Résumé: The current investigation was carried out to assess spring water quality in Ain Larbi, South of Guelma, Algeria. Physico chemical analyses were implemented to examine twenty water samples, gathered between January and July of 2022. For the first time in this region, water was characterized using a geostatistical modeling, principal component analysis (PCA), and ion exchange index. As part of the first inventory of water points in this region, a number of 16 parameters were investigated. The principal component analysis (PCA) applied on the standardized parameters identify factors responsible for variations and mineral correlation. Based on this methodology, groundwater quality in Ain Larbi area is primarily affected by weathering, geochemical processes, and human activities. The geostatistical modelling was calculated for each station based on physicochemical parameters during the wet and dry seasons. The results emphasize how groundwater ion concentrations are impacted by hydrogeological regimes (wet and dry seasons) as well as interactions between water and rocks. The findings demonstrate that every water sample taken into account for this investigation comes from a karst source evidenced by the geological section realized in this area. Limestone dissolution was also one of the proposed causes of elevated bicarbonate concentrations in the northern part of the investigated area. In this work, we identified that the findings from kriging, ion exchange index, and PCA were nearly identical, with a geographical distribution that provides a map of parameter distribution in the studied areas. The results concluded that geostatistical approach was found to be the best method compared to others. These results create a comprehensive database for the research area's groundwater management.

Résumé: The Boumaiza Plain is situated in the northeast of Algeria and encompasses a vast area of the El-Kebir West watershed, which has a significant water potential. The intensification of agricultural activities in this region has led to a notable increase in the use of phytosanitary products, which may impact the physico-chemical quality of groundwater and soil. A sampling campaign was conducted in 2022 to assess the impact of agriculture. To achieve this aim, we analysed 12 points, comprising 7 wells and 5 boreholes, as well as the grain size and physicochemical characteristics of 12 soil samples. The methodology employed for processing the analysis results is based on multivariate statistical methods. The results of the analyses revealed pollution of agricultural origin. This is substantiated by the observation of relatively high levels of nutrients, including NO2, NO3, as well as potassium which exceed 5 mg/l in water and 40.76 mg/l for soil analyses. Principal component analysis (PCA) was also applied, while the opposition of physicochemical elements to nitrites, nitrites, chlorides, sulfates, ammonium, and potassium variables highlights another mechanism involved in water mineralization, which is governed by the inputs of surface water fromagricultural areas and the intrusion of rich in organic matter waste from domesticated animals.