Tracing salinization processes in coastal aquifers using an isotopic and geochemical approach: comparative studies in western Morocco and southwest Portugal

Carreira, Paulà M.; Bahir, Mohammed; Ouhamdouch, Salah; Fernandes, Paula Galego; Nunes, Dina

doi:10.1007/s10040-018-1815-1

Cited by 44 publications

(23 citation statements)

References 44 publications

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“…The study area, Essaouira Basin, is located on the Atlantic coastline of Morocco between latitudes 31.05 • and 31.78 • N and longitudes −9.06 • and −9.84 • W (Figure 1). Constituting the western end of the High Atlas Mountains, it covers an area of 3500 km 2 and contains 10% of the country's aquifers, namely, those of the Plio-Quaternary, Turonian, Cenomano-Turonian, and Hauterivian, whose structures and resources are often poorly known. The Essaouira Basin also contains four sub-basins: Ouazi basin, Iguerounzar basin, Ksob basin, and Igouzoullene basin.…”

Section: Study Areamentioning

confidence: 99%

“…In coastal environments in arid and semi-arid climates, groundwater pollution, including groundwater salinization, becomes a major topic since a series of circumstances favors the introduction of excess salts dissolved from different origins in these waters. The phenomenon of salinization is one of the main threats to groundwater in coastal areas [1][2][3][4][5][6]. This salinization is mainly due to the effects of climate change, marine intrusion, and agricultural and industrial activity [7][8][9][10][11].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Surface and Groundwater Characteristics within a Semi-Arid Environment Using Hydrochemical and Remote Sensing Techniques

Rafik

Bahir

Beljadid

et al. 2021

Water

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The understanding of hydro systems is of great importance in monitoring quantitative and qualitative changes in water resources. The Essaouira region at the edge of the Moroccan Atlantic Ocean is subject to a semi-arid climate. The decrease in rainfall as a result of climate change and the increase in the exploitation of surface and groundwater have disrupted the stability of these resources and threaten the socio-economic and environmental balance in the area under investigation. Climate scenarios estimate that precipitation will decrease by 10–20% while warming increases by 3 °C over the next 30 years. The physico-chemical parameters studied show that the evolution of the pH and temperature of the groundwater remained stable with a neutral (pH ≈ 7) and a hypothermal character (T < 30 °C). For the electrical conductivity, it showed an increasing trend from 2017 to 2020. A hydrochemical approach showed that the groundwater mineralization was controlled by the dissolution of evaporites and carbonates, by cation exchange processes, and by seawater contamination. A groundwater assessment for drinking use was made by comparing the concentrations of the chemical elements with the standards set by the World Health Organization. The results obtained show that the groundwater from the aquifers studied requires treatment before being consumed, in particular for Cl− and SO42−. Furthermore, the groundwater quality for irrigation was evaluated based on the parameters Na% and Sodium Adsorption Ratio (SAR). The results showed that the groundwater was adequate for agricultural purposes, especially for the plants that adapt to high salinity. The monitoring of surface water by processing the satellite images via the calculation of the normalized difference water index (NDWI) showed an increase in water surface areas in the region following the commissioning of two large dams (Zerrar and Igouzoullene). Despite the installation of these hydraulic structures, a drop of 4.85 km2 in water surface area was observed beyond 2016. This situation requires intervention in order to preserve this vital resource.

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Section: Study Areamentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Surface and Groundwater Characteristics within a Semi-Arid Environment Using Hydrochemical and Remote Sensing Techniques

Rafik

Bahir

Beljadid

et al. 2021

Water

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“…In general, the literature review indicates a reduction in water quality, often linked to salinization in coastal areas, as a direct result of overexploitation of aquifers (e.g., [35]) Several technical and/or scientific studies can be cited (e.g., [12,13]). The first hydrogeological survey of the archipelago was carried out by [14], having also contributed to the discussion of the problem of the water supply, with the objective of advocating immediate solutions.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…In general, the literature review indicates a reduction in water quality, often linked to salinization in coastal areas, as a direct result of overexploitation of aquifers (e.g., [35]) and sand extraction on beaches that destroy natural barriers against saline intrusion (Figure 2). Santiago Island has five river basins and numerous seasonal streams dependent on the rainy season.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Hydrochemistry and Evolution of Water Quality in a Context of Aridity and Increasing Agriculture in Three River Sub-Basins of Santiago Island (Cape Verde)

et al. 2021

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In regions under development and facing recurrent droughts, increasing the area of irrigated agriculture may create additional disruption in water resources management. The present study was focused on three river sub-basins with the highest agricultural intensity (S. Miguel, Ribeira Seca and S. Domingos) in Santiago Island (Cape Verde). Sets of wells were selected to evaluate the influence of salinization and agriculture practices on the hydrochemistry. This assessment was performed by using data from the bibliography (2003) and a recent campaign (2016). The water chemistry indicates lower mineralization in the S. Miguel sub-basin. Nitrates and nitrites, typically associated with diffuse pollution, are present in all sub-basins, but with varying patterns. Additionally, sodium chloride waters occur in all the three sub-basins, especially those closest to the coastline. In turn, a bicarbonate-magnesium facies was identified in S. Domingos, at the furthest point from the coast, indicating a geological control. The comparison between the two periods suggests a decrease in water quality. The rising extension of the irrigation area associated with aridity should intensify the already observed soil salinization. Thus, the present review highlights the strategic importance of water monitoring at the basin level as a management tool for resources preservation in insular arid and developing regions.

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“…In arid and semi-arid regions, rainfall is one of the determining factors of climatic characterization. The study of recent evolution in climate is an essential tool to determine optimal general solutions to the problems resulting from the relationship between water requirement and their availability, and therefore better management of water resource (Bahir et al 2018(Bahir et al , 2019Carreira et al 2018;Ragab and Prudhomme 2002).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Quantitative and Qualitative Assessment of Groundwater from Semi-Arid Zones in the Context of Climate Change, Example of Essaouira Region, Morocco

Bahir¹,

Ouhamdouch²,

Ouazar³

et al. 2020

Preprint

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This study aims to assess the effect of climate change on water resources in semi-arid environments, taking the Essaouira region as an example. Analysis of climate data shows a downward trend in precipitation of 12 to 16% and an increase in air temperature of 2.3 °C over the past three decades. The piezometric study shows a continuous drop in the piezometric level which exceeds 12 m for the Cenomanian-Turonian aquifer, 17 m for the Plio-Quaternary aquifer, around 8 m for the Barremian-Aptian aquifer and 5 m for the Hauterivian. Hydrogeochemical analysis shows that (i) the groundwater mineralization is controlled by the dissolution of evaporitic and carbonates minerals, by the reverse ions exchange phenomenon, and by the marine intrusion, especially at Plio-Quaternary aquifer; (ii) the groundwater quality in the study area deteriorates gradually over time and space. The isotopic technique shows that (i) the groundwater recharge in the study area is ensured by precipitation of oceanic origin without significant evaporation and that (ii) climate change has no remarkable effect on the isotopic content of the groundwater of the study area. However, the results of this article reflect that the Essaouira basin is very vulnerable to climate change.

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Tracing salinization processes in coastal aquifers using an isotopic and geochemical approach: comparative studies in western Morocco and southwest Portugal

Cited by 44 publications

References 44 publications

Surface and Groundwater Characteristics within a Semi-Arid Environment Using Hydrochemical and Remote Sensing Techniques

Surface and Groundwater Characteristics within a Semi-Arid Environment Using Hydrochemical and Remote Sensing Techniques

Hydrochemistry and Evolution of Water Quality in a Context of Aridity and Increasing Agriculture in Three River Sub-Basins of Santiago Island (Cape Verde)

Quantitative and Qualitative Assessment of Groundwater from Semi-Arid Zones in the Context of Climate Change, Example of Essaouira Region, Morocco

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