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Sustainable Management of Groundwater Resources in Central Tunisia: Nitrate Pollution and Health Risk Assessment

Author

Listed:
  • Rim Missaoui

    (Water, Energy and Environmental Laboratory (L3E), National Engineering School (ENIS) of Sfax, University of Sfax, Street Soukra Km 3.5, Sfax BP. W: 3038, Tunisia)

  • Matteo Gentilucci

    (School of Science and Technology, Geology Division, University of Camerino, 62032 Camerino, Italy)

  • Malika Abbes

    (Hydrometeorological Institute for Training and Research (IHFR), Oran 31000, Algeria)

  • Anouar Hachemaoui

    (Hydrometeorological Institute for Training and Research (IHFR), Oran 31000, Algeria)

  • Younes Hamed

    (Department of Earth & Atmospheric Sciences, University of Houston, Houston, TX 77204, USA
    Laboratory for the Application of Materials to the Environment, Water and Energy, Faculty of Sciences of Gafsa, University of Gafsa, Gafsa BP. W: 2112, Tunisia)

  • Salem Bouri

    (Water, Energy and Environmental Laboratory (L3E), National Engineering School (ENIS) of Sfax, University of Sfax, Street Soukra Km 3.5, Sfax BP. W: 3038, Tunisia
    Department of Earth Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, University of Sfax, Sfax BP. W: 3038, Tunisia)

  • Gilberto Pambianchi

    (School of Science and Technology, Geology Division, University of Camerino, 62032 Camerino, Italy)

Abstract

Degraded groundwater quality, characterized by elevated salinity and nitrate concentrations, poses significant public health concerns, particularly for vulnerable populations such as children. High content of nitrate in drinking water may lead to non-carcinogenic health risks, highlighting the urgent need for sustainable groundwater management strategies to protect both human health and environmental integrity. This study assesses the suitability of groundwater resources in the Regueb Basin for irrigation and drinking purposes, with particular attention paid to nitrate contamination. The Irrigation Water Quality Index (IWQI) indicates considerable spatial variability in groundwater quality, with values varying between 15.86 and 89.55 and a median of 41.69, reflecting differing levels of suitability for irrigation across the basin. Similarly, the Drinking Water Quality Index (DWQI) ranges from 149.16 to 982.42, with a median value of 445.71, suggesting significant concerns regarding groundwater suitability for drinking purposes. The health risk assessment (HHRA) based on the Nitrate Pollution Index (NPI) and the nitrate hazard quotient ( HQ _ nitrate ) reveal substantial risks to human health. NPI values vary between 0.45 and 5.5, with a median of 1.65 indicating varying levels of nitrate pollution. The HQ _ nitrate results show that all groundwater samples (100%) pose health risks for children ( HQ > 1). For women, 75.61% of HQ values exceed the safe threshold, affecting approximately 80% of the study area, whereas for men, 48.48% of HQ values exceed 1, impacting about 36.67% of the area. Overall, these findings highlight the urgent need for effective groundwater management strategies to mitigate nitrate contamination and ensure the safe and sustainable use of the groundwater resources in the Regueb Basin.

Suggested Citation

  • Rim Missaoui & Matteo Gentilucci & Malika Abbes & Anouar Hachemaoui & Younes Hamed & Salem Bouri & Gilberto Pambianchi, 2026. "Sustainable Management of Groundwater Resources in Central Tunisia: Nitrate Pollution and Health Risk Assessment," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 18(8), pages 1-24, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:18:y:2026:i:8:p:3759-:d:1917575
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