Hydrochemical and isotopic characterization of a complex aquifer system

A methodology was developed and applied to the Tindouf basin (south-western Algeria) understand hydrogeology of a complex aquifer system with limited number data, identify favorable areas for design building new wells, know whether there is still current recharge these aquifers. The principal components analysis (PCA), diagram deuterium versus oxygen-18, equilibrium diagrams Mg/Na Ca/Na were techniques used combine different datasets in order chemical isotopic groups, which turn define groundwater flow paths. In addition, on basis thermodynamic equilibrium, it possible evolution aquifer. results this study are consistent generally accepted hydrogeological conceptual model. combination methods made characterise main paths from their sources discharge zones. These defined by water categories, represented salinity origin. This approach can be analyze aquifers characterized lack data also useful studying other basins.