Superficial pollution of quaternary soils of the city of Ali Mendjeli, Constantine, Northeast of Algeria

Abstract

The superficial soils of the city of Ali Mendjeli, located in the department of Constantine North-East Algeria, are characterized by decalcification clays, resulting from the alteration of limestone rocks and plio-quaternary marls. The set of analyzes carried out on these soils, calcimetry, particle size, DRX, show a dominant calcium component, clay aggregates packed by carbonate cement. X-ray diffractometric spectra show a dominance of CaCO3, as an essential mineral. They also show the presence of pollution by the elements: Pb, Zn, and Cu, caused by anthropogenic factors such as washing and maintenance of vehicles and machinery during the installations of the various building and road sites that have marked this new city. Their presence is confirmed, but the values as a function of time vary from one point to another. These indications of surface pollution require further analysis of groundwater in lower areas, exploited by farmers and local residents.