Groundwater quality assessment using multivariate analysis,geostatistical modeling, and water quality index(WQI): a case of study in the Boumerzoug-El Khroub valley of Northeast Algeria

In this study,the analytical data set of 26 groundwater samples from the alluvial aquifer of Boumerzoug-El khroub valley has been processed simultaneously with Multivariate analysis,geostatistical modeling,WQI,and geochemical modeling.Cluster analysis identified three main water types based on the major ion contents,where mineralization increased from group 1 to group 3.These groups were confirmed by FA/PCA,which demonstrated that groundwater quality is influenced by geochemical processes（water-rock interaction） and human practice（irrigation）.The exponential semivariogram model fitted best for all hydrochemical parameters values and WQI.Groundwater chemistry has a strong spatial structure for Mg,Na,Cl,and NO3,and a moderate spatial structure for EC,Ca,K,HCO3,and SO4.Water quality maps generated using ordinary Kriging are consistent with the HCA and PC A results.All water groups are supersaturated with respect to carbonate minerals,and dissolution of kaolinite and Ca-smectite is one of the processes responsible for hydrochemical evolution in the area.