Pollution Vulnerability of the Ghiss Nekkor Alluvial Aquifer in Al-Hoceima (Morocco), Using GIS-Based DRASTIC Model

Groundwater resources of the alluvial aquifer Ghiss Nekkor, which covers an area of 100 km2, are the main source of domestic and agricultural freshwater supply in the region of Al Hoceima in Morocco. Due to human activities (overexploitation, increase in agricultural activity), this alluvial aquifer has become very sensitive to chemical pollution. The principal objective of this current study is to develop and implement a calibration method to assess, map, and estimate the vulnerability of the Ghiss Nekkor alluvial aquifer to pollution risk. In this work, the GIS-based DRASTIC model was used to estimate the inherent vulnerability to contamination of the Ghiss Nekkor alluvial aquifer with seven standard hydrogeological parameters. Nitrate (NO3) and electrical conductivity (EC) data were used to validate the DRASTIC map. The results of the vulnerability map analysis show that the vulnerability to contaminants varies from non-existent in the southwestern part of the plain (7.3% of the total area), to very high (14.5%). The vulnerability is moderate in the central and northeastern areas (26.9%), while it is high in the other areas (17.5%). Furthermore, the most sensitive areas are mainly concentrated near the coastal strip and the central plain on both sides of the Nekkor River. In these areas, the NO3 and EC values are above the maximum allowable limit of the World Health Organization. The results suggest that the DRASTIC model can be an effective tool for decision-makers concerned about managing groundwater sustainability

Morphology and distribution of some marine diatoms of the genus

This work aims to study the distribution and quantification of the genus Rhizosolenia known for its abundance and diversity among planktonic diatoms at 9 sampling stations in the Nador lagoon and during 2 seasons (spring and summer 2018). The diatoms collected in the 9 sampling stations were identified morphologically using an inverted optical microscope. A total of 10 species of the genus Rhizosolenia have been listed including: Rhizosolenia bushsolei, R alata forma alata, R bergonii, R cochlea, R hyalina, R imbricata, R setigera, R bushsolei, Rhizosolenia sp and R styliformis. The quantitative analysis of the species collected shows that the maximum cell density was recorded respectively at stations 9 and 7 located in the center of the Nador lagoon, with values of 21680 Cell/l and 15710 Cell/l. However, the minimum cell density was recorded at station 5 corresponding to Oued Bou Areg located at the edge of the lagoon with a value of 5120 Cell/l

Study of groundwater pollution of irrigated Ain Zohra commune (North-eastern Morocco) by nitrates using GIS. Understanding the Climate–Water–Energy–Food Nexus and the Transition Towards a Circular Economy: The Case of Morocco

The contamination of Morocco’s water resources comes from three sources as like agriculture, industry, and urbanization. Within this project’s scope, we investigated groundwater contamination in the suburban community of Ain Zohra (located in the Mediterranean zone, Driouch province, eastern part of Morocco). The Zohra area is limited in east part by the rural municipality of Ain Zohra, in the north part by Driouch city and in the southern and western parts is bounded by the Boubker rural municipality. In July 2021, 21 samples were taken from the field (20 wells and 1 spring). In general, the results of this study showed that some water wells are highly mineralized as the conductivity is far above the drinking water standard. Every well’s pH is basic. Nitrate contamination in two places shows that the permeability of city soil affects the groundwater. The nitrate content might be higher than groundwater, which has 200 mg/l. In certain wells, groundwater contamination has raised organic matter levels above drinking water regulations. The water quality maps of some parameters were obtained based on application of Geographic Information System (GIS) for the study area

Assessment of potential contamination of groundwater in abandoned mining region of Ben Taieb, Northeastern Morocco using statistical studies

The objective of the study is to raise awareness of the effect of anthropogenic activity on groundwater in the urban area, water samples were collected from 12 wells in the area in April and September 2019.  From these samples, pH and conductivity were determined using a pH meter/conductivity meter. From these samples, pH and conductivity were determined using a pH meter/conductivity meter, while heavy metal concentrations (Mn, Fe, Pb, Cu and AL) were determined by atomic analysis and ICP-MS. The study showed that groundwater in the study area is (0.01mg/l<Mn2+<0.06 mg/l) and contains (0.14mg/l<Cu2+<0.03 mg/l), (0.02mg/l<Fe2+<0.4 mg/l), (0.02mg/l<Zn2+<1.8mg/l) and (0.01mg/l<AL3+<0.05mg/l). These concentrations are above the permissible limits recommended by the World Health Organization (0.05, 0.2, 0.3, 5 and 0.2 mg/l, respectively; p > 0.05). Bacteriological analyses show that the vast majority of the wells studied in the Ben Taib area harbour high densities of Faeceal coliform (0 to more than 420 CFU/100ml) and Fecal Streptococci (0 to over 25 CFU/100ml). The presence of these high quantities of pathogens, which are indicators of pollution and bacteriological contamination by wastewater, could be due to anthropic activities

Hydrochemical assessment of groundwater in the Kert aquifer using a GIS application: an overview of the control factors for fluoride, arsenic and silica enrichment

Our study was based on using a freshwater aquatic species to assess the short-and long-term toxicity of an organophosphate insecticide commonly adopted by the Moroccan agriculture sector. Recently, groundwater pollution has emerged as one of the most severe environmental challenges, with a particular emphasis on levels of heavy metal pollution. Conservation efforts and efficient management of groundwater resources are required to determine the full scope of this damage. The current research answers the physical-chemical evaluation of the middle Kert basin’s water quality (Mediterranean area, Driouch province, Eastern Morocco) by collecting 42 samples and measuring pH, TDS that vary between 451 and 5841 mg/l, and EC that range from 0.72 to 9.41mS/cm2 according to ISO 5665. The samples were analyzed by ICP-MS and flame atomic absorption spectrometry to detect fluoride and arsenic content. Whose fluoride in the survey area varied from 0.01 mg/l to 2.85 mg/l. The hydro-chemical classification resulting from the Geographic Information System (GIS) statistical data analysis was used to interpret the analytical data on the phenomena responsible for the mineralization. This quantity is considerably higher than the maximum allowable level of 1.5 mg/L, which is the regulation for drinking water in Morocco. It indicates that both natural and artificial factors have contributed to the effects. Most stations have a fluoride concentration in the water, which can be used to identify them. It is a significant amount less than the values that would be ideal; just four wells have concentrations higher than the values that are legally allowed to be. The fluoride levels in the region’s water sources directly result from the natural elements that make up this particular geographic location.The same happened for arsenic, which exceeded 0.1 mg/l in just two samples

GIS preprocessing for rainfall-runoff modeling using HEC-HMS in Nekkor watershed (Al-Hoceima, Northern Morocco)

All Discharge data are among the most critical factors that must be considered when evaluating the management of water resources in a watershed. Simulation of rainfall-runoff is therefore an important element in assessing the impacts of serious flooding. In the present study, rainfall-runoff in the Nekkor watershed in Al Hoceima province was simulated using GIS, remote sensing and the Hydrologic Engineering Center Hydrologic Modeling System (HEC-HMS) model. The applicability, capacity and suitability of this model for rainfall runoff in the watershed were examined. The watershed parameters were generated using (HEC-GeoHMS) and ArcGIS. The model was calibrated using a daily data set that occurred in the watershed between 2003 and 2007, the validation period was from 2009 to 2012. Model performance was evaluated using a variety of different statistical indices to study the response and impact of rainfall-runoff. Model parameters were changed and calibration was performed using the Soil Conservation Service Curve Number loss method. Consistent and satisfactory performance in terms of peak discharge, total flood volume, timing of peak discharge and overall hydrograph adjustment effect was found. The determination coefficient (R2) for the validation period reached 0.73 versus 0.71 for the calibration period. The root mean square error (RMSE) is within the acceptable range. The relative bias (RE) demonstrates an overestimation in the calibration period and an underestimation in the validation period in the peak flows. These results will help decision makers to better manage water resources in this watershed and mitigate flood risks