Groundwater quality degradation is a pressing concern in semi-arid coastal regions, exemplified by the Ghiss-Nekor aquifer in northeastern Morocco, spanning 100 km2. This study adopts a comprehensive approach, utilizing chloro-alkaline indices, hydrochemical facies diagrams, the water quality index (WQI), and the synthetic pollution index (SPI) to assess the groundwater quality and its evolution. Key findings reveal that the Ghiss-Nekor ground-water is brackish, primarily suitable for irrigation due to high total dissolved solids (TDS). Salinization stems from reverse cation exchange, as indicated by hydrochemical analyses. WQI assessments highlight the inadequacy of this groundwater for drinking purposes, with SPI classifying 54% of wells as moderately polluted. Fine particles mitigate marine intrusion in the northwest. Overlaying land-use and electrical conductivity maps identifies the areas with poor-quality groundwater, notably near an unregulated landfill, a coastal tourist site, and a wastewater treatment facility. Ionic analysis identifies multiple saline sources, with nitrate and sulfate contributions standing out. While the study offers valuable insights, limitations include the need for ongoing data collection and source identification challenges. Nonetheless, the research underscores the urgency of effective water management, particularly around the landfill site situated above permeable deposits, offering an innovative approach with global applicability for addressing groundwater quality issues in semi-arid coastal areas.
In the present study, micromechanical modeling techniques were employed to examine the mechanical properties of a hemp/clay composite material. This composite consists of hemp fibers incorporated into a clay matrix, a configuration chosen in response to environmental considerations and the natural advantages of hemp fibers, which include their lightweight nature and their considerable strength and stiffness relative to their weight. The approach adopted incorporates both localization and homogenization methodologies along with the three-phase model to provide an in-depth analysis of the composite's behavior. The findings from this theoretical model show a promising correlation with empirical data, demonstrating the model's efficacy in capturing the composite's mechanical response.
The issue of microplastics pollution is gaining increasing attention as a global environmental concern. These tiny particles, measuring no more than 5 mm in size and coming in various shapes, can affect all types of marine eco-systems as they are easily consumed by a wide range of marine species. Al-Hoceima Bay, with its semi-enclosed nature and heavily affected anthropized coastline, was chosen as the study area for this research. The main objective was to investigate the presence of various microplastic types in Al-Hoceima Bay by implementing a sampling strategy along the coastline. This comprehensive approach was applied on a local scale within the bay (located in the northwest Mediterranean). Three stations were established in the bay, each located at different levels: the supralittoral, medilittoral and interlittoral. Microplastics were collected from these locations and classified into four categories based on their abundance. Digital microscopy was used to count the plastic particles and they were identified by Fourier transform-attenuated total reflectance infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR). Results showed a higher presence of microplastics in water at 114 particles/L compared to sediment at 70 particles/L. The classification of samples revealed fibers as the most prevalent form, followed by fragments and films being the least commonly found. The abundance of fibers was found to be higher in water 90%, while in sediment it was 31%, however, fragments and leaves were found in higher concentrations in sediment. Polypropylene and polyethylene were identified as the major polymers used in the microplastics analyzed.
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.
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