Physico-chemical and bacteriological quality of groundwater in the Fez–Taza Corridor (Morocco): Impact of urbanization and agricultural activity

¹ Laboratory of Engineering, Electrochemistry and Modeling Environment (LEEME), Faculty of Sciences Fez, Morocco
² Higher Institute of Nursing Professions and Health Techniques of Fez (Annex Taza), Morocco
³ Geo-Resources and Environment Laboratory, University of Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdellah, Morocco
⁴ Laboratory Engineering research - OSIL team Optimization of Industrial and logistics Systems, Superior National School of Electricity and Mechanic (ENSEM), University Hassan II, Casablanca, Morocco

^* Corresponding author: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Abstract

This study assesses the impact of untreated wastewater discharges and agricultural products on the physico-chemical and bacteriological quality of water in the Liasic aquifer of the Fez-Taza corridor. Analysis of the results obtained in this study indicates that the nitrate concentration is too high, reaching a peak value 5 times higher than the norm set by Moroccan standards. What's more, except for aluminium and lead, the concentration of all trace elements studied is below the recommended limits of water quality. From a bacteriological perspective, the groundwater in the Fez-Taza corridor is heavily polluted, with evidence of faecal contamination indicated by elevated levels of total coliforms, faecal coliforms, and faecal streptococci. These results suggests that, in the long term, the use of groundwater may pose a health risk to residences surrounding the Fez-Taza corridor.