Assessment of the Physicochemical Quality of Groundwater in the Errachidia Region (SE, Morocco)

Abstract

This study aimed to assess groundwater quality in the Errachidia region, southeast Morocco, where a total of one hundred wells were periodically surveyed, and ten wells were selected for monthly monitoring based on their proximity to known surface pollution sources. Various physicochemical parameters were measured. Results outcomes encompass temperature fluctuations ranging from 21°C to 30°C, generally neutral pH levels, heightened electrical conductivity (900 to 2220 µS/cm), diminished dissolved oxygen levels (1.91 mg/L), and the presence of nitrates within prescribed thresholds for potable water. Nevertheless, one station exceeded the nitrate threshold (30 mg/L). Elevated sulfate ion concentrations were detected (764.6 mg/L), potentially originating from urban wastewater. Chloride levels fell within acceptable limits (67.45 to 245 mg/L), and calcium content displayed variability (89.6 to 208.6 mg/L), but remained below authorized values. Hierarchical clustering identified four distinctive well groups predicated on their physicochemical attributes, thereby underscoring the impact of pollution sources on water quality. The study indicated an improvement in the region's water quality, transitioning from poor to moderate, and in some instances, to good quality.