RAHMOUNE Nor El HoudaCHERMATE Manel2024-03-012024-03-012019577-086-Mhttp://dspace.univ-khenchela.dz:4000/handle/123456789/2579Abstract The development of cereals and agro-industrial crops with high use of chemical fertilizers in the GaraetElTarf watershed is a significant risk of contamination of groundwater. The vulnerability to the pollution of the aquifer of this region has been studied by two different methods, the DRASTIC LU method and the SI (suceptibility index) method. Both methods assess the specific vulnerability to agricultural pollution. Four vulnerability classes were identified (Strong, Moderate, Low and Very Low) both by the DRASTIC method and the SI method. An integrated analysis reveals that the strong class with 66% (for the DRASTIC LU method) and 48% (for that of SI) are the most dominant. The comparison of the two maps with the map of nitrate concentrations in the groundwater shows that the DRASTIC LU method is better suited to assessing nitrate pollution vulnerability than the SI method. These results provide a guide for decisionmakers in protecting areas deemed sensitive to nitrate pollution and identifying sites for future socio-economic infrastructure.frThesis