Evaluation of the Physico-Chemical and Bacteriological Quality of a Mediterranean Urban Wetland in Algeria (Boussedra Marsh)

As cities grow and demand for land increases, wetlands retreat and degrade. To assess the possible effect of human activity in a Mediterranean urban wetland (Boussedra marsh) in northeastern Algeria, analyses of physico-chemical parameters and faecal contamination indicator germs were carried out over a 12-month period, with 24 samples taken at 2 sampling sites chosen according to their exposure to probable sources of pollution. To compare the results with the World Health Organization's (WHO) guidelines, varieties of physico-chemical and bacteriological characteristics were examined. These included turbidity, electrical conductivity, biological demand for oxygen, pH, hardness, solids in suspension, dry residues, dissolved oxygen, ammonium, potassium, nitrates, nitrites, chloride, phosphate, sulphur dioxide, calcium, and magnesium). Bacteriological parameters such as (tTotal mesophilic aerobic flora, total coliforms, faecal coliforms and faecal streptococci) were addressed.  This wetland's surface water quality was evaluated overall using the water quality index (WQI). Results of physicochemical analyses indicate that several parameters exceed the current standards. The results also revealed a relatively high number of germs indicative of faecal contamination, indicating a high degree of bacteriological pollution. The levels of these pollutants differ from one point to another, and according to the sampling period (rainy or dry). The load of faecal pollution indicator germs was higher in dry periods than in rainy periods. The Boussedra marsh has extremely poor water quality, according to the WQI water quality index (. (WQI=168.48±29.65). Although the Boussedra wetland is an ideal wintering area and refuge for many species of waterfowl, it has reached a high level of pollution and deterioration. Priority must therefore be given to building capacity to ensure the conservation of this urban wetland.