Pollution and health risk assessment of water quality: a case study in Mohammedia prefecture in Morocco

Purpose: Water is vital for the sustenance of every life form. Urbanization, growing population and industrial development has led to exploitation of water resources globally. This study assesses quality of water resources of Mohammedia prefecture. Design/methodology/approach: The water quality analysis was carried out based on physio-chemical and heavy metal concentrations. The physio-chemical analysis comprised of status of concentration, overall quality and water pollution index evaluation. The heavy metal evaluation consisted of Ecological Risk Index, non-carcinogenic risk and carcinogenic risk assessment. Findings: The landfill near Ben Nfifikh River reported insignificant (WPI1≤1.5) for surface and groundwater points. However, the groundwater for Zenata region was found to pose both carcinogenic (CRt > 0.0001, range 0.4-35.31) and non-carcinogenic risks (HQ>1, range 6 -34) of higher degree rendering it unfit for human consumption. Hence, this study concludes that groundwater resources should not as water supply; instead, Oud El Maleh River can serve as surface water source for meeting requirements of Zenata region. Research limitations/implications: The data obtained can be categorized as landfill area near river Nfifikh and landfill area near river El Maleh. Both areas have been investigated for groundwater and surface water quality assessment. Practical implications: This study demonstrates the need to study the characteristics of groundwater (depth, flow rate, water renewal, etc.) before arranging a waste dump. This problem is especially relevant for arid countries, since residents experience a shortage of water, as well as a lack of rainfall provides a weak renewal of groundwater, which can contribute to the accumulation of a higher concentration of carcinogens in groundwater and provide a high risk to public health. If policymakers in arid countries and decision-makers have effective water quality maps, then the country can be more efficiently managed water resources without risking the population. Originality/value: The current study is planned as a multi-stage, each of which is supposed to conduct field studies of groundwater and surface water quality with appropriate parameters, analysis of institutional reports and related scientific studies in order to create an effective water quality map for rational water use