PL EN
The contribution of water quality index and principal component analysis to groundwater quality assessment: A case study of the Wadi Moulay Bouchta catchment, Northern Morocco.
 
More details
Hide details
1
Research Laboratory in Applied and Marine Geosciences, Geotechnics and Geo-Hazards, Department of Geology, Faculty of Sciences, Abdelmalek Essaadi University. Tetouan, Morocco.
 
2
Geosciences and Environmental Techniques Laboratory, Department of Geology, Faculty of Sciences, Chouaib Doukkali University, El Jadida, Morocco.
 
3
Geodynamic and Geomatic Laboratory, Department of Geology, Faculty of Sciences, Chouaib Doukkali University, El Jadida, Morocco.
 
 
Corresponding author
Redouan Alilouch   

Research Laboratory in Applied and Marine Geosciences, Geotechnics and Geo-Hazards, Department of Geology, Faculty of Sciences, Abdelmalek Essaadi University. Tetouan, Morocco.
 
 
 
KEYWORDS
TOPICS
ABSTRACT
This study focuses on contributing to hydrogeochemical knowledge and enhancing groundwater quality within the hydrogeological catchment area of the western zone of Talassemtane National Park, Northern Morocco, employing classical hydrogeochemical and bacteriological methods, water quality index calculations, and descriptive statistical analysis. The research examines hydrogeological, hydrogeochemical, and bacteriological data from groundwater flowing through detrital and carbonate sedimentary rocks. Geographically situated within the Flysch zone and the Rif calcareous chain in Northern Morocco, the area features springs predominantly located along principal abnormal contacts linking aquifer formations with aquiclude formations. The region encompasses three aquifer systems: the Beni Ider flysch aquifer system/Tangier unit, the Quaternary aquifer system/Tangier unit, and the calcareous-dorsal aquifer system/Tangier unit, with the calcareous-dolomitic and detrital geomorphological units serving as the primary reservoir. Natural aquifer recharge correlates closely with direct rainfall. Physical parameters were measured in situ, while laboratory analyses determined chemical and bacteriological characteristics. Chemical analyses utilized spectrophotometry, titration, and inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES). In contrast, bacteriological analyses employed the membrane filtration technique on twenty groundwater samples sourced from springs, boreholes, and traditional wells. These analyses identified key factors influencing water mineralization. The study assessed water quality by examining physico-chemical and bacteriological parameters, finding that the aquifer systems generally contained nitrate-free water of excellent to bad quality. The Water Quality Index (WQI) and Principal Component Analysis (PCA) confirmed these findings. The prevalent water type in the area was characterized as bicarbonate-calcium. Electrical conductivity (EC) and percentage sodium classification (%Na) classified all water samples as good or relatively good quality for irrigation. However, when considering electrical conductivity and percentage sodium classification (%Na), 95% and 5% of groundwater samples were classified as excellent and good water quality, respectively.
Journals System - logo
Scroll to top