Vulnerability characterization for multi-carbonate aquifer systems in semiarid climate, case of Algerian–Tunisian transboundary basin

Because population growth, agricultural and industrial development during last decades, the study area was known a seriously water resources’ degradation. Therefore, cartography of the vulnerability seems to be an efficient tool for water resources management. To evaluate the vulnerability of the aquifer to pollution, two methods were used: DRASTIC, and EPIK based on the geographical information system (GIS) tools. These methods use different parameters which explain the different results in the vulnerability degrees in the great transboundry karstic basin in the Tebessa–Kasserine region between Algeria and Tunisia. Risk maps are established by overlaying the vulnerability and hazard maps, and represent the intensity of a potential contamination. The vulnerability maps show the existence of two classes: moderate and high depending on the intrinsic properties. The high vulnerability zone covers 80% of the study area and is found in Morsott, Bakaria and Foussana. On the other hand, moderate vulnerability zone covers about 20% of the total study zones and correspond to areas with deep water level. These maps could serve as a scientific basis for sustainable land use planning and groundwater management in the study region. These results can be validated, either occasionally by tracing tests, or globally for the basin by the characteristics of karst springs. Finally, the integration of the sensitivity of this carbonate system allows us to deduce the total risk of a basin.