty soils are mainly composed of calcite (45 % CaCO3) and clays. Metal bearing minerals are hemimorphite (Zn4Si2O72H2O), cerussite (PbCO3), and smithsonite (ZnCO3). The flotation tailings display high amounts of Zn, Pb and Cd, averaging 7.11%, 2.30% and 290 mg.kg-1, respectively. The concentrations found in soils reach 6.3% Zn, 2.3% Pb and 290 mg.kg-1 Cd. Such results show that the soils in the mining area are highly contaminated by heavy metals coming from the mining wastes.Analyses of samples taken between surface and bedrock show that Pb and Zn may reach concentrations as high as 900 mg / kg two meters below surface. Three types of simple extraction tests (deionized water, HCl solution at pH 2.8 and a mixture of organic acids (low-molecular-weight organic acids (LMWOAs) at pH 2.8) were performed to assess the phytoaccessibility of Zn, Pb and Cd in two contaminated soil samples collected within the study area. The results of extraction with deionized water showed that only Zn is mobile with 1.50 to 2.92 mg.kg-1 released from soil. During the extraction with HCl 1.32 to 1.63 mg.kg-1 of Pb are released. The extraction with LMWOAs resulted in a much greater leaching of all heavy metals. Indeed, 900 to1500 mg.kg-1 Zn, 33 to 40 mg.kg-1 Pb and 3.5 to 2.01 mg.kg-1 Cd, have been released respectively. Thus, the mobility of these metals is as follows: Zn (2.2%) > Cd (1%) > Pb (0.2%). As a result, the mobilization of contaminants by organic acids secreted by plants in the rhizosphere is potentially higher than that achieved in the presence of percolating waters or mineral acids of the same pH. The leaching tests with organic acids, simulating reactions in the rizhosphere and SEM observation of this one, show the presence of Pb and Zn spherules precipitated nearby the roots.
Helium-carbon isotopic composition of thermal waters from Tunisia
GIS-based multi-criteria decision-making techniques and analytical hierarchical process for delineation of groundwater potential
Environmental Monitoring and Assessment
Dans ce coiitexte nous avons effectué les travaux suivants : la mesure du taux d'envasement g... more Dans ce coiitexte nous avons effectué les travaux suivants : la mesure du taux d'envasement grâce à des relevés de bathymétrie, l'échantillonnage des sédiments de surface, le carottage et le levé de profils lorsque lors de l'assèchement des deux retenues d'El Gouazine et Fidh Ali. Les sédiments superficiels et la colonne sédimentaire ont fait l'objet d'analyses granulométriques et minéralogiques. Ceux ci nous ont permis la caractérisation des sédiments des lacs collinaires étudiés. L'analyse des données hydrologiques et sédimentologiques a permis de relier les dépôts dans les lacs aux crues qui se sont produites dans les bassins versants.
Gravimetry contributions to the study of the structure of the Mornag plain (north-east of Tunisia): hydrogeological implications
Hydrological Sciences Journal-journal Des Sciences Hydrologiques, 2010
This study is based on the analysis of gravity data of the Mornag plain. Its purpose is to increa... more This study is based on the analysis of gravity data of the Mornag plain. Its purpose is to increase the knowledge of this basin's structure. A residual anomaly map was first calculated from the Bouguer anomaly by removing a regional gradient. The computed map provides information on the ground density variation within the shallow sedimentary basin of Mornag. In order to highlight the different structures of the basin, we have calculated the magnitude of the horizontal gradient (MGH). This technique allowed us to determine the gravimetric lineaments which represent the contrasts in density and then deduce a structural map of the surveyed area. This map constitutes a very useful document for planning future hydrogeological exploration in the Mornag plain region.
A GIS-based DRASTIC vulnerability and net recharge reassessment in an aquifer of a semi-arid region (Metline-Ras Jebel-Raf Raf aquifer, Northern Tunisia)
Journal of Environmental Management, 2007
This paper aims to elaborate new generic DRASTIC aquifer vulnerability maps of the coastal aquife... more This paper aims to elaborate new generic DRASTIC aquifer vulnerability maps of the coastal aquifer of Metline-Ras Jebel-Raf Raf (Northeast of Tunisia) using the GIS technique, making the data analyses easier to handle and providing better capabilities of dealing with large spatial data. A similar study was carried out in 1999 in the same aquifer using a method based on the soil water balance equation to determine the net recharge parameter. Unfortunately, the lack of data in the study area made the results unsatisfactory. By applying the Williams and Kissel equation and the Rao relationship, we intend to demonstrate that we could correctly evaluate the net recharge parameter. Moreover, new data related to the aquifer hydraulic conductivity, the soil cover and the vadose zone lithology have become available, and allowed us to elaborate suitable DRASTIC maps.
Applied Geochemistry, 2017
Bottled waters are increasingly popular in Tunisia. Most of them come from groundwaters, thus rai... more Bottled waters are increasingly popular in Tunisia. Most of them come from groundwaters, thus raising the question of the long-term availability of the mineral groundwater resources. Water collected from production springs or wells of eleven mineral waters of Tunisia among the main commercial brands were analyzed for tritium (3 H), helium-3, SF 6 , CFCs and carbon-14. Tracer-tracer plots indicate that all of the groundwaters of our data set are a mixture of modern rainwater with older groundwater flow waters that are beyond the timescale of the transient tracers. 14 C data suggest that the age of these old waters, which constitute the main water reservoir, is of the order of radiocarbon half-life or more. Most of the studied sites have groundwater renewal times in the range 50-150 years. For the sites where tracer concentrations are the most diluted by old waters, this value logically increase to several centuries.
Comptes Rendus. Géoscience
Identifying factors and quantifying the processes, influencing the extent of reservoir rocks and ... more Identifying factors and quantifying the processes, influencing the extent of reservoir rocks and the distribution of their heterogeneities are fundamental prerequisites to improve the characterization of reservoir connectivity and its dynamic functioning. In this paper, we propose a multiscale approach based on combined geological-geophysical investigations, geostatistics, and 3D geological modeling to build a structural model of faulted-reservoir systems, at regional and local scales within the Jeffara basin, southeast Tunisia. The regional modeling procedure is calibrated by outcrops, a Digital Elevation Model (DEM), boreholes, and well data logs. The geological processing, itself, is used as a tool to extend the database from a variety of documents such as geological maps, geological cross-sections, outcrop descriptions, and especially the wealthy geological knowledge. The original and extended data are then coded and stored in a common georeferenced database. This provides a detailed input for the geostatistical modeling procedures that enabled to precisely capture the varying extent and shape of the hydrogeological units at regional scale. Geophysical data, available along the Jeffara plain, were added as a complement to the Jeffara geodatabase and used to establish the fault network and to build a local architectural model of the coastal aquifer system, based on time-to-depth conversion using kriging with external drift. The results have allowed (i) a major update of the geological configuration of the Jeffara basin, (ii) more precision on the geometries and extent of the stratigraphic sequences and (iii) an accurate prediction of the main characteristics of water reservoirs, i.e. their occurrence, thickness, facies and dynamic properties variation at the basin and reservoir scale. Such multiscale modeling provided effective tools for better understanding the hydrostratigraphic setting, the hydrodynamic functioning of neighboring aquifers, and to assist water resources management.
Aquifer System Characterization using Integrated Geophysical Methods
The assessment of the hydrogeological conditions of a multilayered aquifer system requires a good... more The assessment of the hydrogeological conditions of a multilayered aquifer system requires a good knowledge of the aquifer geometry. The aquifer characterization is essential for the management of groundwater resources. This study has been carried out in the Mornag plain in North East of Tunisia and focuses on the geophysical methods application. It is a favourable site for assessing the performance and suitability of the geophysical methods for aquifer system identification and groundwater exploration. Thus, two complementary geophysical investigations comprising electrical resistivity and geophysical log analysis were carried out. This study provides a complete electrical image of the underground. Results show that the prospected area is characterized by the succession of several levels with contrasted resistivities, which are often affected by faults. This study should be useful for choosing the best sites for reconnaissance borings or test wells that will precede the exploitatio...
Methodology for the extraction of carbonate-bound trace metals from carbonate-rich soils: application to Lakhouat soils, Tunis, Tunisia
Chemical Speciation and Bioavailability, 2010
This study aims to optimise the method by which carbonate-bound trace metals are extracted during... more This study aims to optimise the method by which carbonate-bound trace metals are extracted during sequential extractions of carbonate-rich contaminated soils. Specifically, we aim to optimise the volume and concentration of sodium acetate that must be added to samples to ...
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Papers by Abdallah Ben Mammou