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Climate Change and Water Resources Management in the Ghis-Nekor Watershed (North of Morocco) – A Comprehensive Analysis Using SPI, RDI and DI Indices

Benyoussef Said, Arabi Mourad, El Yousfi Yassine, Cheikh Boumediene Ben, Abdaoui Abdellali, Azirar Maryam, Mechkirrou Latifa, El Ouarghi Hossain, Zegzouti Younes Filali, Ait Boughrous Ali

Ecological Engineering & Environmental Technology

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2024

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Vol. 25, iss. 2

199--209

EN

Morocco is currently facing significant challenges due to the ever–changing climate, with its critical water sources crucial for agriculture, economy, and daily life being greatly affected. In order to thoroughly understand the impact of climate change on the Ghis–Nekor watershed, an in–depth study spanning 38 years (1978–2016) was conducted. This involved examining the meteorological data from three stations and utilizing advanced indices, such as SPI, RDI, and DI. The findings of this study revealed prominent shifts in precipitation patterns, indicating a vulnerability in the region. While there was a general increase in annual rainfall during the specified time period, a sharp decline was observed post–2008. Further analysis of drought confirmed the presence of persistent dry spells and recurring episodes, highlighting the urgent need for effective water management strategies. These crucial findings must be considered by decision–makers for successful climate adaptation, emphasizing the key role played by this study in mitigating the effects of climate change.

2

Agricultural Practices and their Impact on Aquatic Ecosystems – A Mini-Review

Albou El Mostapha, Abdellaoui Mohamed, Abdaoui Abdellali, Ait Boughrous Ali

Ecological Engineering & Environmental Technology

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2024

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Vol. 25, iss. 1

321--331

EN

This mini-review delved into the intricate interplay between agricultural practices and aquatic environments, highlighting the global imperative to enhance water quality. Drawing insights from diverse sources, it underscored the complex web linking water management and agriculture with the health of aquatic ecosystems. The expansion and intensification of agriculture have led to widespread fertilizer and pesticide use, impacting the water quality of groundwater, rivers, lakes, and marine habitats. Large-scale irrigation systems, while vital for food security, have inadvertently contributed to land and water salinity issues. As agricultural activities intensify, they often alter aquatic ecosystems, affecting aquatic fauna and overall ecosystem functioning. The sustainable use of chemicals and organic farming practices is paramount to mitigating environmental and ecological impacts. In the context of global changes, the adoption of ecologically based agricultural management strategies holds promise for enhancing sustainability and reducing the off-site consequences. The mini-review emphasized that integrated water resource management, advanced agricultural practices, and rigorous regulation are essential for tackling the critical water quality and quantity challenges linked to agriculture.

3

Groundwater Quality in the Vicinity of an Abandoned Mining Site – The M'fis Mine, Southeast of Morocco

Abdellaoui Mohamed, Abdaoui Abdellali, Boukhoubza Fadila, Ait Boughrous Ali

Ecological Engineering & Environmental Technology

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2023

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Vol. 24, iss. 6

292--299

EN

The diagnosis of the current state of the environment (groundwater quality and tailings composition) was carried out in the vicinity of the M’fis mine (Southeast of Morocco) in order to evaluate the impact of mine tailings on groundwater. Water samples from the well in the center of the mine site and from other nearby wells were collected and analyzed. In addition, the characterization of the tailings shows the presence of sulfides and other chemical elements, constituting the main source of pollution. In turn, the results of geochemical analyses show that groundwater is characterized by low levels of metals, despite the presence of these pollutants in the tailings and in the waste rock piles. The concentrations of metallic trace elements in well groundwater, slightly exceeding the standards of potability (the WHO standard), remain acceptable for irrigation and for livestock. These results can be explained by the carbonate geological formation, constituting the transfer medium of the pollutants towards the aquifer and also by the weak circulation of the metal ions under the desert climate which prevent dissolution and infiltration.

4

Assessment of the Physicochemical Quality of Groundwater in the Errachidia Region (SE, Morocco)

Azirar Maryam, Benyoussef Said, Arabi Mourad, Abdaoui Abdellali, Zegzouti Younes Filali, Ait Boughrous Ali

Ecological Engineering & Environmental Technology

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2023

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Vol. 24, iss. 9

64--70

EN

This study aimed to assess groundwater quality in the Errachidia region, southeast Morocco, where a total of one hundred wells were periodically surveyed, and ten wells were selected for monthly monitoring based on their proximity to known surface pollution sources. Various physicochemical parameters were measured. Results outcomes encompass temperature fluctuations ranging from 21°C to 30°C, generally neutral pH levels, heightened electrical conductivity (900 to 2220 μS/cm), diminished dissolved oxygen levels (1.91 mg/L), and the presence of nitrates within prescribed thresholds for potable water. Nevertheless, one station exceeded the nitrate threshold (30 mg/L). Elevated sulfate ion concentrations were detected (764.6 mg/L), potentially originating from urban wastewater. Chloride levels fell within acceptable limits (67.45 to 245 mg/L), and calcium content displayed variability (89.6 to 208.6 mg/L), but remained below authorized values. Hierarchical clustering identified four distinctive well groups predicated on their physicochemical attributes, thereby underscoring the impact of pollution sources on water quality. The study indicated an improvement in the region’s grouwater quality, transitioning from poor to moderate, and in some instances, to good quality.

5

Assessment of Groundwater Quality in the Tafilalet Region of Southeastern Morocco Using Water Quality Index

Azirar Maryam, Zegzouti Younes Filali, Benyoussef Said, Arabi Mourad, Zaki Hanane, Abdaoui Abdellali, El Yousfi Yassine, Ait Boughrous Ali

Ecological Engineering & Environmental Technology

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2023

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Vol. 24, iss. 6

117--126

EN

This study evaluated the suitability of groundwater from primary basins in the Tafilalet area of southeast Morocco for drinking purposes. Water samples were collected from 100 wells, and physicochemical parameters, including temperature, conductivity, pH, hardness, and organic and inorganic ion concentrations, were analyzed. The weighted arithmetic water quality index (WQI) was used as an ecological indicator for quality evaluation in relation to Moroccan drinking water criteria. Ten locations were chosen for monthly inspection based on their proximity to the potential sources of pollution. The study found a considerable improvement in water quality over a 15-year period (2004–2019), with three sites classified as “Good quality” and seven as “Poor Water”. The analysis revealed that the pH values of all groundwater samples were within the acceptable range according to the World Health Organization (WHO) standards. The chloride ion concentrations decreased significantly over time, while the nitrate and sulfate concentrations increased. The hydrometric title of groundwater was very high in all study sites, with a significant proportion of alkaline earth metals present. The study suggests that the development of the sewerage network and supply and distribution of drinking water in the region has led to improved water quality. The study demonstrated changes in the physicochemical properties of groundwater in the Tafilalet region of Morocco over a 15-year period, with an overall improvement in water quality.

6

Application of the Water Quality Index to Assess Groundwater Quality in the Bou Dhar Mining District in Beni Tajjit (High Atlas, Morocco)

Abdellaoui Mohamed, Abdellaoui Omar, Abdaoui Abdellali, Ait Boughrous Ali

Ecological Engineering & Environmental Technology

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2023

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Vol. 24, iss. 8

247--260

EN

Water scarcity remains the main problem in Morocco, making water resource conservation paramount. The objective of this study is to shed light on how mining impacts the region of Beni Tajjit’s groundwater resources, which are used for irrigation and watering, which includes the Bou Dhar mining district, known for its vast lead and zinc sulfide deposits. The oxidation of sulfide-rich mine tailings generates acid water loaded with sulfates, creating acid mine drainage (AMD), which hurts aquatic ecosystems and the environment through trace metals elements (TME). Hence the need to assess the possible contamination of aquifers by metallic pollutants. This work can help water managers make appropriate decisions for controlling the quality of the groundwater in the Beni Tajjit area. During this study, we adopted a method: the Water Quality Index (WQI), designed to indicate the overall level of water quality by aggregating various weighted measurements. Five samples representing water sources around the mine tailings were taken and analyzed. Their values of dissolved oxygen, electrical conductivity and pH were measured on-site. The results allow us to classify the water into good and bad categories. They showed that the TME values were practically lower than the maximum permitted level according to WHO norms and Moroccan irrigation standards. The main reason for this may be due to the carbonate geological context of the site, which buffers acidity and thus forms a chemical barrier against the transfer of TME to the aquifer. The high chlorine levels appear due to geochemical background or anthropogenies contaminations. The sulfate values recorded are related to the leaching of sulfide minerals from mine tailings.

7

Qualitative assessment of the waters of the coastal aquifer Ghis-Nekor (Central Rif, Northern Morocco) in view of agricultural use

Benyoussef Said, Arabi Mourad, El Ouarghi Hossain, Ghalit Mohammad, El Yousfi Yassine, Azirar Maryam, Ait Boughrous Ali

Journal of Water and Land Development

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2022

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no. 52

245--250

EN

The rainfall irregularity in the Al-Hoceima area places the Ghis-Nekor coastal aquifer as a primary resource for water supply. However, it is of paramount priority to adopt management and optimization plans that can mitigate the effects of the irrational use of the resource and the deterioration of its quality in the region of our study. In order to study the alteration aspects of this aquifer, 26 wells were sampled and their suitability for irrigation was assessed. The sodium adsorption rate (SAR) values indicate that most groundwater samples fall into the risk classes of high salinity and low sodium (C3-S1) and high salinity and medium sodium (C3-S2). The results also show a medium to high alkalinity risk due to the high concentration of HCO3-. The excess of salts is largely due to the intensive exploitation of groundwater and to the phenomenon of salt-water intrusion into the coastal karst aquifer. As a result, the quality of groundwater is not adapted to sustainable agricultural production and soil balance, which requires controlled monitoring to ensure its rational use with a view to the sustainable development of the region.

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Impact of Anthropic Activities on the Quality of Groundwater in the Central Rif (North Morocco)

Benyoussef Said, Arabi Mourad, El Ouarghi Hossain, Ghalit Mohammad, Azirar Maryam, El Midaoui Adil, Ait Boughrous Ali

Ecological Engineering & Environmental Technology

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2021

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Vol. 22, iss. 6

69--78

EN

The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of human anthropic activities on the physicochemical and biological properties as well as the quantity of the groundwater in the central Rif of Morocco. Series of analyses were carried out on the water resources of this area. The interpretation of analytical data and the distribution of groundwater into groups were treated using multivariate statistical methods including Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and the Ascending Hierarchical Classification (CHA). The results of the present study showed strong mineralization of the investigated area waters. This study also indicated the impact of anthropogenic activities and their influences on the quality of groundwater in the central Rif, with the presence of total coliforms, fecal Escherichia coli type, and fecal streptococci intestinal enterococcal type, suggesting that the contamination of this groundwater was induced by human pollution. In addition, the infiltration of groundwater by wastewater from septic tanks, the use of wastewater for irrigation purposes, the increased use of fertilizers and pesticides in agriculture, and irregular rainfall in the region constitute the main factors of anthropogenic contamination of groundwater in the study area.