A GIS-based approach for geospatial modeling of groundwater vulnerability and pollution risk mapping in Bou-Areg and Gareb aquifers, northeastern Morocco

Elmeknassi, Malak; Mandour, Abdennabi El; Elgettafi, Mohammed; Himi, Mahjoub; Tijani, Rim; Khantouri, Fatima Azzahra El; Casas, A.

doi:10.1007/s11356-021-14336-0

Cited by 29 publications

(9 citation statements)

References 84 publications

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“…Groundwater pollution issues are of serious concern nowadays [40]. Increased rates of nitrates, found in drinking water, are considered a health hazard since they may lead to methemoglobinemia in human infants, a life-threatening syndrome involving impaired oxygen transport in the blood.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Chemical and Isotopic Tracers for Characterization of the Groundwater in the Heterogeneous System: Case from Chichaoua-Imin’tanout (Morocco)

Tijani

Mandour

Chafouq

et al. 2021

Water

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The geological and hydrogeological approach of the structure of the basin OuladBouSbaâ led to the definition of the geometry of the main aquifers. In general, the profiles show the complexity of the geological configuration. The filling of the depression of OuladBouSbaâ is from the Eo-Cretacian. At this level, the aquifer is recharged by direct water infiltration. The quaternary, Eocene, and Cenomanian-Turonian formations constitute the main aquifers. Horizontal as well as vertical heterogeneity lead to a higher diversification of aquifer characteristics. To define the origins and understand the groundwater flows in this complex zone, we used a multi-tracer approach with the analysis of major elements and the isotopes of δ2H and δ18O. The chemical composition is mainly governed by the interaction with the rock with low electrical conductivity except in areas around domestic landfills. Geochemical results analyzing groundwater in the Piper diagram show two distinct chemical facies: the sulfated calcium and magnesium, and the hyper-chloride calcium. The levels of δ18O range from −7.60 to −4.25 while those of δ2H vary between −53.07 and −27.03. Analyses of signature isotopes differentiate two groups. The first contains high levels of heavy isotopes (highest levels of δ2H and δ18O) having therefore been submitted to evaporation. The second with lower levels of δ2H and δ18O did not undergo evaporation. The first one belongs to the unconfined free aquifer while the second corresponds to the captive aquifer.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Chemical and Isotopic Tracers for Characterization of the Groundwater in the Heterogeneous System: Case from Chichaoua-Imin’tanout (Morocco)

Tijani

Mandour

Chafouq

et al. 2021

Water

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“…While generally showing chloride enrichment, the absence of clear geochemical evidence suggests this excess is likely due to pollution. High salinity primarily results from water-rock interaction processes such as carbonate dissolution and cation exchange with silicates [22].…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Groundwater Quality Monitoring in Response to Marine Intrusion: A Case Study in Northern Morocco

Bensitel,

El Haboubi,

El Kasmi

2024

BIO Web Conf.

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Water stress, resulting from a demand for water exceeding the available quantity, is a major global challenge. Groundwater usage is a commonly adopted strategy to address this situation, but it often leads to marine intrusion, threatening the quality of water in coastal aquifers. This phenomenon typically stems from overexploitation of aquifers, declining water table levels, and rising sea levels due to climate change. Our study aims to monitor the quality of groundwater intended for human consumption and provide a detailed assessment of its current state. We identified several physicochemical parameters, such as temperature, pH, and bicarbonates, with maximum electrical conductivity values reaching 2810 µs/cm, a total hardness of 21 meq/L, sulfate levels of 689 mg/L, and chloride levels of 628 mg/L, from six boreholes and one well located along the coastal area of the Al Hoceima region. These samples were also subjected to Principal component analysis (PCA) of the chemical parameters, revealing two factors that represent approximately 62.15% of the total variance in the groundwater quality dataset. Simulation results indicate signs of seawater intrusion in several areas, particularly near the coast, emphasizing the urgency of protecting groundwater resources and developing sustainable management strategies to ensure a safe and reliable supply of drinking water in the region.

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“…Research using the DRASTIC vulnerability model and nitrate contamination in Morocco indicates an increased risk of groundwater pollution from seawater intrusion and human activities; the most vulnerable areas are located alongside agricultural areas as well as villages and cities. This causes a serious environmental problem for the groundwater reserves in the coastal areas of Morocco [ 64 , 65 , 66 , 67 , 68 ]. Consequently, in the Ghiss Nekkor alluvial aquifer, our results show that the levels of EC generally exceed the WHO recommended limits.…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Pollution Vulnerability of the Ghiss Nekkor Alluvial Aquifer in Al-Hoceima (Morocco), Using GIS-Based DRASTIC Model

Yousfi

Himi

Aqnouy

et al. 2023

IJERPH

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Groundwater resources of the alluvial aquifer Ghiss Nekkor, which covers an area of 100 km2, are the main source of domestic and agricultural freshwater supply in the region of Al Hoceima in Morocco. Due to human activities (overexploitation, increase in agricultural activity), this alluvial aquifer has become very sensitive to chemical pollution. The principal objective of this current study is to develop and implement a calibration method to assess, map, and estimate the vulnerability of the Ghiss Nekkor alluvial aquifer to pollution risk. In this work, the GIS-based DRASTIC model was used to estimate the inherent vulnerability to contamination of the Ghiss Nekkor alluvial aquifer with seven standard hydrogeological parameters. Nitrate (NO3) and electrical conductivity (EC) data were used to validate the DRASTIC map. The results of the vulnerability map analysis show that the vulnerability to contaminants varies from non-existent in the southwestern part of the plain (7.3% of the total area), to very high (14.5%). The vulnerability is moderate in the central and northeastern areas (26.9%), while it is high in the other areas (17.5%). Furthermore, the most sensitive areas are mainly concentrated near the coastal strip and the central plain on both sides of the Nekkor River. In these areas, the NO3 and EC values are above the maximum allowable limit of the World Health Organization. The results suggest that the DRASTIC model can be an effective tool for decision-makers concerned about managing groundwater sustainability.

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A GIS-based approach for geospatial modeling of groundwater vulnerability and pollution risk mapping in Bou-Areg and Gareb aquifers, northeastern Morocco

Cited by 29 publications

References 84 publications

Chemical and Isotopic Tracers for Characterization of the Groundwater in the Heterogeneous System: Case from Chichaoua-Imin’tanout (Morocco)

Chemical and Isotopic Tracers for Characterization of the Groundwater in the Heterogeneous System: Case from Chichaoua-Imin’tanout (Morocco)

Groundwater Quality Monitoring in Response to Marine Intrusion: A Case Study in Northern Morocco

Pollution Vulnerability of the Ghiss Nekkor Alluvial Aquifer in Al-Hoceima (Morocco), Using GIS-Based DRASTIC Model

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