Wyniki wyszukiwania - BazTech

1

Geochemistry, Rb-Sr whole rock age and Sr-Nd isotopic constraints on the Variscan A1-type granite from Azegour area in the Marrakech High Atlas (Moroccan Meseta) and their geodynamic implications

Hadani Mohamed, Azevedo Maria do Rosário, Dias Rui, Saeed Adil, Awadelsied Salah F.

Geologos

|

2024

|

Vol. 30, No. 1

1--16

EN

In the northern part of the Marrakech High Atlas (MHA), along the southern Variscan segment of the Western Meseta, a Variscan granitic intrusion crops out, intruding metasediments and meta-volcanosedimentary rocks of Early Cambrian to Ordovician age. A new whole-rock Rb-Sr isochron age of 268 ± 9 Ma for the granite, combined with a previously published whole-rock Rb-Sr radiometric dating (271 ± 3 Ma), reveals a post-kinematic (tectonic) character with regard to the main Variscan deformational event, belonging within the tectonic context of the Moroccan Variscan orogenic belt. Geochemically, the Azegour intrusion is metaluminous to peraluminous and exhibits a calc-alkaline affinity with a ferruginous composition. The massif shows an extremely differentiated character (SiO2 = 77.53–78.14 per cent), K2O and high total alkali contents, FeOt/(FeOt + MgO) and Ga/Al ratios, which have typical characteristics of an A-type granite. In addition, the granite contains high concentrations of LREE (LaN/SmN= 7.9–13.67) relative to HREE (LaN/YbN= 4.81–11.61) and a well-defined Eu negative anomaly (Eu/Eu* = 0.44–0.75). The granitic samples exhibit a strong enrichment of the most incompatible elements (RbN/YbN = 69.84–159.98) and a strong depletion of Ba, Sr, Eu, Nb, P and Ti. These characteristics are similar to those of A1-type granites. The absence of mineralogy typical of an S-type granite, combined with its weakly peraluminous character [A/CNK (molar Al2O3/CaO+Na2O+K2O) = 1,013–1,045], suggest that there is little or no significant involvement of supracrustal sources in the petrogenesis of the intrusion studied. Despite the strongly differentiated character of Azegour granitic rocks samples, their multi-element patterns shows many similarities to those of I-type granitoids, which has led to postulate that the parental liquids of A1-type were derived from partial melting of mafic magmas. The representative samples studied show less depleted εNd(t = 270 Ma)values of –0.94 to –4.85 and lower positive to slightly negative εSr(t = 270 Ma) values of –1.45 to 9.32. The isotopic data suggest that the Azegour granite was emplaced 270 myr ago, apparently generated by partial melting of a mafic/intermediate magma source in the lower crust as a result of the underplating of the asthenosphere mantle-derived Oceanic Island Basalt-like magmas. Alternatively, their isotopic signatures also can be attributed to the interaction and/or hybridisation of basaltic liquids derived from the mantle with these lower crust materials. The generated parental magma probably occurred at deep structural levels and involved fractional crystallisation processes by the separation of a mineralogical association composed of plagioclase + potassium feldspar ± biotite ± amphibole ± sphene ± apatite. The whole-rock Rb-Sr age of 268 ± 9 Ma, whole-rock geochemistry and Sr-Nd isotopic compositions of εNd(t = 270 Ma) and εSr(t = 270 Ma), combined with fieldwork data, suggest that the Azegour granite was emplaced during the later stage of compressional Variscan events in the MHA.

2

Study of Genetic Variability of Mastic Tree (Pistacia lentiscus L.) in Moroccan Areas – Macro-Biochemical Characterization

Bouta Wassila, El Rasafi Taoufik, Bouda Said, Haddioui Abdelmajid

Ecological Engineering & Environmental Technology

|

2024

|

Vol. 25, iss. 3

43--50

EN

This study focuses on the characterization of the macro-biochemical composition of leaves of Pistacia lentiscus L. from 11 natural populations in Morocco, in order to allow genetic differentiation of this species. This characterization of the studied population allows research and identification of the most informative markers and analysis of relatedness between populations and their origin sites. The results of ANOVA showed that there were significant differences (p = 0.05) in total sugar content, dry matter content and fiber content between the studied populations. Organic matter, dry matter and total nitrogen contents were positively and significantly correlated with energy values (r = 0.92 and 0.962). In contrast, negative significant correlations were found between dry matter, minerals, fat content and carbohydrates (r = -0.217, -0.379). The results of principal component analysis showed that the 11 studied populations were dispersed among four groups, regardless of their geographical proximity. This grouping is confirmed by hierarchical classification.

3

Multi-decadal Assessment of Shoreline Changes Along the Ksar Esghir Coast, Morocco: Implications for Coastal Management

Zenati Ahlam Amara, Wahbi Miriam, Bouchkara Mohammed, El Khalidi Khalid, Maatouk Mustapha, Elmoumni Bouchta, El Bidaoui Mohamed

Ecological Engineering & Environmental Technology

|

2024

|

Vol. 25, iss. 2

230--242

EN

Coastal zones, as highly dynamic and complex environments, have substantial ecological and territorial implications for both government authorities and coastal managers. This research study investigated the impacts of port construction on shoreline dynamics along the coastal region of Ksar Esghir, located on the northern coast of Morocco, over a 19-year period (2002–2021). This study aimed to characterize the evolution of the coastline using high-resolution satellite images in a geographic information system (GIS) environment. Coastline evolution was assessed using GIS tools, particularly the digital shoreline analysis system (DSAS). Statistical approaches were used to determine the net rates of shoreline change, namely the end point rate (EPR) and net shoreline movement (NSM). Three main sectors were defined for the study area: The Eddallya sector, the western sector of Ksar Esghir and the port sector. As a result, two distinct zones have been identified in the Eddallya sector. Zone I shows an average accretion of +1.46 m/year, while zone II shows an erosion of -0.80 m/year. Analysis of the western sector of Oued Ksar Sghir revealed both erosion and accretion sites. Furthermore, the port sector showed positive values for shoreline evolution, with an average of +9.44 m and a rate of +0.49 m/year, signifying significant shoreline expansion over the study period. These findings highlight the dynamic and highly complex processes involved in coastal development in the study area. The results suggest that sediment dynamics, tidal regimes and potential anthropogenic influences have a significant impact on shoreline evolution, especially where port construction is concerned. The outcomes of this study provide helpful information for better and sustainable coastal management along the coastal area of Ksar Sghir.

4

Mapping Favorable Groundwater Potential Recharge Areas Using a GIS-Based Analytical Hierarchical Process – A Case Study of Ferkla Oasis, Morocco

Ait Lahssaine Ismail, Kabiri Lahcen, Messaoudi Badre, Essafraoui Badre, El Ouali Mohamed, Ouali Lamya, Albergel Jean, El Amraoui Meryem, Kassou Amina, Essahlaoui Ali

Ecological Engineering & Environmental Technology

|

2024

|

Vol. 25, iss. 3

311--325

EN

In the Ferkla Oasis, much like in numerous other oases across the southeastern region of Morocco, a range of socioeconomic and environmental challenges are intricately linked to the inadequate management of water resources. One proposed remedy to address these concerns is the implementation of artificial aquifer recharge, which stands as an alternative strategy to safeguard the crucial oasis ecosystems. Thus, to evaluate the viability of this method in promoting sustainable water resource usage, it becomes imperative to delineate groundwater recharge potential zones (GRPZs). This study aims to achieve this objective by mapping GRPZs within the Ferkla Oasis, employing a fusion of the analytical hierarchy process (AHP), geospatial information derived from remote sensing (RS), and geographic information system (GIS) technologies. In pursuit of this goal, an array of geological, topographical, pedological, hydrological, and climatic criteria have been meticulously selected, classified, and assigned weights following their relevance to water infiltration suitability. This comprehensive approach culminates in the generation of seven thematic maps: slope, lineament density, lithology, soil type, drainage density, land use/land cover, and rainfall distribution. Through the integration of these aforementioned maps, a tripartite classification of potential GRPZs emerges, comprising low, medium, and high categories. The findings underscore the distribution: 30% of the total study area exhibits a low potential for GRPZs, 50% of the total land area is characterized as having medium potential GRPZs, while the remaining 20% is designated as high potential GRPZs. These outcomes have been substantiated through validation against piezometric levels, which have been ascertained through recent field surveys. Consequently, these results stand as a testament to the efficacy of the presented approach as a robust decision-making tool. The approach effectively facilitates the establishment of conditions conducive to viable artificial recharge, thereby offering a means to safeguard the groundwater reservoirs that sustain the fragile oasis environments.

5

Exploration of Antimicrobial Potential in Oualidia Algae – Unveiling Cystoseira Humilis as a Promising Source of Bioactive Molecules

Farid Younes

Ecological Engineering & Environmental Technology

|

2024

|

Vol. 25, iss. 1

203--208

EN

The potential of seventeen marine seaweed extracts (five Chlorophyceae, six Pheophyceae, six Rhodophyceae) was investigated to determine their antibacterial activity, aiming to evaluate their viability in pharmaceutical applications. The assessment of their bioactivity involved utilizing crude extracts from dried samples against five Gram-positive bacteria, one Gram-negative bacteria, yeast, and fungus using the disk diffusion technique. These samples were collected from Oualidia, situated along Morocco’s Atlantic coast. Out of the diverse macroalgae studied, 36% of the extracts exhibited activity against at least one of the tested microorganisms. This outcome strongly supported the notion of leveraging algae extracts as a promising source of antibacterial compounds. In particular, extracts from Cystoseira humilis, Bifurcaria bifurcata and Asparagopsis armata showed zones of inhibition greater than 17 mm. Purification of the compounds responsible for the inhibitory activity against several types of C. humilis microorganisms was performed using chromatography and thin layer chromatography.

6

Assessing the Corrosion and Scaling Potential of Drinking Water in Morocco Using Water Stability Indices

El Baroudi Hind, Ouazzani Chadia, Moustaghfir Abdellah, Er-Ramly Azzeddine, El Baroudi Youssef, Dami Abdallah, Balouch Lhousaine

Ecological Engineering & Environmental Technology

|

2024

|

Vol. 25, iss. 2

130--139

EN

Corrosion and scaling occur in water distribution systems. However, not much data is available concerning this issue in Morocco. This study aimed to evaluate the corrosive and scaling potential of drinking water in the water distribution systems of several cities in Morocco using water stability indices and other physicochemical parameters. For this purpose, 100 samples were collected, mainly from the cities in the Rabat-Salé-Kenitra region of Morocco. The results of the physicochemical analysis of 100 collected samples show that the means of the pH, total alkalinity, calcium hardness, chloride, temperature, and total dissolved solids are 7.577 ± 0.23, 173.6± 52.04 mg/l as CaCO3, 212.57 ± 98.18 mg/l as CaCO3, 418.7 ± 407.75 mg/l, 25.16 ± 1.58 °C, 597.5 ± 435.74 mg/l, respectively. The mean values of the water stability indices are 0.1158 ± 0.38, 7.345 ± 0.68, 7.132 ± 0.86, and 12.41 ± 0.35 for the Langelier saturation index (LSI), the Ryznar stability index (RSI), the Puckorius scaling index (PSI), and the aggressive index (AI), respectively. The water samples show corrosive tendencies of 41%, 75%, 97%, and 13% based on the LSI, RSI, PSI, and AI, respectively, and are considered supersaturated and likely to scale, corrosive, and non-aggressive. The water samples in Rabat, Salé, Bouknadel, and Kenitra were mostly supersaturated with a tendency to scale, with the highest percentage of stable water while the water in Khemisset and Tiflet was mostly corrosive, with Tiflet recording the highest chloride content of 3220.1 mg/l. The scaling and corrosive potential of water varied depending on the source of water in each city. Therefore, it is essential to continuously supervise the stability of water at different points of water distribution systems, create an adapted approach for each city, and instill strict national standards for the physicochemical parameters that affect corrosion and scaling to ensure safe drinking water.

7

Anthropogenic Activities and Climate Variability Impacts on Juniperus thurifera Forest of El Houanet, Morocco

Benhssaine Khalid, Aabdousse Jamal, El Bouchti Nawfel, Nechchadi Habiba, Ettaqy Abderrahim, Ramchoun M'hamed, Abbas Younes, Berrougui Hicham

Ecological Engineering & Environmental Technology

|

2024

|

Vol. 25, iss. 3

70--94

EN

The current case analysis aims to explore the spatio-temporal evolution of thuriferous juniper (Juniperus thurifera L.) forest formations on the El Houanet plateau within the Biological and Ecological Interest Site (BEIS) of Boutferda in Morocco, focusing on their vulnerability to extinction due to various complex reasons. Our research focused on the period from 1986 to 2022, conducting a meticulous assessment of the spatial changes observed over this chronology. To achieve these objectives, we adopted a diachronic approach, combined with a methodology supported by field examinations. We derived data, including climatic analysis and vegetation indices (NDVI and VCI), from LANDSAT 5 and 8 satellite imagery, enabling a detailed synthesis of the forest’s spatiotemporal changes. This analysis was further deepened by considering a range of parameters, including components of the physical environment, climatic variables, as well as anthropogenic influences, with the aim of refining our understanding of the dynamics governing these populations. Findings reveal significant impacts on various strata within this forest, reflecting both regressive and progressive changes that reshaped the landscape’s composition and structure.

8

Analysis of the Diversity of Spontaneous Urban Flora – The Case of Temara City, Morocco

Boukita Hassan, Ziri Rabea, Brhadda Najiba, Chemchaoui Abdelazziz, Ghazi Souad, Elwahab Fathalah, Benchahid Boutaina, El Ammari Mohamed

Ecological Engineering & Environmental Technology

|

2024

|

Vol. 25, iss. 1

300--306

EN

Spontaneous flora offers many functions and potentialities in the urban ecosystem. However, few studies have been carried out on this subject in Morocco. The present study aimed to analyze the diversity of spontaneous flora in the urban area of Temara, to contribute to interpreting the structure and dynamics of Moroccan spontaneous flora. During the study, 90 floristic surveys were carried out along four transects, marked A, B, C, and D so that each transect started from the city center and went in one of the four directions of the study area. Transect A ran northwards from the city center, transect B westwards, transect C southwards, and transect D eastwards from the city center. To carry out the floristic surveys, several survey areas were chosen, given the heterogeneity of the urban environment. These areas ranged from a few cm2 for rock fissure plants, through 10 to 25 m2 for grasslands, to 25 to 100 m2 for forest cuttings. The results revealed a total of 137 taxa grouped in 116 genera and belong to 33 floristic families. The Asteraceae family came out on top, with 30 species (21.90%) and 24 genera, and the Poaceae family was in second place with 21 species (15.33%) divided into 20 genera. Analysis of this floristic list indicates a predominance of the therophyte life form (48.90%), then hemicryptophytes (26.28%) followed by geophytes (10.22%) in terms of biological type, and a predominance of the Mediterranean element (31.19%) in terms of chorological type. Of the 137 taxa inventoried, 10 are very rare, 1 is rare, 1 has a doubtful presence, and 2 are endemics. This study showed that even in a disturbed and fragmented environment, such as the urban environment, certain spontaneous plant species adapt to the conditions prevailing in this habitat and show considerable diversity, thus contributing to a better interpretation of the composition and dynamics of the country’s flora.

9

Remote sensing monitoring of irrigated areas from 1972 to 2018 in the Guigou Plain, Middle Atlas, Morocco

El-Bouhali Abdelaziz, Cotonnec Adeline, Lebaut Sébastien, Amyay Mhamed, Thomas Alban, El Ouazani Ech-Chahdi Khadija, Laouanne Mohamed, Gille Emmanuel

Journal of Water and Land Development

|

2023

|

no. 56

249--261

EN

The cartography and quantification of irrigated fields in the context of decreasing rainfall constitute a key element for water resources management. Therefore, in this context, the use of remote sensing methods applied to Landsat-type images with a high spatial resolution for monitoring the changes in land use in general and irrigated crops, in particular, is highly relevant. This paper aims to present a method for mapping spatial and temporal changes in irrigated parcels in the Guigou Plain, located in the central Middle Atlas, based on Landsat images and fieldwork. For the years 1985, 1998, 2010 and 2018, the use of a supervised classification method based on the principle of machine learning, fed by precise field surveys, has made it possible to highlight a significant extension of irrigated areas to the expense of pastureland and rainfed crops. Over the entire period under consideration, the results obtained with good precision (98.5% overall accuracy) showed that the area under irrigated crops has increased from approximately 699 ha to 3988 ha, i.e. an increase of 570%. The corollary of this increase is strong pressure on the water resource, especially groundwater. This information on the total extension of irrigated plots can be taken as a reference in the perspective of reasoned management of water resources in the sector.

10

Ecological risk assessment of heavy metals in the Sidi Boughaba Lake, Morocco

Najy Mohamed, Talbi Fatima Z., Ech-Chafay Hassan, Akkaoui Omar, Lachhab Mohamed, Achhar Abderrahman, Nouayti Nordine, Belghyti Driss

Journal of Water and Land Development

|

2023

|

no. 56

215--219

EN

The goal of the research was to evaluate the heavy metal detection and potential ecological risks in lake’s water. Geological formations consisting essentially of sandstone and quaternary marine or dune sands characterize the study area. With a climate of the Mediterranean type winters are mild and humid, whereas summers hot and dry. At the analysis center of the Faculty of Sciences, the monitoring of ETMs is carried out by ICP-MS, the processing of data and the validation of the analysis method have been drafted according to the NF T 90-120 standard applicable to the analysis in a laboratory. The analysis covers concentrations of heavy metals, which include Cu, Zn, Mn, Fe, Pb and As, in the water. Pollution load index (PLI) values were above one (>1) which indicates progressive deterioration of the water quality. However, contamination factor (CF) values of Pb and Cu, ranging from 8.31 to 15.68 and from 5.5 to 28.05 respectively, show that the studied water remains under a strong impact by Pb and Cu. Considering the severity of the ecological risk (Er) for a single metal, the descending order of contaminants is Cu > Pb > Mn > Fe > Zn. In relation to the total ecological risk index (RI), water from the lake shows low to considerable ecological risk.

11

Study of the Bacteriological Quality of a Continental Wetland – Case of the Dayet Er Roumi Lake (Khemisset, Morocco)

Sadki Mohcine, Chahlaoui Abdelkader, Saidi Abdelhak, Belkhiri Abdelkhalek, Bengoumi Driss

Journal of Ecological Engineering

|

2023

|

Vol. 24, nr 1

205--217

EN

The Dayet Er Roumi lake located in the biogeographic zone of the central meseta belonging to the province of Khemisset, constitutes the only permanent natural lake of low altitude in Morocco. The lake’s water body is the essence of the existence of this natural and environmental space. The objective of the present study was on the one hand to evaluate the current state of the bacteriological quality of the waters lake Dayet Er Roumi, and on the other hand to define the risks of the pollution waters lake, and its origin. In order to carry out this work well, the evolution of the bacteriological parameters of the waters lake during the period from October 2020 until September 2021 was studied at the level of four stations of sampling. The obtained results showed that the waters of Dayet Er Roumi are confronted with a strong pressure generated by the discharges of domestic waters of the neighbouring agglomerations and also by activities of natural, agricultural and tourist origin. Indeed, the bacterial load is expressed by a high load of bacteria indicative of fecal contamination which varies between 50 and 346∙103 CFU/1 ml for total aerobic mesophilic flora (TAMF) at 22 °C, 6 and 72∙103 CFU/1 ml for TAMF at 37 °C, 15 and 62∙103 CFU/100 ml for total coliforms (TC), 0 and 4350 CFU/100 ml for faecal coliforms, 0 and 16 350 CFU/100 ml for faecal streptococci, 1 and 13∙103 CFU/20 ml for sulphite-reducing anaerobes, 38 and 22 680 CFU/100 ml for Staphylococcus aureus and between 160 and 33 600 CFU/100 ml for Pseudomonas aeruginosa. These results largely exceed the Moroccan standards for the water intended for irrigation. They could be the cause of possible contamination of irrigated crops as well as groundwater in the region, and consequently have repercussions on human health.

12

Occurrence of Sclerotium rolfsii Inducing Sugar Beet Root Rot and its Sustainable Management by Acting on Soil Fertility in Western Morocco

Rerhou Badr, Mosseddaq Fatema, Ezzahiri Brahim, Moughli Lhoussaine, Mokrini Fouad, Bel-Lahbib Sanae, Namr Khalid Ibno

Journal of Ecological Engineering

|

2023

|

Vol. 24, nr 4

54--70

EN

In Morocco, and particularly in the Doukkala irrigated perimeter, sugar beet rot caused by Sclerotium rolfsii is a major limiting factor for the productivity of this crop. The objective of this study was to identify the relationship between the frequency of Sclerotium rolfsii infestation and the quantity of viable sclerotia in the soil on the one hand, and with the different physicochemical parameters of the soil in cropped sugar beet fields on the other hand. In total, 1794 soil samples were collected during a four years period in the whole irrigated perimeter. These samples were analyzed for their sclerotial content. In addition, laboratory analysis of physico-chemical parameters was performed for 94 sugar beet fields in 2019. The study showed that the relative frequency of infestation by Sclerotium rolfsii and the number of viable sclerotia oscillate inversely and present a relative frequency of 45.7, 57.3, 42.3 and 49.5% for 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2019, respectively, and a number of sclerotia of 2.01, 1.65, 2.11 and 1.25 in 250 g of soil for 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019, respectively. The study showed that the number of viable sclerotia was positively correlated with clay and silt content, soil pH, Mg, K, Fe, Cu, and Mn and negatively correlated with sand, SOM, EC, CaCO3, Zn, B, Ca, NH4 and NO3 contents. The observed decrease in viable sclerotia between 2016 and 2019 can be attributed to the decrease of Fe and Cu in the soil. It is possible that SOM intervenes with its humified fraction in the neutralization of the redox potential of Feand Cu which are involved in the production of sclerotia under oxidative stress. The good control of fertilization, especially organic, allows limiting the production of sclerotia of Sclerotium rolfsii. Data analysis allowed obtaining a significant prediction model of the number of viable sclerotia in the soil according to the physicochemical soil parameters with (R2 = 0.95 at P<0.0001) for only infested fields and (R2 = 0.87 at P<0.0001) for all the fields.

13

Effect of Tree Shelters and Regeneration Method on Survival and Growth of Cork Oak Plantations in the Maamora Forest, Morocco

El Alami Sanae Lahlimi, El Aboudi Ahmed, El Antry Salwa, El Mnouar El Ayyachi, Dallahi Youssef, Rabhi Ameur

Journal of Ecological Engineering

|

2023

|

Vol. 24, nr 7

360--374

EN

Forests are under intense human pressure, hindering their restoration. A potential solution to regeneration problems is the adoption of tree shelters, which have demonstrated protective benefits in the early establishment of forest plantations. A 9-year study was conducted in the Maamora forest (Morocco) to evaluate the effects of tube shelters and regeneration methods (direct seeding and seedling) on the growth and survival of cork oak (Quercus suber) plantations. A split-plot design was developed with three replicates of 36 plants for each of the four shelter treatments, including T0 (control), T1 (Tubex 1.20 m), T2 (Tubex 1.50 m), and T3 (Tubex 1.80 m) for a total of 964 plants, where periodic inventories were conducted to assess plant survival and growth. Our results show regeneration methods and shelters significantly influenced the survival of cork oak. Direct-seeded plants were more successful than those from seedlings, presenting survival rates of up to 97%. Despite a minimal shelter effect at the beginning, their positive influence was strong later on. Only plants installed with the 1.20 m shelter had an overall success rate of over 50%. Regeneration method had a strong influence on height and diameter growth, with seedling units showing taller plants initially, which shifted to direct-seeded plants in subsequent years. Conversely, the effect of shelters on growth parameters was generally non-significant. Nonetheless, sheltered trees exhibited greater height and diameter than unsheltered trees, particularly in the latter years. Sheltered plants showed an overall faster rate of vertical growth, while unsheltered plants showed faster radial growth.

14

Effect of plant Communities and Ecological Parameters on Soil Organic Carbon Stocks in the Mamora Forest, Morocco

Boujraf Amal, Dallahi Youssef, Dahmani Jamila, Orlando Collins Ashianga, Douira Allal

Journal of Ecological Engineering

|

2023

|

Vol. 24, nr 5

128--136

EN

Several studies on the assessment of soil organic carbon (SOC) stocks have been carried out at the global level. However, reliable information on SOC stocks is not readily available at the regional level. In addition, very few studies have assessed the factors responsible for the variation of SOC stocks, in particular the effect of plant communities. For this purpose, the main objective was to analyze the effects of three plant communities and ecological parameters on the SOC stock in the Mamora forest. Specifically, the authors looked to examine the relationships between SOC stock and plant communities and to define the main parameters that directly influence SOC stock. Ten soil profiles with three replications were sampled at each plant community, from which SOC stock was determined. To assess the effect of plant communities on SOC stocks, phytosociological surveys were carried out according to the phytosociological stigma method developed by Braun-Blanquet. The results show that the SOC stocks in cork oak soils are characterized by high variability, with values ranging from 55 t•ha-1 to 95 t•ha-1. Indeed, the findings of this study showed that the SOC stocks fluctuated significantly with plant communities. In addition, SOC stocks were also affected by the interactions between plant communities, the amount of litter and the density of the cork oak stand. These outcomes of this study highlight the critical need to incorporate community-specific carbon values into future carbon sequestration modeling.

15

Benefits and Risks of Liquid Sewage Sludge Recycling in Agricultural Spreading – A Case Study of WWTP of Skhirat, Morocco

Achkir Abdelmajid, Aouragh Abdelhakim, El Mahi Mohammed, Lotfi El Mostapha, Kabriti Mohamed, Abid Abdesalam, El Moussaoui Tawfik, Yagoubi Maâmar

Journal of Ecological Engineering

|

2023

|

Vol. 24, nr 1

277--288

EN

The sewage sludge recycling as an agricultural land resource has received a great deal of attention worldwide. This practice has highly increased because of ever-increasing municipal wastewater production and the awareness of its fertilizing potential as amendment resources. However, there is a concern about land spreading linked mainly to health associated risks due to the presence of diverse pollutants. Thus, sewage spreading management is a key factor the guarantees benefits and avoids risks. The present work aimed to investigate the benefits and risks of sewage sludge (SS) application on agricultural land. To this end, physicochemical main parameters and bacteriological indicators, fecal coliform (FC) and fecal streptococcus (FS), of the sewage sludge generated form WWTP of Skhirat, Morocco, were performed during the period 2018–2019. The obtained results of physicochemical parameters reveal high concentration of organic matter in SS, which reach 96.3 mg/l, and in nutrients. Indeed, total Kjeldahl nitrogen TKN reaches a maximum of 3791 mg/l, potassium K+ reaches 58.71 mg/l. In addition, the average content of FC and FS are around 5.40 CFU/ml and 5.85 CFU/ml, respectively, whereas total phosphorus reaches 508.25 mg/l. In addition, concentrations of micronutrients such as Cl-, SO42-, Ca2+, Mg2+, and Na+ were high, which is interesting and could benefit for both soils and plant. Furthermore, this sewage sludge contains high concentration of heavy metals, mainly zinc and copper which could limit reuse in land spreading. The obtained results were compared to the applied standards and directives established within the framework of the agricultural spreading.

16

Bacteriological Quality Status of Spring Waters from the Taanzoult Plain (Aguelmam Sidi Ali Wetland, Morocco)

Sammoudi Rachid, Chahlaoui Abdelkader, Ouarrak Khadija, Taha Imane, Khaffou Mhamed

Journal of Ecological Engineering

|

2023

|

Vol. 24, nr 4

184--191

EN

The Taanzoult plain of Aguelmam Sidi Ali wetland contains several permanent springs of water. They are intended for watering livestock, supplying drinking water and hydrotherapy. Nevertheless, the water consumption from sources in the raw state, without any pre-treatment or hygienic measures, certainly threatens the health of humans and particularly that of traditional medicine patients. From this perspective, the present work is based on a monthly monitoring of eight bacterial germs in the waters of four sources (Aghbalou Aberchane, Aghbalou Dkhiss, Aghbalou Akjdate and forestry post) during a hydrobiological cycle of 12 months from January to December 2017. The results of analyses have shown that bacterial contamination is significant at the water sources, used mainly for watering livestock, compared to those dedicated to drinking and hydrotherapy. The mean content of total coliforms and fecal coliforms at all the stations are higher than the Moroccan standards for surface water intended for the drinking water production. Except for the wet period for Aghbalou Aberchane and Aghbalou Dkhiss waters, the value of the bacterial parameters studied are higher than the Moroccan standards. In general, the anarchic frequentation of the area negatively influences the water quality and compromises its potability. Consequently, it directly threatens the health of users and hydrotherapy patients, especially during the dry season. These findings could call on the health authorities and the competent authorities responsible for controlling the quality of surface water to make users aware of the health risks and provide for appropriate arrangements to improve the quality of the widely sought-after natural waters.

17

Appraisal of Groundwater Quality Status in the Ghiss-Nekor Coastal Plain

Bouhout Sara, Haboubi Khadija, El Abdouni Aouatif, El Hammoudani Yahya, Haboubi Chaimae, Dimane Fouad, Hanafi Issam, Elyoubi Mohamed Salahdine

Journal of Ecological Engineering

|

2023

|

Vol. 24, nr 10

57--66

EN

Deterioration of water quality is of great concern, particularly in coastal aquifers where it has become difficult to meet water quality standards with appropriate salt content. As groundwater is the only alternative source of freshwater in the coastal plain of Ghiss-Nekor in northern Morocco, there is a need to assess its sustainability and suitability for drinking and irrigation purposes. For this purpose, data obtained from ABHL, corresponding to 13 monitoring wells existing in the downstream part of Ghiss-Nekor aquifer, were gathered and analyzed using a combination of statistical methods and GIS mapping tools. Various qualitative parameters namely; pH, turbidity, salinity, dissolved oxygen, conductivity, Chloride (Cl-), Sulphate (SO4) and some Nitrogen compounds were investigated and compared according to World Health Organization standards. These results suggest that groundwater samples are chemically dominated by chloride anions followed by sulphate anions; high levels of SO4 result from the mineral dissolving of evaporites in addition to the impact of seawater intrusion and the discharge of wastewater without adequate pre-treatment, while Cl- concentrations (408.3–1512.3 mg/L), strongly correlated with electrical conductivity, are related to the impact of seawater intrusion. A few samples along the Nekor River, considered as the aquifer’s recharge zone, showed the lowest salinity levels (<1.5 g/L) compared to the coastal samples which were classified as the most conductive and mineralized (EC greater than 3000 μS/cm) due to the combined impact of mixing with seawater and high evaporation rates. The outcome of this study reveals that the major dissolved anions assessed in the groundwater of the Ghiss-Nekor aquifer do not respect the stipulated criteria in terms of human consumption; therefore, all possible measures should be taken to protect and restore the water quality in this vulnerable coastal aquifer.

18

Urban Ecological Quality Assessment Based on Remote Sensing Data in African Context – A Case Study of Tangier City (Morocco, NW Africa)

Tahiri Mounia, Bahi Hicham, Bouramtane Tarik, Malah Anass, Sabri Anas, Mohsine Ismail, Kacimi Ilias

Ecological Engineering & Environmental Technology

|

2023

|

Vol. 24, iss. 9

204--217

EN

Climate change, combined with rapid urbanization, can face many challenges in achieving urban ecological sustainability, especially in developing countries. Due to the lack of valuable data, measuring the negative impact of this urban environmental damage, particularly in African cities, is however difficult to investigate. In this context, this research proposes an efficient index, including environmental, societal, and topographic indicators, extracted from remote sensing data, to evaluate the spatial ecological vulnerability of Tangier city in Morocco. This composite index, called the Urban Ecological Quality Index (UEQI), was developed for 2002, 2013, and 2023 in the spring season, using the Principal Component Analysis (PCA) as a multivariate statistical technique. Furthermore, the spatial autocorrelation analysis of the UEQI was performed to study the correlation between the index values and its surroundings, using Global Moran’s I and Local Moran’s I test statistics. The results show that on the one hand, zones located in the center of the city kept poor ecological quality in the three studied years, where the lack of green spaces and the high population density are the main reasons for this bad state. On the other hand, climate variability, such as precipitation change, directly affects the ecological quality of Tangier city. In fact, from 2002 to 2013, due to Morocco’s increased precipitation during this decade, the UEQI improved in 36%, unchanged in 50%, and degraded in 14% of the study area. However, from 2013 to 2023, with more than 52% degraded UEQI, the ecological quality of the city was affected by drought periods, which have been more frequent and intense in this decade, especially in green areas and agricultural land.

19

Trends in the Use of Symbiotics in Morocco

Mouri Misk, El Ghouddany Safouane, Ettair Said, Mehdioui Sakina, Abdellatif Bour

Ecological Engineering & Environmental Technology

|

2023

|

Vol. 24, iss. 2

180--185

EN

The symbiotic have been shown to be effective in prophylaxis and treatment of various diseases. Indeed, one of the main functions of probiotics is to improve microbial homeostasis in the body and to decrease the invasion of pathogens and their colonization. The objective of our study is to assess and then compare the rate of sales and the use of symbiotics by the Moroccan population in order to describe the status of sale of this type of Medicine. The collection of belly data was carried out using a questionnaire which contains information on all Moroccan market products and this study includes fifteen of the most widespread symbiotics products (probiotics and prebiotics). The study suggests that the sale of symbiotic products increased in some strains such as bacterial strain Bifidobacterium infantis which reached 96,300 units and Bifidobacterium lactis with a sale which reached 35,000 units and also there was also a decrease in sales of other symbiotic products such as Lactobacillus casei in 2019 compared to the sale in 2018 and according to the student test there is no significant difference between the average sales during the two successive years of 2018 and 2019 (p = 0.496). The results show that the consumption and use of symbiotic in Morocco has undergone significant fluctuations trending towards a regression.

20

Seasonal Bacterial Contamination of Groundwater in the Zagora Area, Morocco

Maliki Abdelmounaim, El Moustaine Radouane, Chahlaoui Abdelkader, Boudellah Abderrazzaq, Sadki Mohcine, Belkhiri Abdelkhalek, Taouraout Aziz

Ecological Engineering & Environmental Technology

|

2023

|

Vol. 24, iss. 6

230--238

EN

The assessment of the bacterial quality of groundwater is a critical step in ensuring safe drinking water. A total of nine (9) water samples were obtained from wells located within the study area, during the wet and dry seasons between December 2020 and December 2021. The parameters measured in this study include total germs at 22 °C (TG-22 °C) and 37 °C (TG-37 °C), total coliforms (TC), fecal coliforms (FC), fecal streptococci (FS), and the sulfito-reductor clostruim (SRC). The results show that the contamination levels vary widely between the different wells and between seasons. The highest levels of contamination were found in W6, with the highest values of all parameters measured except for TC. W1 and W7 were the only wells that were protected, and they had lower levels of contamination compared to unprotected wells. The sources of pollution were mainly related to agricultural activities, such as animal waste and metal waste. The findings of this study suggest the need for improved management practices to reduce contamination and protect the groundwater resources in the study area.