The heavy metal pollution in groundwater, surface and spring water in phosphorite mining area of Tebessa (Algeria)

Abstract The aim of this study is to measure the trace metal pollution in surface waters, spring waters and groundwater found in the Djebel Onk. The samples were analyzed using the Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry method. The results show that the surface water, spring waters, and groundwater are contaminated by these trace metals, particularly lead, uranium, iron, lithium, selenium, and magnesium. The observed levels reflect the evidence of the bad quality of these waters (surface waters, spring waters, and groundwater), which show a higher hazard quotient measured at 1 in the groundwater. It was concluded that the consumption of these waters without treatment could have negative impacts on human health in general and that of children in particular.