Physico-chemical characterization of surface waters of the west coast of Algeria: Bay of Mostaganem and Cheliff estuary

A follow-up in 2013 of the indicators of pollution (temperature, hydrogen potential, salinity, dissolved oxygen, ammonium, nitrites, nitrates, orthophosphates, ortho silicates, biological oxygen demand, chemical oxygen demand, suspended solids) in surface water was performed, in order to estimate the physicochemical quality of the west coast of Algeria. The results obtained revealed the existence of a water contamination by domestic and industrial waste water conveyed to the north by the Cheliff River for discharge into the Bay of Mostaganem, marked by significant space-time variations. In January (24 mg / l), the values of nitrates recorded west of the mouth of Cheliff exceed norms. Ammonium records strong concentrations in January (1.2 mg NH4+/ l) and in February (0.8 mg /l). Nitrites such lagging of high contents in January (NO2- 0.99 mg / l) and February (NO2- 0.59 mg /l), respectively. The orthophosphates post a maximum concentration in January (6.6mg PO43-/ l). In addition, the organic matter rate measured in surface water is maximum during periods of flooding especially in January (7.51 mg / l) and lowest in the exceptionally dry season in August (2.19 mg / l).