SpringerLink
Log in

Hydrogeochemical Processes Regulating the Groundwater Quality and Its Suitability for Drinking and Irrigation Purpose in a Changing Climate in Essaouira, Southwestern Morocco

  • Chapter
  • First Online:
The Water, Climate, and Food Nexus

  • 161 Accesses

Abstract

Groundwater is vital for water supply and environmental protection, especially in semi-arid and desert regions. An integrated assessment, focused on the combined use of Water Quality Index (WQI), Irrigation Water Quality Index (IWQI), geochemical and isotopic (δ18O, δ2H and δ3H) tools, was performed in the Cenomanian–Turonian aquifer during the campaigns 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2020. Hydrogeochemical analysis reveals that the groundwater is of mixed Ca–Mg–Cl, Ca–HCO3, Ca–Cl, and Ca–SO4 types, with a dominance of the first type. The analysis of the abundance of the main cations and anions shows the dominance of Ca2+ > Na+ > Mg2+ > K+ for cations and the dominance of Cl− > HCO32− > SO4− > NO3− for anions. The WQI in the Cenomanian–Turonian aquifer was divided into 32.8% (good areas), 44.3% (poor areas), 21.3% (very poor areas) and 1.6% (areas unsuitable for consumption). The IWQI showed that 43% of the studied samples have a high to severe restriction level, while 57% of the studied samples were placed in the low to moderate restrictions for irrigation use. The piezometry of the study area showed that the water flows generally from northeast to northwest and northeast to southwest. Groundwater mineralization in the Cenomanian–Turonian aquifer system is controlled by dissolution, including dissolution of evaporite minerals and reverse cation exchange. Stable isotope signatures (δ18O, δ2H) indicate that the groundwater samples are of meteoric origin without significant evaporation. The most of spring has tritium < 1TU. This could be explained by a reduction in annual precipitation recorded in the study area. The recharge altitude of the aquifer was estimated between 375 to 1275 m, following an altitudinal gradient of 0.26% per 100 m.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Log in via an institution

Subscribe and save

Springer+ Basic
EUR 32.99 /Month
  • Get 10 units per month
  • Download Article/Chapter or Ebook
  • 1 Unit = 1 Article or 1 Chapter
  • Cancel anytime
Subscribe now

Buy Now

Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (Brazil)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 129.00
Price excludes VAT (Brazil)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Hardcover Book
USD 169.99
Price excludes VAT (Brazil)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free ship** worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Abd El-Aziz SH (2017) Evaluation of groundwater quality for drinking and irrigation purposes in the north-western area of Libya (Aligeelat). Environ Earth Sci 76:147. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12665-017-6421-3

  • Abourida A (2007) Approche hydrogeologique de la nappe du Haouz (Maroc) par teledetection, isotopie, SIG et modelisation (PhD thesis). Cadi Ayyad University, 146p

    Google Scholar 

  • Amghar M (1989) Apports des méthodes d’analyses de la tectonique cassante à la connaissance de l’histoire alpine du Haute Atlas Occidental. L’exemple du versant nord du bloc ancien et de l’Atlas d’Agadir (Haut Atlas, Maroc). Thèse 3ème cycle, Université Cadi Ayyad, Maroc

    Google Scholar 

  • Ayers RS, Westcot DW (1985) In: Water quality for agriculture, vol. 29. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Rome. http://www.fao.org/3/T0234E/T0234E00.htm#TOC

  • Ayers RS, Westcot DW (1994) Water quality for agriculture, FAO Irrigation and Drainage Paper Water: Rome, pp 1–120

    Google Scholar 

  • Bahir M, Mennani A (2002) Problématique de la gestion des eaux souterraines au Maroc. Estudios Geologicos 8(3–4):103–108

    Google Scholar 

  • Bahir M, Mennani A, Jalal M, Youbi N (2000a) Ressources hydriques du bassin synclinal d’Essaouira (Maroc). Estud Geol 56:185–195

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Bahir M, Mennani A, Jalal M, Youbi N (2000b) Contribution à l’étude des ressources hydriques du bassin synclinal d’Essaouira (Maroc). Estud Geol 56(3–4):185–195. https://doi.org/10.3989/egeol.00563-4150

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Bahir M, Carreira P, Da Silva MO, Fernandes P (2007) Caractérisation hydrodynamique, hydrochimique et isotopique du système aquifère de Kourimat (Bassin d’Essaouira, Maroc). Estud Geol 64(1):61–73. https://doi.org/10.3989/egeol.08641433

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bahir M, El Moukhayar R, Youbi N, Chamchati H, Chkir Ben Jemaa N (2013a) Management and protection of groundwater resources in semi-arid zones: application of hydrochemical methodologies to Essaouira Synclinal Basin, Morocco. Int J Hydrol Sci Technol 3(2):160–175. https://doi.org/10.1504/IJHST.2013.057627

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bahir M, El Moukhayar R, Chkir N, Chamchati H, Fernandes PG, Carreira PM (2013b) Groundwater chemical evolution in the Essaouira Aquifer Basin—NW Morocco. 2013b, Open J Modern Hydrol 3:8. https://doi.org/10.4236/ojmh.2013.33017

  • Bahir M, El Mountassir O, Ouazar D, Carreira PM (2021a) Hydrochemical analysis and evaluation of groundwater quality in Ouazi Basin (Essaouira, Morocco). In: Abrunhosa M, Chambel A, Peppoloni S, Chaminé HI (eds) Advances in geoethics and groundwater management: theory and practice for a sustainable development. Advances in science, technology & innovation (IEREK Interdisciplinary Series for Sustainable Development). Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-59320-9_50

  • Bahir M, El Mountassir O, Ouazar D, Carreira PM (2021b) Use of WQI and isotopes to assess groundwater quality of coastal aquifers (Essaouira, Morocco). In: Abrunhosa M, Chambel A, Peppoloni S, Chaminé HI (eds) Advances in geoethics and groundwater management: theory and practice for a sustainable development. Advances in science, technology & innovation. Springer, pp 251–255. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-59320-9_51

  • Bahir M, Mountassir EL, O, Ouazar D, Chehbouni A, Carreira P.M, (2021c) Stable isotope and quality of groundwater around Ksob sub-basin, Essaouira, Morocco. Sustain Water Resour Manag 7:73

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bahir M, El Mountassir O, Dhiba D, Chehbouni A, Carreira PM, Elbiar H (2022a) Combining stable isotope and WQI methods to study the groundwater quality: a case study in Essaouira city, Morocco. SN Appl Sci 4:317

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Bahir M, El Mountassir O, Chehbouni A, El Jiar H, Carreira PM (2022b) Hydrogeochemical and isotopic assessment for characterizing groundwater quality and recharge processes in the Essaouira Basin, Northwestern Morocco. Arab J Geosci 15:1–21. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12517-022-09817-6

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Berner EK, Berner RA (1987) The global water cycle: geochemistry and environment. Prentice Hall, Englewood Clifs

    Google Scholar 

  • Brown RM, McClelland NI, Deininger RA, Tozer RG (1970) A water quality index-do we dare. Water Sewage Works 117(10)

    Google Scholar 

  • Chitsazan M, Tabari MM, Eilbeigi M (2017) Analysis of temporal and spatial variations in groundwater nitrate and development of its pollution plume: a case study in Karaj aquifer. Environ Earth Sci 76(11):1–27. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12665-017-6677-7

  • Clark ID, Frjtz P (1997) Environmental isotopes in hydrogeology. Lewis Publishers, New York

    Google Scholar 

  • Craig H (1961) Isotopic variations in meteoric waters. Science. 26;133(3465):1702–3

    Google Scholar 

  • Cribb J (2010) The coming famine: the global food crisis and what we can do to avoid it. University of California Press

    Google Scholar 

  • Dixon W, Chiswell B (1992) The use of hydrochemical sections to identify recharge areas and saline intrusions in alluvial aquifers, southeast Queensland, Australia. J Hydrol 130:299–338

    Google Scholar 

  • Duffaud F (1960) Contribution à l’étude stratigraphique du bassin secondaire du Haut Atlas Occidental (Sud-Ouest du Maroc). Bull Soc Géol Fr 7:728–734

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • El Mountassir O (2023) Hydrohémie et vulnérabilité des ressources en eau dans un milieu semi-aride: Approche multidisciplinaire et utilisation des outils SIG (Cas du bassin d'Essaouira, Maroc) “Hydrochemistry and Vulnerability of Water Resources in a Semi-Arid Environment: A Multidisciplinary Approach and the Use of GIS Tools (Case of the Essaouira Basin, Morocco)”. Thèse, N713, Université Cadi Ayyad

    Google Scholar 

  • El Mountassir O, Bahir M (2023) The assessment of the groundwater quality in the coastal aquifers of the Essaouira basin, Southwestern Morocco, using hydrogeochemistry and isotopic signatures. Water 5;15(9):1769

    Google Scholar 

  • El Mountassir O, Ouazar D, Bahir M, Chehbouni A, Carreira PM (2021a) GIS-based assessment of aquifer vulnerability using DRASTIC model and stable isotope: a case study on Essaouira basin. Arab J Geosci 14:321. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12517-021-06540-6

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • El Mountassir O, Bahir M, Ouazar D, Carreira PM (2021b) Nitrate pollution in groundwater of the Ouazi Basin: case of essaouira (Southwestern Morocco). In: Abrunhosa M, Chambel A, Peppoloni S, Chaminé HI (eds) Advances in geoethics and groundwater management: theory and practice for a sustainable development. Advances in science, technology & innovation (IEREK interdisciplinary series for sustainable development). Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-59320-9_49

  • El Mountassir O, Bahir M, Ouazar D, Carreira PM (2021c) For a better understanding of recharge and salinization mechanism of a cenomanian–turonian aquifer. In: Abrunhosa M, Chambel A, Peppoloni S, Chaminé HI (eds) Advances in geoethics and groundwater management: theory and practice for a sustainable development. Advances in science, technology & innovation (IEREK interdisciplinary series for sustainable development). Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-59320-9_42

  • El Mountassir O, Bahir M, Ouazar D, Chehbouni A, Carreira PM (2021d) Geochemical and isotopic evidence of groundwater salinization processes in the Essaouira region, north-west coast, Morocco. SN Appl Sci 3:1–16. https://doi.org/10.1007/s42452-021-04623-3

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • El Mountassir O, Bahir M, Ouazar D, Chehbouni A, Carreira PM (2022a) Temporal and spatial assessment of groundwater contamination with nitrate using nitrate pollution index (NPI), groundwater pollution index (GPI), and GIS (case study: Essaouira basin, Morocco). Environ Sci Pollut Res 17:1–8. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-021-16922-8

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • El Mountassir O, Bahir M, Chehbouni A, Dhiba D, El Jiar H (2022b) Assessment of groundwater quality and the main controls on its hydrochemistry in a changing climate in Morocco (Essaouira Basin). Sustainability 14:8012. https://doi.org/10.3390/su14138012

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • El Ouali A (1999) Modalites d’alimentation et echanges entre aquiferes de piemont en conditions climatiques arides. Cas des systemes aquiferes du Haut Atlas/bassin Cretace d’Errachidia (Maroc) (Ph.D. Thesis). Mohammed V, Rabat, p 182

    Google Scholar 

  • Epstein S, Mayeda TK (1953) Variations of the 18O/16O ratio in natural water. Geochim Cosmochim Acta 4:213–220

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • ESRI (1999) ARCVIEW GIS v.10.2.2. Environmental Systems Research, Institute Inc

    Google Scholar 

  • Fisher RS, Mullican WF (1997) Hydrochemical evolution of sodium-sulphate and sodium-chloride groundwater beneath the Northern Chihuahuan desert, Trans-Pecos, Texas, USA. Hydrogeol J 5:4–16

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Foster S, Pulido-Bosch A, Vallejos Á, Molina L, Llop A, MacDonald AM (2018) Impact of irrigated agriculture on ground water recharge salinity: a major sustainability concern in semi-arid regions. Hydrogeol J 26:2781–2791. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10040-018-1830-2

  • Friedman I (1953) Deuterium content of natural waters and other substances. Geochim Cosmochim Acta 4(1–2):83–103

    Google Scholar 

  • Gibbs RJ (1970) Mechanisms controlling world water chemistry. Science 170:1088–1090. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.170.3962.1088

  • Gunn RH (1985) Shallow ground waters in weathered volcanic, granitic and sedimentary rocks in relation to dryland salinity in southern New South Wales. Soil Res 23:355–371. https://doi.org/10.1071/sr9850355

  • Hasan MM, Ahmed MS, Adnan R, Shafiquzzaman M (2020) Water quality indices to assess the spatiotemporal variations of Dhaleshwari river in central Bangladesh. Environ Sustain Ind 1(8):100068

    Google Scholar 

  • Hem JD (1985) Study and interpretation of the chemical characteristics of natural water, vol 2254. Department of the Interior, US Geological Survey

    Google Scholar 

  • Horton RK (1965) An index number system for rating water quality. J Water Pollut Control Fed 37(3):300–305

    Google Scholar 

  • Jain CK, Bandyopadhyay A, Bhadra A (2010) Assessment of ground water quality for drinking purpose, District Nainital, Uttarakhand, India. Environ Monit Asses 166:663–676. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10661-009-1031-5

  • Jalal M, Blavoux B, Bahir M, Bellion Y, Laftouhi N, Puig JM, Mennani A, Daniel M (2001) Etude du fonctionnement du système aquifère karstique Cenomano-Turonian de l’oued Igrounzar (Bassin d’Essaouira, Maroc). J Afr Earth Sci 32:803–817

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Lesch SM, Suarez DL (2009) A short note on calculating the adjusted sar index. Trans. ASABE (Am. Soc. Agric. Biol. Eng.)

    Google Scholar 

  • Mazor E (1991) Applied chemical and isotopic groundwater hydrology. Open University Press, Buckingham

    Google Scholar 

  • Mennani A (2001) Apport de l’hydrochimie et de l’isotopie à la connaissance du fonctionnement des aquifères de la zone côtière d’Essaouira (Maroc Occidental). PhD thesis, Cadi Ayyad University, Marrakech, Morocco

    Google Scholar 

  • Mennani A, Blavoux B, Bahir M, Bellion Y, Jalal M, Daniel M (2001) Apports des analyses chimiques et isotopiques à la connaissance du fonctionnement des aquifères plio-quaternaire et turonien de la zone synclinale d‟Essaouira (Maroc occidental). J Afr Earth Sci 32:819–835

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Ministère chargé de l’Aménagement du Territoire, de l’Eau et de l’Environnement (MATEE). Etat de la Qualité des Ressources en Eau au Maroc 2000/2001 (Novembre 2003)

    Google Scholar 

  • Meireles ACM, de Andrade EM, Chaves LCG, Frischkorn H, Crisostomo LA (2010) A new proposal of the classification of irrigation water. Rev Cienc Agron 41(3):349–357. https://doi.org/10.1590/S1806-66902010000300005

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Nikpey E, Karlsen TV, Rakova N, Titze JM, Tenstad O, Wiig H (2017) High-salt diet causes osmotic gradients and hyperosmolality in skin without afecting interstitial luid and lymph. Hypertension 69:660–668

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Payne (1983) Groundwater salinization. In: Guidebook on nuclear techniques in hydrology. Technical report series no 91. IAEA, Vienna, pp 351–357

    Google Scholar 

  • Piper AM (1944) A graphic procedure in the geochemical interpretation of water analyses. Trans Am Geophys Union 25(6):914–928. https://doi.org/10.1029/TR025i006p00914

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rajmohan N, Elango L (2004) Identification and evolution of hydrogeochemical processes in the groundwater environment in an area of the Palar and Cheyyar River Basins, Southern India. Environ Geol 46:47–61. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00254-004-1012-5

  • Rodier J, Legube B, Merlet N, Mialocq JC, Leroy P, Houssin M, Lavison G, Bechemin C, Vincent M, Rebouillon P, Moulin L, Chomodé P, Dujardin P, Gosselin S, Seux R, Al Mardini F (2009) L’Analyse de l’eau. 9e édition, Dunod, Paris

    Google Scholar 

  • Singh SP, Tripathi SK, Kumar V, Kumar A, Raha P (2015) Hydro- chemical investigation and groundwater quality evaluation for irrigation purpose in some blocks of Varanasi District, Uttar Pradesh, India. Int J Trop Agric 33:1653–1660

    Google Scholar 

  • Subba Rao N, Srihari C, Deepthi Spandana B, Sravanthi M, Kamalesh T, Abraham Jayadeep V (2019) Comprehensive understanding of groundwater quality and hydrogeochemistry for the sustainable development of suburban area of Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, India. Hum Ecol Risk Assess 636:52–80. https://doi.org/10.1080/10807039.2019.1571403

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Telloli C, Rizzo A, Salvi S, Pozzobon A, Marrocchino E, Vaccaro C (2022) Characterization of groundwater recharge through tritium measurements. Adv Geosci 57:21–36. https://doi.org/10.5194/adgeo-57-21-2022

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wang Y, Jiao JJ (2012) Origin of groundwater salinity and hydrogeochemical processes in the confined quaternary aquifer of the Pearl River Delta, China. J Hydrol 438–439:112–124

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • WHO (2011) Guidelines for drinking-water quality. WHO Chronicle 38:104–108

    Google Scholar 

  • **ao J, Wang L, Deng L, ** Z (2019) Characteristics, sources, water quality and health risk assessment of trace elements in river water and well water in the Chinese Loess Plateau. Sci Total Environ 650:2004–2012

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgements

The authors appreciate the help they have received from their colleagues throughout the data collection and the field survey. The editor and reviewers deserve special thanks for their insightful critiques and helpful suggestions. The authors gratefully acknowledge the technical staff at the Laboratory of Mohammed VI Polytechnic University in Benguerir city and those of the Centro de Ciencias e Tecnologias Nucleares (C2TN) in Lisboa city for their constant help

Conflicts of Interest

There are no conflicts of interest declared by the authors.

Funding

There is no funding for this study.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. High Energy and Astrophysics Laboratory, Faculty of Sciences Semlalia, Cadi Ayyad University, Marrakesh, Morocco

    Mohammed Bahir & Otman El Mountassir

  2. Economic, Social and Environmental Council (ESEC), Rabat, Morocco

    Mohamed Behnassi

  3. Center for Environment, Human Security and Governance (CERES), Rabat, Morocco

    Mohamed Behnassi

  4. Ministry of Higher Education and Innovation, Rabat, Morocco

    Mohamed Behnassi

Authors
  1. Mohammed Bahir
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Otman El Mountassir
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Mohamed Behnassi
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Mohammed Bahir .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Economic, Social and Environmental Council (ESEC) and Center for Environment, Human Security and Governance (CERES), Ministry of Higher Education and Innovation, Rabat, Morocco

    Mohamed Behnassi

  2. Prince Sultan Institute for Environmental, Water and Desert Research, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

    Abdulmalek A. Al-Shaikh

  3. John Wesley School of Leadership, Carolina University, Winston-Salem, NC, USA

    Ameenah Gurib-Fakim

  4. Prince Sultan Institute for Environmental, Water and Desert Research, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

    Mirza Barjees Baig

  5. High Energy and Astrophysics Laboratory, Faculty of Sciences Semlalia, Cadi Ayyad University, Marrakech, Morocco

    Mohammed Bahir

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2024 The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG

About this chapter

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this chapter

Bahir, M., El Mountassir, O., Behnassi, M. (2024). Hydrogeochemical Processes Regulating the Groundwater Quality and Its Suitability for Drinking and Irrigation Purpose in a Changing Climate in Essaouira, Southwestern Morocco. In: Behnassi, M., Al-Shaikh, A.A., Gurib-Fakim, A., Barjees Baig, M., Bahir, M. (eds) The Water, Climate, and Food Nexus. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-50962-9_11

Download citation

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation