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Water scarcity remains the main problem in Morocco, making water resource conservation paramount. The objective of this study is to shed light on how mining impacts the region of Beni Tajjit's groundwater resources, which are used for irrigation and watering, which includes the Bou Dhar mining district, known for its vast lead and zinc sulfide deposits. The oxidation of sulfide-rich mine tailings generates acid water loaded with sulfates, creating acid mine drainage (AMD), which hurts aquatic ecosystems and the environment through trace metals elements (TME). Hence the need to assess the possible contamination of aquifers by metallic pollutants. This work can help water managers make appropriate decisions for controlling the quality of the groundwater in the Beni Tajjit area. During this study, we adopted a method: the Water Quality Index (WQI), designed to indicate the overall level of water quality by aggregating various weighted measurements. Five samples representing water sources around the mine tailings were taken and analyzed. Their values of dissolved oxygen, electrical conductivity, and pH were measured on-site. The results allow us to classify the water into good and bad categories. They showed that the TME values were practically lower than the maximum permitted level according to WHO norms and Moroccan irrigation standards. The main reason for this may be due to the carbonate geological context of the site, which buffers acidity and thus forms a chemical barrier against the transfer of TME to the aquifer. The high chlorine levels appear due to geochemical background or anthropogenies contaminations. The sulfate values recorded are related to the leaching of sulfide minerals from mine tailings.

Morocco is currently facing significant challenges due to the ever-changing climate, with its critical water sources crucial for agriculture, economy, and daily life being greatly affected. In order to thoroughly understand the impact of climate change on the Ghis-Nekor watershed, an in-depth study spanning 38 years (1978-2016) was conducted. This involved examining the meteorological data from three stations and utilizing advanced indices, such as SPI, RDI, and DI. The findings of this study revealed prominent shifts in precipitation patterns, indicating a vulnerability in the region. While there was a general increase in annual rainfall during the specified time period, a sharp decline was observed post-2008. Further analysis of drought confirmed the presence of persistent dry spells and recurring episodes, highlighting the urgent need for effective water management strategies. These crucial findings must be considered by decision-makers for successful climate adaptation, emphasizing the key role played by this study in mitigating the effects of climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The diagnosis of the current state of the environment (groundwater quality and tailings composition) was carried out in the vicinity of the M'fis mine (Southeast of Morocco) in order to evaluate the impact of mine tailings on groundwater. Water samples from the well in the center of the mine site and from other nearby wells were collected and analyzed. In addition, the characterization of the tailings shows the presence of sulfides and other chemical elements, constituting the main source of pollution. In turn, the results of geochemical analyses show that groundwater is characterized by low levels of metals, despite the presence of these pollutants in the tailings and in the waste rock piles. The concentrations of metallic trace elements in well groundwater, slightly exceeding the standards of potability (the WHO standard), remain acceptable for irrigation and for livestock. These results can be explained by the carbonate geological formation, constituting the transfer medium of the pollutants towards the aquifer and also by the weak circulation of the metal ions under the desert climate which prevent dissolution and infiltration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluated the suitability of groundwater from primary basins in the Tafilalet area of southeast Morocco for drinking purposes. Water samples were collected from 100 wells, and physicochemical parameters, including temperature, conductivity, pH, hardness, and organic and inorganic ion concentrations, were analyzed. The weighted arithmetic water quality index (WQI) was used as an ecological indicator for quality evaluation in relation to Moroccan drinking water criteria. Ten locations were chosen for monthly inspection based on their proximity to the potential sources of pollution. The study found a considerable improvement in water quality over a 15-year period (2004-2019), with three sites classified as "Good quality" and seven as "Poor Water". The analysis revealed that the pH values of all groundwater samples were within the acceptable range according to the World Health Organization (WHO) standards. The chloride ion concentrations decreased significantly over time, while the nitrate and sulfate concentrations increased. The hydrometric title of groundwater was very high in all study sites, with a significant proportion of alkaline earth metals present. The study suggests that the development of the sewerage network and supply and distribution of drinking water in the region has led to improved water quality. The study demonstrated changes in the physicochemical properties of groundwater in the Tafilalet region of Morocco over a 15-year period, with an overall improvement in water quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]