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Résumé :
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Being the Ramsar site, Tonga Lake is one of the most important wetlands in Numidia for its habitat diversity and its fauna and flora richness. It is known as a wintering and breeding site for many waterbirds species. However, it is confronted with an increasing pressure linked to various anthropogenic activities. This study was carried out between December 2015 and August 2016 to assess the physicochemical quality and lead contamination of the surface waters and their impacts on the waterbirds population dynamic. Seven physicochemical parameters were considered (Temperature, pH, Electrical Conductivity, Turbidity, Dissolved Oxygen, TDS, and Salinity). Waterbirds monitoring revealed that 43 species were counted in winter and 26 in summer, with some endangered ducks, such as White-headed Duck, Marbled Teal, and Ferruginous Duck. The highest number of abundances was recorded in January (27,507 individuals). The results of water physicochemical parameters measurements showed strong mineralization, neutral to alkaline pH values, and high turbidity. The high lead values obtained from water samples have exceeded WHO standards. During the two seasons studied, correlations were identified, indicating a probable seasonal association between studied parameters (limnological and lead concentrations) and Lake Tonga waterbirds population dynamics.
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