Assessment of potential contamination of groundwater in abandoned mining region of Ben Taieb, Northeastern Morocco using statistical studies (original) (raw)
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Environmental Pollution, 2019
Waste water of the Kettara village, as well as the abandoned tailings, constitute a potential environmental issue with direct consequences on air, soil, water resources qualities and, on human health. In this paper, experimental investigations examine the environmental impact which is induced by the wastewater, mine tailings and the lithological factors of rocks. This multidisciplinary research allows to i) understand the transfer of the Metallic Trace Elements (selenium, arsenic, nickel and zinc) and sulfate ions in the fractured shales media, ii) to assess the water potability by using the microbiological analysis. The microbiological results reveal the domestic impact by the presence of several kinds of bacteria in the groundwater resources: E. coli, Fecal coliforms, Total coliforms, Enterococci, Mesophilic Aerobic Flora, Sulphitereducing bacteria and Salmonella. Selenium, arsenic and the bacteriological contamination of the groundwater could be explained by five kinds of factors: i) the geological formations and the nature of the hydrogeological system (unconfined layer), ii) the groundwater flow, the hydraulic relation between the hydrogeological wells and, the fractures network in the shale aquifer. The piezometric map allows to highlight the groundwater flow from the NorthEast to NorthWest and to the SouthWest , the drainage axis towards the P21 well and the presence of the dividing axis in the contaminated zone by the arsenic, iii) the absence of the unhealthy habitats with permeable traditional septic tanks in the village; iv) the transfer of the spreading animal excrements from the soil to groundwater and, v) the migration of the wastewater towards downstream of the groundwater flow. The presence of the reed beds could explain the reduction of bacteria in the hydrogeological wells of the study area.
Applied Water Science, 2017
The focus of this study is the physicochemical and bacteriological characteristics of groundwater in the Triffa plain, Morocco. In total, 34 groundwater samples were analyzed for major elements (Tp, pH, EC, K ? , Na ? , Ca 2? , Mg 2? , Cl-, SO 4 2-, NO 3-, NO 2-, NH 4 ? , H 2 PO 4-, CO 3 , and HCO 3-) and trace metal (Al, Cd, Cu, Fe, and Zn) content. The results show that the pH values range between 6.7 and 8.9, electrical conductivity ranges between 740 and 7340 lS/cm, and nitrate content ranges between 1.7 and 212 mg/l. Hydrochemical facies represented using a Piper diagram indicate an Na-K-Cl type water. All the trace metal concentrations are within the admissible standard range except for Cd. The bacteriological analysis showed that the majority of groundwater samples are contaminated. Generally, the content of total coliforms, fecal coliforms, and fecal streptococci ranged from 0 to 140, 0 to 125, and 0 to 108 CFU/100 ml, respectively. The samples are grouped according to three factors. Factor 1 shows strong positive loadings of EC, Mg, Cl, Na and K with 51.91% of total variance (TV); factor 2 shows strong negative loadings of NO 3 , SO 4 and Ca with 17.98% of TV; and factor 3 shows strong negative loading of HCO 3 with 15.56 of TV. We conclude that the quality of this groundwater is suitable for irrigation and domestic use (cleaning house, ect).
Health Risk of Maâmora’s Groundwater Pollution in Morocco
Natural Resources, 2015
The problem of pollution affects the whole world groundwater. The purpose of our present study is to evaluate the impact of contamination from residues of industry and agriculture, and discharge of untreated domestic wastewaters on the physical, chemical, metal and bacteriological water quality of Maâmora's tablecloth (Sebou bassin, Kenitra, Morocco). The physicochemical parameters followed are: T ˚C, pH, EC,
Bio web of conferences/BIO web of conferences, 2024
This study assesses the groundwater quality of the Ghiis Nekkour aquifer in northern Morocco, focusing on a specific well in the Al Hoceima region. This water source is vital for the local population. The research compares the groundwater quality during two distinct periods and characterizes its physicochemical and bacteriological properties. The study reveals that physicochemical analysis shows moderate water quality, with electrical conductivity values ranging from 2441 μS/cm to 2456 μS/cm, and turbidity levels below 0.61 NTU. Chemical analysis indicates calcium concentrations ranging from 181 mg/l to 195 mg/l, magnesium concentrations from 136 mg/l to 143 mg/l, ammonium concentrations of 0.05 mg/l, chloride concentrations from 453 mg/l to 478 mg/l, and nitrate concentrations of 40 mg/l. Bicarbonate concentrations vary from 789 mg/l to 856 mg/l. However, bacteriological analysis shows water contamination by coliform bacteria, intestinal enterococci, and Escherichia coli. The study emphasizes the urgent need to take measures to remedy this contamination and ensure the safety of the water source for the region's inhabitants.
2014
The objective of this study is to assess the quality of groundwater in the agricultural zone of Sidi Abdelrrazak (province of Khemisset), as well as the monitoring and analysis of some metallic trace elements. This study allowed us to identify the outline of the interaction between agriculture and water quality in the region where the ecotoxicological risks represented by the various uses are present. The analysis of metallic trace elements in the groundwater showed a lack of groundwater contamination by these elements, with the exception of Copper at a well which indicates the presence of a possible impact of agriculture on quality of these waters. However, the measured value for Fluor in this area suggested a possible local contamination of the deep layers of the region and opens the way for future investigations.
Groundwater quality evaluation in the vicinity of the Draa Sfar Mine in Marrakesh, Morocco
Euro-Mediterranean journal for environmental integration, 2019
The Draa Sfar Mine is one of the main base-metal mines in the region of Marrakesh (Morocco). The residues of the activities of Draa Sfar Mine can be a source of the groundwater pollution due to heavy metals. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the physicochemical and metallic quality of the groundwater at the vicinity of this mine. In this context, groundwater samples were taken from 17 wells in April 2016. The study was achieved on the following major elements (Cl − , Na + , Ca 2+ , K + , Mg 2+ , NO 3 − , SO 4 2− and HCO 3 −), Eh, pH, EC and the heavy metals (Cu, Pb, Zn and Fe). The heavy metals results show that all the wells that were examined are under the WHO (2011) standards. From a physicochemical point of view, the study proved that the 17 wells contain a high degree of salinity, especially those located in the downstream of the mine (P10, P11, P12, P13, P15, and P16).
Environmental Monitoring and Assessment, 2008
This study scrutinized bacteriological and chemical quality of groundwater supplies of Marrakesh (Morocco) within a year. It assessed the influence of some chemical factors on fecal and opportunistic pathogenic bacterial communities. The annual average densities of fecal coliforms, fecal streptococci and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were respectively: 1891 colony forming units (CFU)/100 mL, 1246 CFU/ 100 mL and 206 CFU/100 mL. The total occurrence of these bacteria during the period of study was 94%. Detectable non-O1 Vibrio cholerae was present in 81% of samples and the mean abundances ranged from 0 to 11100 MPN/100 mL. Significant correlations between fecal coliforms and streptococci and between fecal coliforms and non-O1 V. cholerae (p<0.01) were found. Fecal coliforms can be used to detect the presence of non-O1 V. cholerae in this groundwater. These well waters were greatly mineralized, hard, salt with high concentrations of nitrogenous ions and major elements (Ca 2+ , Na + , Cl − , SO 2À 4 and K +). Most of chemical parameters were relatively steady with time except for calcium, ammonium, nitrites and organic matter which were seasonally influenced. The degree of correlation between chemical parameters and the abundances of isolated bacteria is heterogeneous. The concentrations of calcium and nitrites favored (p< 0.01) the abundance of fecal coliforms and streptococci, but reduced P. aeruginosa abundances. Calcium, salinity, chlorides, nitrites and nitrates tests can be used for screening in situ when the laboratory facilities are limited. This work is expected to assist local authorities in developing plans and actions to reduce the pollution to acceptable levels.
Ecological Engineering & Environmental Technology
Groundwater is crucial for meeting the water needs of rural communities, serving both domestic and agricultural purposes. However, its quality in our study area remains unclear. Therefore, the primary objective of the current study is to evaluate the groundwater quality and ascertain the level of contamination risk associated with the use of septic tanks in rural communities within the Al Hoceima province. This will be achieved by conducting a comprehensive analysis of physicochemical parameters and employing effective indices, including the Water Quality Index (WQI), Nitrate Pollution Index (NPI), and Chronic Health Risk (CHR). In February 2023, we collected samples from 33 wells, spanning densely and sparsely populated regions, to account for potential variations in water quality. The analyzed parameters included pH, total dissolved solids (TDS), electrical conductivity (EC), ammonium (NH 4 +), nitrates (NO 3-), nitrites (NO 2-), sodium (Na +), potassium (K +), calcium (Ca 2+), magnesium (Mg 2+), chloride (Cl-), sulfate (SO 4 2-), bicarbonate (HCO 3-), phosphate (PO 4 3-), and silica (SiO 2). Our findings revealed slightly alkaline groundwater with TDS levels ranging from 1508.63 mg/l to 8289.8 mg/l, with an average of 3223.19 mg/l. The cation dominance sequence observed was Na + > Ca 2+ > Mg 2+ > K + > NH 4 + , while for anions, it followed as SO 4 2-> Cl-> HCO 3-> NO 3-> PO 4 3-> NO 2-. The Water Quality Index (WQI) indicated contamination in 54.55% of the wells, with notably higher NPI values in densely populated regions. This suggests anthropogenic nitrate contamination, likely originating from septic tanks. The assessment of Chronic Health Risk (CHR) revealed non-carcinogenic health risks in 27.27% of samples for children and 15.15% for adults. Given these findings, it is imperative for Moroccan authorities, despite the efforts of the Loukkos Hydraulic Basin Agency (LHBA), to implement strategic measures to protect groundwater quality in densely populated rural regions.
The quality of groundwater in several sites of Tangier Tetuan Region (Morocco)
International Journal of Innovation and Scientific Research, 2015
The Region of Tangier-Tetuan (Northern of Morocco) experienced an important urban development in the last decade. For this reason, groundwater's quality is highly susceptible to deterioration by liquid and/or solid waste pollutants. Nevertheless, rural and some per urban residents are still pending on springs supplies for drinking water, irrigation and domestic activities without any treatment, so they are exposed to water diseases. In order to evaluate the hygienic quality of these springs, a study was conducted during 2013. Fifteen springs were selected for the investigations on chemical and bacteriological parameters. The physicochemical results showed that the majority of the studied springs are considered acceptable, except some springs that don't meet the standards recommended. Our study revealed also a serious contamination of groundwater by microbial agents, the concentrations of different microbial indicators differed, dependent on the spring's location with respect to the different sources of contamination. Monitoring the chemical and bacteriological quality of drinking water is essential to prevent the population to health risk.
Groundwater assessment and environmental impact in the abandoned mine of Kettara (Morocco)
Environmental Pollution, 2017
Many questions about the soil pollution due to mining activities have been analyzed by numerous methods which help to evaluate the dispersion of the Metallic Trace Elements (MTE) in the soil and stream sediments of the abandoned mine of Kettara (Morocco). The transport of these MTE could have an important role in the degradation of groundwater and the health of people who are living in the vicinity. The present paper aims to evaluate the groundwater samples from 15 hydrogeological wells. This evaluation concerns the hydrogeological parameters, pH, Electrical conductivity, temperature and the groundwater level, and the geochemical assessment of Mg,