A Comparative Geochemical Profiling and Physicochemical Classification of Bottle Mineral Waters from Algeria and France: Implications for Consumer Health and Clinical Nutrition

Hicham Bellala; Mokhtar  Guerzou; Ahmed Chiheb  Bouzar; Amani Chaabna; Bahaeddine  Laalmi; Ahmed  Boumediene

doi:10.51745/najfnr.10.21.97-109

A Comparative Geochemical Profiling and Physicochemical Classification of Bottle Mineral Waters from Algeria and France: Implications for Consumer Health and Clinical Nutrition

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Food Chemistry, Engineering, Processing and Packaging

DOI https://doi.org/10.51745/najfnr.10.21.97-109

Issue Vol. 10 No. 21 (2026): January - June, 2026

Submitted 2025-11-21

Accepted 2026-02-27

Published 2026-04-21

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Background: As water is an indispensable physiological requirement, the bottled mineral water industry is undergoing continuous global expansion. Consequently, consumers are presented with an extensive array of commercial; thus, comparative analytical studies are crucial to ensure informed consumption and safeguard public health.

Aims: This study aimed to characterize and compare the physicochemical composition and geochemical profiles of a comprehensive selection of mineral water brands produced in Algeria and France. The objective was to enhance the characterization of hydro-geological resources in both countries and provide evidence-based guidance for consumer selection tailored to specific physiological and pathological requirements.

Material and Methods: Thirty-eight commercial mineral water brands (20 from Algeria and 18 from France) were evaluated based on standardized labelling data. The geochemical classification was performed via the Stabler diagram assessing key parameters including calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium, chloride, sulphate, bicarbonate, nitrate, nitrite, total dissolved solids (TDS), and pH. Hydro chemical facies were further elucidated using ionic balance calculations and specialized graphical representations, including Piper, Schoeller–Berkaloff, and Stiff diagrams.

Results: Analytical data revealed that Algerian mineral waters are predominantly characterized by calcium-bicarbonate profiles, with fluctuating concentrations of magnesium and sulphates. Mineralization levels varied significantly, ranging from highly mineralized brands such as Mouzaïa (1280 mg/L) to more balanced profiles such as Texenna or Salsabil. Conversely, French mineral waters exhibited higher ionic heterogeneity and generally superior mineralization levels, exemplified by Vichy Célestins (3325 mg/L), along with a more acidic pH range (5.5 – 7.6) compared to their Algerian counterparts. French waters typically manifested moderate to high concentrations of calcium, sodium, potassium, chloride, sulphate, and bicarbonate. Ionic balance assessment confirmed analytical reliability, with deviations consistently below 10%. Based on the physicochemical profiles, the 38 analyzed brands were categorized by clinical suitability: 10 were deemed appropriate for infants and patients with renal insufficiency, 9 for individuals with nephrolithiasis, 20 for those with cardiovascular disease, and 32 for the geriatric population.

Conclusions: This study establishes a robust geochemical database to assist consumers, including tourists and expatriates, in selecting mineral water brands aligned with their health status. These findings are particularly critical for vulnerable groups, such as infants, the elderly, and patients with renal or cardiovascular disorders, ensuring that water consumption supports rather than compromises therapeutic targets.

Keywords

Mineral Water Hydrochemistry Geochemical Profiling Clinical Nutrition Public Health Algeria France

Hicham Bellala

Hadj Lakhdar University - Batna 1, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences and Agronomic Sciences, Department of Food Technology. Laboratory of Food Sciences (LSA) Batna
Mokhtar Guerzou

2 Faculty of Veterinary and Agronomic Sciences, Department of Agronomic Sciences, Hadj Lakhdar University - Batna 1, Batna. Exploration and Valorization of Steppe Ecosystems Laboratory, Djelfa
Ahmed Chiheb Bouzar

Saad Dahlab University - Blida 1, Institute of Applied Sciences and Techniques (ISTA) Blida
Amani Chaabna

Hadj Lakhdar University - Batna 1, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences and Agronomic Sciences, Department of Food Technology, Batna
Bahaeddine Laalmi

Hadj Lakhdar University - Batna 1, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences and Agronomic Sciences, Department of Food Technology, Batna
Ahmed Boumediene

Rouen University Hospital and University of Rouen. Rouen

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Bellala, H., Guerzou, M. ., Bouzar, A. C. ., Chaabna, A., Laalmi, B. ., & Boumediene, A. . (2026). A Comparative Geochemical Profiling and Physicochemical Classification of Bottle Mineral Waters from Algeria and France: Implications for Consumer Health and Clinical Nutrition. The North African Journal of Food and Nutrition Research, 10(21), 97-109. https://doi.org/10.51745/najfnr.10.21.97-109

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