Hydrogeochemical assessment of aquifer salinization in north-eastern Morocco's Gueroaou coastal plain using statistical methods

Abstract

The Guerouaou aquifer investigation spanning 280 km² in Ain Zohra yields promising outcomes, instilling optimism for regional water quality. These analyses were applied to 45 sampling instances from 43 wells, enabling a comprehensive water quality assessment. Groundwater conductivity ranged from medium to high, peaking at 18360 ms/cm². The conductivity reveals insights about the groundwater's mineralization. Key physiochemical parameters fell within desirable thresholds, bolstering the positive perspective. HCO₃^- levels spanned 82-420 mg/L, while chloride content ranged from 38 to 5316 mg/L, benefiting water quality. NO₃^- ions, vital for gauging pollution, ranged from 0 to 260 mg/L, indicating favorable results. Cation concentrations exhibited encouraging variations: Ca²⁺- 24 to 647 mg/L, Mg²⁺- 12 to 440 mg/L, Na⁺- 18 to 2722 mg/L, K⁺- 1.75 to 28.65 mg/L. These collectively favor water quality. Halite breakdown dominated mineralization, as evidenced by the prevalence of Na-Cl-Na-SO₄ facies. Water resource management and local communities need effective management and mitigation strategies to prevent saltwater intrusion.

Keywords: Aquifers; Groundwater; Hydrochemical technique; Principal component analysis; Water quality.