Aïn Bou Rkhiss and Aïn Kibrit, two springs from the Merguellil basin (Kairouan, central Tunisia): diatom assemblages, biological polluosensitivity indices hydrogeology and societal aspects

A new variety of the diatom genus Luticola was identified from springs in the Merguellil basin, Kairouan, Tunisia. The study revealed that these springs, despite their proximity and shared geological context, exhibit distinct bio-geochemical characteristics and uses—one supplying drinking water for domestic use, the other sulfur-rich water. Biological pollution sensitivity indices (BDI and SPI) indicated lower water quality than perceived by local users, suggesting a potential gap in knowledge about alternative high-quality water sources or limitations of European-derived assessment methods when applied to southern diatoms. The research combined diatom assemblage surveys with physical-chemical measurements to evaluate ecological status and societal perceptions of groundwater circulation.

Coste, M., Riaux-Gobin, C., Riaux, J., Saenz-Agudelo, P., Massuel, S., Ector, L., Calvez, R., & Ben Aïssa, N. (2019). Aïn Bou Rkhiss and Aïn Kibrit, two springs from the Merguellil basin (Kairouan, central Tunisia): diatom assemblages, biological polluosensitivity indices hydrogeology and societal aspects. Life and Environment, 69(1), 1–17. https://doi.org/10.57890/j8q8wg85