Abstract
The aquifer system of Essaouira basin is recognized as one of the most important aquifers in Morocco. The purpose of this study is to highlight the origin and the mechanisms responsible for the salinization of this aquifer system, thus based on the two hydrogeochemical and isotopic approaches. The results indicate that the central and downstream parts are dominated by the facies Cl-Ca-Mg and SO4-Ca-Mg with the dominance of the first facies, while the facies Cl-Ca-Mg, SO4-Ca-Mg, and HCO3-Ca-Mg dominate the upstream part with the dominance of the list facies. Hydrochemical approach shows that the groundwater mineralization in the study area is controlled by (i) the ion exchange phenomenon, under the marine intrusion and (ii) the dissolution of carbonate minerals (calcite, dolomite, and aragonite) and evaporate minerals (halite, gypsum, and anhydrite). High levels of NO3 would come from domestic pollutants, including livestock waste during water withdrawal. The isotopic method shows (i) aquifers recharge in the study area is provided by Atlantic precipitation without significant evaporation, (ii) the presence of recent water (after nuclear tests) and other (before nuclear tests), and (iii) various recharge altitudes from 300 to 1150 m asl. However, this investigation provides a foundation for effective groundwater management and effective mitigation of aquifer impacts.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Bahir M, Mennani A, Jalal M, Youbi N (2000) Contribution à l’étude des ressources hydriques du bassin synclinal d’Essaouira (Maroc). Estudios Geol 56:185–195
Bahir M, Jalal M, Mennani A (2001) Groundwater pollution by nitrates of the Essaouira synclinal basin. J Environ Hydrol 9(18):1–10
Carmelita NS, Thushyanthy M, Barathithasan T, Saravanan S (2010) Irrigation water quality based on hydrochemical analysis, Jaffna, Sri Lanka. American-Eurasian J Agric Environ Sci 7(1):100–102
Carreira PM, Marques JM, Nunes D (2014) Source of groundwater salinity in coastline aquifers based on environmental isotopes (Portugal): Natural vs. human interference. A review and reinterpretation. Appl Geochem 41:163–175
Craig H (1961) Isotopic variation in meteoric water. Science 133:1702–1703
Curie F (2006) Rétention de nitrates dans les zones humides riveraines : Rôle des facteurs hydrologiques; géomorphologiques et biogéochimiques. Approche multi échelle dans le bassin de la Seine. Thèse de troisième cycle, Univérsité de Paris VI, France, p 211
Epstein S, Mayeda T (1953) Variation of 18O content of waters from natura sources. Geochim Cosmochim Acta 4:213–224
Fadili A, Mehdi K, Riss J, Najib S, Makan A, Boutayab K (2015) Evaluation of groundwater mineralization processes and seawater intrusion extension in the coastal aquifer of Oualidia, Morocco: hydrochemical and geophysical approach. Arab J Geosci 8(10):8567–8582
Friedman I (1953) Deuterium content of natural waters and other substances. Geochim Cosmochim Acta 4:89–103
Geyh MA (2000) An overview of 14C analysis in the study of the groundwater. Radiocarbon 42:99–114
Giménez-Forcada E (2010) Dynamic of sea water interface using hydrochemical facies evolution diagram. Groundwater 48(2):212–216
IAEA (1976) Procedure and technique critique for tritium enrichment by electrolysis at IAEA Laboratory, Technical Procedure n°19, International Atomic Energy Agency, Vienna
IAEA (1981) Stable isotope hydrology, deuterium and oxygen-18 in the water cycle. Technical report series N° 210, IAEA, Vienna
IAEA (1983) Guidebook on nuclear techniques in hydrology. Technical report series N° 91, IAEA, Vienna
Jabal MSA, Abustan I, Rozaimy MR, El Najar H (2014) Groundwater beneath the urban area of Khan Younis City, southern Gaza Strip (Palestine): hydrochemistry and water quality. Arab J Geosci 8(4):2203–2215
Jalal M (2001) Potentialités hydrogeologiques du cenomano-turonien du bassin syclinal de Meskala-Kourimat-Ida Ou Zemzem (Essaouira, Maroc). Thèse de doctorat, Université Cadi Ayyad, Marrakech, Maroc, p 192
Lozes A (1959) Rapport de synthèse sur les études sismiques dans la zone côtière d’Essaouira, Rapport inédit, Office National de la Recherche Pétrole, Ref. 20048/25, Maroc
Lucas LL, Unterweger MP (2000) Comprehensive review and critical evaluation of the half-life of tritium. J Res Natl Inst Stand Technol 105:541–549
Mazor E (1991) Applied chemical and isotopic groundwater hydrology. Open University Press, Buckingham
Mtoni Y, Mjemah IC, Bakundukize C, Van Camp M, Martens K, Walraevens K (2013) Saltwater intrusion and nitrate pollution in the coastal aquifer of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Environ Earth Sci 70(3):1091–1111
Nasher G, Al-Sayyaghi A, Al-Matary A (2013) Identification and evaluation of the hydrogeochemical processes of the lower part of Wadi Siham catchment area, Tihama plain. Yemen. Arab J Geosci 6(6):2131–2146
Ouhamdouch S, Bahir M, Chkir N, Carreira P, Goumih A (2016) Comportement hydrogéochimique d’un aquifère côtier des zones semi-arides: cas de l’aquifère barrémien-aptien du bassin d’Essaouira (Maroc occidental). Larhyss Journal 25:163–182
Ouhamdouch S, Bahir M, Carreira PM (2017) Geochemical and isotopic tools to deciphering the origin of mineralization of the coastal aquifer of Essaouira basin, Morocco. Procedia Earth Planet Sci 17:73–76. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.proeps.2016.12.038
Ouhamdouch S, Bahir M, Ait Tahar M, Goumih A, Rouissa A (2018) Physico-chemical quality and origin of groundwater of an aquifer under semi-arid climate. Case of the Barremo-Aptian aquifer of Essaouira basin (Morocco Occidental). J Mater Environ Sci 9(3):1022–1034
Piper AM (1944) A graphic procedure in the geochemical interpretation of water analyses. Trans Am Geophys Union 25:914–923
Qin R, Wua Y, Xu Z, Xie D, Zhang C (2013) Assessing the impact of natural and anthropogenic activities on groundwater quality in coastal alluvial aquifers of the lower Liaohe River Plain, NE China. Appl Geochem 31:142–158
Re V, Sacchi E, Martin-Bordes JL, Aureli A, El Hamouti N, Bouchnan R, Zuppi GM (2013) Processes affecting groundwater quality in arid zones: the case of the Bou-Areg coastal aquifer (North Morocco). Appl Geochem 34:181–198
Reddy AGS (2013) Evaluation of hydrogeochemical characteristics of phreatic alluvial aquifers in southeastern coastal belt of Prakasam district, South India. Environ Earth Sci 68(2):471–485
Saliha N, Fadili A, Mehdi K, Riss J, Makan A (2017) Contribution of hydrochemical and geoelectrical approaches to investigate salinization process and seawater intrusion in the coastal aquifers of Chaouia, Morocco. Conhyd. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jconhyd.2017.01.003
Sherif M, Mohamed M, Kacimov A, Shetty A (2011) Assessment of groundwater quality in the northeastern coastal area of UAE as precursor for desalination. Desalination 273(2):436–446
Swarna LP, Nageswara RK (2012) An integrated approach to assess the quality of groundwater in a coastal aquifer of Andhra Pradesh, India. Environ Earth Sci 66(8):2143–2169
USSL (United States Salinity Laboratory Staff) (1954) Diagnosis and improvement of saline and alkali soils. US Department of Agricultural Soils. US Department of Agricultural (USDA). Hand Book 60. Washington:69–81
WHO (2008) Recommendations. Guidelines for drinking water quality: incorporating 1st and 2nd Addenda, third ed., vol 1, p 515
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Additional information
Responsible editor: Philippe Garrigues
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Bahir, M., Ouazar, D. & Ouhamdouch, S. Characterization of mechanisms and processes controlling groundwater salinization in coastal semi-arid area using hydrochemical and isotopic investigations (Essaouira basin, Morocco). Environ Sci Pollut Res 25, 24992–25004 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-018-2543-8
Received:
Accepted:
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-018-2543-8