Physicochemical and Bacteriological Assessment of Groundwater Quality in the Nalut Region, Libya

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the chemical and bacteriological characteristics of groundwater in the Nalut region. Thirty groundwater samples were collected from Wadi Nalut, Takut, and Wadi Al-Thulth, and analyzed for key chemical parameters, including pH, total dissolved solids (TDS), total hardness, and major ions. Bacteriological analyses were also conducted on 12 samples to determine the total bacterial count, total coliforms, and the presence of Escherichia coli. The results showed elevated levels of some chemical parameters compared with the adopted standards, with maximum values of 5453.5 mg/L for TDS and 1619.6 mg/L for total hardness. Bacteriological results showed that all samples were free of E. coli, while 25% of the samples showed the presence of total coliforms and elevated total bacterial counts. According to local and international standards, groundwater from Wadi Al-Thulth wells exhibited the best quality, followed by Wadi Nalut wells, whereas groundwater from Takut wells was classified as highly saline and unsuitable for human consumption.