Microbiological, physicochemical, and heavy metals assessment of groundwater quality in the Triffa plain (eastern Morocco)

Abstract

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 -) 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).

Salinity-Induced Changes in Heavy Metal Behavior and Mobility in Semi-Arid Coastal Aquifers: A Comprehensive Review

“…The source of Cd in these aquifers mainly originated from agricultural fertilizers or pesticides [53,61,82,111], except for NW-C, India, where the saturation of minerals, such as Mg-bearing minerals like aragonite, brucite, and magnesite [64]. In the case of agricultural aspects, numerous studies have linked increased Cd concentration with phosphate-based fertilizers (e.g., [112][113][114][115]) and biomass after wildfires used as fertilizers [116,117]. As per various studies, phosphate fertilizers contain 77 mg/kg Cd in kg of P 2 O 5 in Mediterranean countries [118] and 36 mg/kg of P 2 O 5 in Europe [119], signifying the distribution of Cd in groundwater due to agricultural leaching.…”

“…Cr is one of the most prioritized metals existing in aqueous systems and is the first element in terms of toxicity potential when its bioavailable speciation is taken into account [158]. It exists in two oxidation states, such as Cr (III) and Cr (VI), where Cr (VI) has carcinogenic potential through inhalation exposure [112]. It can originate from both geogenic (e.g., ultramafic rocks) and anthropogenic sources, which might include industrial waste [159], coal combustion [160], and agricultural fertilizers [161].…”

Study of groundwater pollution of irrigated Ain Zohra commune (North-eastern Morocco) by nitrates using GIS. Understanding the Climate–Water–Energy–Food Nexus and the Transition Towards a Circular Economy: The Case of Morocco

“…In general, investigations have revealed that nitrates might have originated from a variety of sources, including the following: Nitrates as a result of agricultural intensification (clearing, removal of pastures), nitrates from people and animal's organic matter, as well as plant natural, make much difference (organic soil improvers), nitrates from artificial fertilizers [29][30][31]. Nitrates relating to human activities inherent to urbanization, industrialization, and focused livestock farming, individually and collectively contribute linked to human activities inherent to urbanization, automation, and intensive livestock farming [23,32,33].…”

Assessment of the impact of Imzouren city’s WWTP on the quality of the surrounding groundwater, at the Rif Central (Northern Morocco)

“…Water pressure and the intensive exploitation of groundwater for different agricultural, industrial and domestic uses, as well as the discharge of wastewater into rivers and their leaching could have negative impacts on the quality of groundwater and thus reduce their potential for use [8][9][10][11][12].…”