ASSESSMENT OF GROUNDWATER VULNERABILITY USING INDEX BASED METHOD. CASE OF SEBAOU RIVER AQUIFER (NORTHERN ALGERIA)

Abstract

The intrinsic vulnerability map of Sebaou groundwater system was drawn as part of a research work developed to characterize and evaluate the pollution risks for the coastal aquifers of northern Algeria. Established using "DRASTIC" model in a Geographical Information System (GIS) environment, this map (in 1/50,000^th) shows that the study area is characterized by three vulnerability zones: low (5.4%), moderate (91.9%) and high (2.7%).

The localization, with the same map, of existing and foreseeable potential pollution sources, allows water resource managers and land managers to develop the best choices on regard to the sustainable management of resources and environment.