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Groundwater Quality Assessment in the Coastal Mediterranean Aquifer of Northeastern Morocco – A GIS-Based Approach

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

Ecological Engineering & Environmental Technology

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2024

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Vol. 25, iss. 1

22--45

EN

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.

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Investigating Microplastics in the Mediterranean Coastal Areas – Case Study of Al-Hoceima Bay, Morocco

Achoukhi Iliass, El Hammoudani Yahya, Dimane Fouad, Haboubi Khadija, Bourjila Abdelhak, Haboubi Chaimae, Benaissa Chaimae, Elabdouni Aouatif, Faiz Hatim

Journal of Ecological Engineering

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2023

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Vol. 24, nr 5

176--190

EN

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.

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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

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2023

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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.

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Impact of Waste on the Quality of Water Resources – Case Study of Taza City, Morocco

Abouabdallah Amina, El Hammoudani Yahya, Dimane Fouad, Haboubi Khadija, Rhayour Khadija, Benaissa Chaimae

Ecological Engineering & Environmental Technology

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2023

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Vol. 24, iss. 9

170--182

EN

The ultimate purpose behind this study is to assess the quality of water surface of Oued Inaouen and its tributaries and some underground stations before and after discharge of the city of Taza. It addresses the leachate of the unauthorized landfill of Taza which is a source of nuisance that adds to the many problems of contamination of the surrounding environment if they are not treated before discharge. This survey explains how the landfill can affect the quality of water resources near the city of Taza, represented by the main tributaries of the watershed of Oued Inaouen by determining the main parameters indicators of pollution, and to study the possibilities of contamination of groundwater and surface water by infiltration or flow of leachate. Physico-chemical results show high concentrations of organic matter, the BOD5 /COD ratio indicating a biodegradable organic fraction. As far as mineral pollution is concerned, high contents of NH4+, NO3-, total phosphorus and Cl-, which explains the high conductivity values. Bacteriological analyses show significant quantities of coliforms and fecal streptococci. For the evaluation of the pollution of groundwater and surface water, the results obtained are translated by the presence of a significant contamination that differs from one point to another. To evaluate the pollution of groundwater and water surface, the results obtained are translated by the presence of a significant contamination that differs from one point to another.

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Assessment of Water Quality Using Water Quality Index (WQI): Case Study of Bakoya Aquifer, Al Hoceima, Northern Morocco

Benaissa Chaimae, Bouhmadi Belkacem, Rossi Abdelhamid, El Hammoudani Yahya, Dimane Fouad

Ecological Engineering & Environmental Technology

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2022

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Vol. 23, iss. 4

31--44

EN

This work developed a groundwater quality index for the BAKOYA aquifer of the Al Hoceima city, Morocco, as well as the monitoring of physicochemical and bacteriological parameters of major chemical elements in the water used as drinking water for a large population of the region. The samples were taken in the coastal aquifer Bakoya Al Hoceima. The waters of the Rif region are highly mineralized and marked by sodium chloride or sodium-sulfate facies related mainly to a process of marine intrusion and dissolution of evaporite minerals included in the site rocks. The results obtained with the WQI index showed that 12 samples are eligible for excellent quality, while 18 samples are not good enough for consumption as drinking water. The results show that the groundwater samples studied are characterized by medium to high salinity, exceeding 4000 μS/cm. This mineralization of marine beginning is somewhat because of the severe abuse of groundwater and avalanches, known in the region because of the earthquake, which accelerates the phenomenon of saltwater intrusion in the coastal karstic aquifer. The salinity of this water reaches salinization levels C3 and C4, as classified by the Wilcox diagram, and the waters of the Bakoya massif have been qualified as very hard. Examination of the hydrochemical results with the drinking water quality norms set by the World Health Organization shows that most of the water inspected is not suitable for utilization, mainly because of the high levels of EC, TDS, and linked to marine intrusion, as well as the urban pollution factor that increases the content in the water.