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This mini review delves into the critical need to effectively eliminate nitrates, nitrites, phosphates, and ammonium from wastewater to mitigate environmental pollution and uphold water quality standards. Stemming from various human activities like agricultural runoff, industrial processes, and municipal discharges, these pollutants pose significant risks to both aquatic ecosystems and human health if left unaddressed. The study primarily focuses on the efficacy of coagulation-flocculation as a treatment method, which involves the addition of chemicals known as coagulants to destabilize the pollutants. The review further examines the influence of various parameters such as pH, coagulant dosage, and temperature on the simultaneous removal of these contaminants [1,2]. Through detailed analysis, it elucidates the complex interactions among these factors and their consequential impact on overall removal efficiency. Moreover, it underscores the significance of adopting advanced treatment methods like coagulation-flocculation. Additionally, it emphasizes the ongoing need for further research and optimization to address the evolving challenges of wastewater pollution and water resource management comprehensively. By providing insights into optimizing coagulation-flocculation processes, this review underscores the importance of tailored treatment strategies for comprehensive pollutant removal.

In recent decades, the global environmental balance has been disrupted due to new environmental conditions and increasing anthropogenic pressure. In this context, the increase in frequency and magnitude of jellyfish proliferation in the Mediterranean Sea can be examined as an indicator closely associated with potential impacts of global changes. Despite their importance in ecosystem function and services, current knowledge of jellyfish diversity and phenology is largely lacking in the southern Mediterranean Sea, particularly along the Moroccan Mediterranean coast. Rhizostoma pulmo is a large scyphozoan jellyfish endemic to the Mediterranean. It is the second dominant scyphozoan species in the jellyfish community of Al Hoceima Bay. In this article, we explore the seasonal dynamics of the jellyfish R. pulmo between the estuaries of Oued Ghis and Nekkour at Souani Beach. Due to the disparity between the visual abundance of jellyfish and their rare beaching along the shores of Al Hoceima Bay, we implemented a specific method for collecting R. pulmo. This approach involves the use of a coastal trawl, a fishing net 200 meters long with a mesh size of 5 cm, deployed 80 meters from the shore and pulled from both sides by fishermen. Sampling missions conducted throughout the year 2022 revealed that R. pulmo reaches its maximum abundance in summer. The results indicate a maximum abundance of 0.28 ind/m2 in July 2022, with a maximum umbrella diameter reaching 26 cm in August 2022. Under the jellyfish umbrellas, fry of two fish species and one crustacean species were observed, adding an ecological dimension to this study.

Groundwater is a crucial drinking water resource for rural communities; however, the absence of adequate monitoring programs in these regions often results in uncertainties about groundwater quality. This study focuses on assessing the impact of nitrogen compounds from domestic wastewater on groundwater in rural communities within the province of Al Hoceima. The hydrochemistry of 33 groundwater samples was analyzed using various methods, including descriptive statistics, the Nitrate Pollution Index (NPI), the Chronic Health Risk Index (CHR), and a GIS-based spatial analysis. The investigation revealed significant contamination by nitrogen compounds in regions characterized by high population density. In these areas, nitrate (NO3-) and nitrite (NO2-) concentrations exceeded 50 mg/l and 0.2 mg/l, respectively, surpassing the WHO recommended limits. Notably, NO3- levels ranged from 0 to 89.63 mg/l, with 84.84% of groundwater samples contained more than 10 mg/l. The NPI values ranged from -1 to 3.48, with 33.33% of the samples were categorized as significantly and very significantly polluted. Additionally, CHR values ranged from 0 to 2.43 for adults, 0 to 2.03 for children, and 0 to 2.51 for infants. The CHR values exceeded 1 suggests that the contamination observed in the samples can be attributed to the widespread use of septic tanks in densely populated regions. Thus, to ensure the safety of rural communities, further assessments of health risks are mandatory.

The reuse of treated wastewater for agricultural practices is becoming increasingly important due to the growing demand for the transition to a circular economy. It has the major advantage of providing an alternative resource to the conventional water used for agricultural irrigation. The main objective of this work is to study, through tests on experimental installations, the effect of the type of irrigation water on the growth and development of lettuce. The types of irrigation water were prepared from purified wastewater, treated wastewater plus fertilizer, conventional water, and conventional water plus fertilizer. The physicochemical analyzes of wastewater from the Imzouren-Bni Bouayach WWTP resulted in different values of the parameters measured (pH, temperature, electrical conductivity, oxygen below, suspended matter, BOD5, COD, nitrate, nitrite and phosphorus) which fall within the limited range of direct discharges and comply with Moroccan standards for the quality of water intended for irrigation. The results of the characterization of the soil showed that it is a basic soil (pH= 8.5), unsalted (electrical conductivity = 2.43 ms/cm) and poor in organic and nutrient elements (Carbon 0.8%, organic matter 1.46%, nitrogen 0.06 mg/l, phosphorus 10.5 mg/l, potassium 56.4 mg/l.) The main results of the plant analysis show that the production level of this study crop irrigated with conventional water is similar to that of this study crop irrigated with treated wastewater. In other words, irrigation with treated wastewater allows lettuce to guarantee irrigated production at least at the level of conventional water. Another motivated addition of nitrogen, phosphate and potash mineral supplement in the treated wastewater improves the production potential of lettuce.

All Discharge data are among the most critical factors that must be considered when evaluating the management of water resources in a watershed. Simulation of rainfall-runoff is therefore an important element in assessing the impacts of serious flooding. In the present study, rainfall-runoff in the Nekkor watershed in Al Hoceima province was simulated using GIS, remote sensing and the Hydrologic Engineering Center Hydrologic Modeling System (HEC-HMS) model. The applicability, capacity and suitability of this model for rainfall runoff in the watershed were examined. The watershed parameters were generated using (HEC-GeoHMS) and ArcGIS. The model was calibrated using a daily data set that occurred in the watershed between 2003 and 2007, the validation period was from 2009 to 2012. Model performance was evaluated using a variety of different statistical indices to study the response and impact of rainfall-runoff. Model parameters were changed and calibration was performed using the Soil Conservation Service Curve Number loss method. Consistent and satisfactory performance in terms of peak discharge, total flood volume, timing of peak discharge and overall hydrograph adjustment effect was found. The determination coefficient (R2) for the validation period reached 0.73 versus 0.71 for the calibration period. The root mean square error (RMSE) is within the acceptable range. The relative bias (RE) demonstrates an overestimation in the calibration period and an underestimation in the validation period in the peak flows. These results will help decision makers to better manage water resources in this watershed and mitigate flood risks.

The purpose of the water sources study according to the opinion of the users in the region of Al-Hoceima, is to present a classification of investigated sources according to physico-chemical and microbiological quality, and to compare the obtained results with the sanitary survey taken from users. The region’s groundwater is known for its low piezometry and, consequently, for its easy and uncontrolled exploitation. Indeed, the lack of drinking water supply in several rural areas or among some vulnerable categories of the population forces them to use water sources for all purposes, including drinking. Moreover, in urban areas and with the availability of treated drinking water, people resort to supplying water from a source as traditions and cultural customs of the users predominate. The public survey results in this study confirm, according to the majority of witnesses, that drinking from these sources is continual, as 50% of the consumers live in the area and they do not have any digestive or intestinal problems; these water sources are more frequented in summer and at weekends. Furthermore, the majority of respondents consider these waters to be healthy and not subject to chemical treatment, and they represent a natural heritage with a good reputation among the population of the region.

The composition of leachates is very variable and rich in toxic compounds, which requires treatment before discharge into the natural environment in order to avoid their impact on the environment and/or human health and to comply with the requirements of regulatory discharge standards in the natural environment. Among the parameters indicating pollution by leachates, we have COD, BOD5, conductivity, pH, the presence of ammonium ions, nitrite, nitrate, chloride, orthophosphate, etc. This study presents the results of synthetic leachate orthophosphate adsorption tests on bentonite clays. For the determination of the orthophosphate concentration in the synthetic leachate, before and after adsorption, we applied the method of Ultra-Violet adsorption spectroscopy. The adsorption capacity of bentonite, the amount needed and the removal efficiency were determined. The orthophosphate adsorption yield on bentonite reaches up to 32.6 % for 5 g/L of bentonite stirred for 4 hours and exceeds 39,19 % after 24 hours of stirring.

The groundwater of the Ghis-Nekor aquifer (Central Rif of Morocco) is the main water resource used by the inhabitants for agricultural and domestic purposes. However, its low quality may affect the health of the consumer and weaken agricultural production. The existence of the WWTP at the level of this plain, makes it a probable source of pollution for these groundwater and requires urgent water managers’ intervention. Groundwater pollution in this area may be related to natural, anthropogenic and undefined sources (agricultural and industrial activities). To assess the impact of WWTP effluent on this aquifer, ten well water samples were collected upstream and downstream of this WWTP in 2018, and then analysed for physicochemical quality. Multivariate and principal Component Analysis (PCA) of the results obtained revealed two main components, in which the largest source of total variation being F1 presented at 54.75%. The PCA has visualized two groups that distinguish slightly mineralized well waters upstream to moderately from other wells downstream of the WTTP that are highly mineralized. Generally, the groundwater in the study area is characterized by high levels of salinization. The results of this study may be useful for monitoring and managing groundwater pollution in the study area.

Water is a precious natural resource for life, and more vulnerable to different contaminations; it has become less and less drinkable because it is polluted and can carry pathogenic germs that cause water diseases. The population of the Al-Hoceima region is supplied with drinking water from the network of the National Drinking Water Board, which is not widespread in rural areas where there is the frequent use of communal water points (spring or well). Health concerns remain related to the consumption of untreated well water, in the absence of a department responsible for the management of well water (development, equipment, treatment, protection, and quality control). To preserve the health of the population from any source of contamination carried by water, the Ministry of Health, carries out, through the provincial hygiene services, the control and monitoring of the physical-chemical and bacteriological quality of water in the framework of the fight against water diseases. The objective of this work was to determine the state of groundwater quality in the Al-Hoceima region, based on the study of physicochemical and bacteriological parameters. A control of 41 collective water points was carried out, including 30 wells and 11 springs. The collected samples were analyzed to measure some physical parameters: electrical conductivity, pH, temperature, and dissolved oxygen, possibly looking for indicator germs of fecal contamination, namely coliform bacteria, Escherichia coli, and intestinal enterococci. The results revealed fecal contamination of all collective water points by coliform bacteria and Escherichia coli. Appropriate measures must be taken for the disinfection of these waters before their use.

Due to population growth and the intensification of economic activity, the production of solid waste is constantly increasing in Morocco [1]. Several programs consist of the establishment of controlled landfills and the rehabilitation of uncontrolled landfills. The impact of landfilling is the production of liquid effluents rich in organic, mineral, and metallic matter called leachate [2,3]. The choice of leachate treatment is based on the characteristics of the leachate. Any treatment process has advantages and limitations, so before proceeding with the treatment it is necessary to characterize the leachate to choose the appropriate process [11]. The objective of this study is to prepare synthetic leachate based on the characteristics of real leachate (case of the controlled landfill of Al Hoceima), in order to carry out treatability tests of this synthetic leachate by controlling the various parameters of analysis. This solution was made from organic (CH3CO2H, CH3CO2Na) and inorganic compounds (MgSO4, CaCl2, Ca(OH)2, NH4Cl, KOH, MgCl2), the various analyzes of this solution gave values comparable to the real solution. This work was devoted to carrying out the treatability tests of synthetic leachate by a process of adsorption on bentonite, by studying its yield to reduce the organic load.

The article focuses on evaluating the seasonal changes in groundwater quality in the Al Hoceima region of northern Morocco, with an emphasis on physicochemical parameters and indicators of fecal contamination. Topics include seasonal variations in groundwater quality, analysis of physicochemical and bacteriological data, and the impact of environmental factors on water contamination.

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]

Water quality index (WQI) is the primary method applied to characterize water quality in the world. The current study employed the statistical analysis and multilayer perceptron (MLP) approaches for predicting groundwater quality in the Ghiss-Nekkor aquifer, northeast of Al Hoceima, Morocco. Fifty sampled groundwater were identified and analyzed for major anions and cations throughout May 2019. Several physicochemical parameters of all the samples were identified in this investigation, such as TDS, pH, EC, Na, K, Ca, Mg, HCO3, NO3, Br, SO4, and Cl. The entropy-weighted groundwater quality index (EWQI) was calculated from these parameters. The WQI procedure determined the suitability of groundwater for consumption. The WQI value varied from 90.98 to 337.28. The EC, TDS, WQI, and Cl− spatial distribution showed that EC and Cl− are associated with poor groundwater quality. A single sample (W16) represented unsuitable water for drinking purposes and offered a WQI value of 337.28, indicating poor drinking quality due to seawater intrusion, overexploitation, and harsh weather conditions. The majority of the values obtained for the parameters exceeded the recommended limit of the World Health Organization (WHO)'s guidelines for consumption. The findings show that using parameters is a straightforward method for predicting water quality indexes with sufficient and suitable precision. The MLP model shows good predictive performances in terms of the coefficient of determination R2, mean absolute error (MAE), and root-mean-square error (RMSE) with values of 0.9885, 5.8031, and 4.7211, respectively. The ANN approach was applied to develop a model that can accurately predict WQI utilizing mineralization, TH, NO3, and NO2 as inputs. The MAE for the model's performance was calculated to be 4.72. A Bland–Altman test was used to validate that the model is suitable. Following the test, it was determined that the model is appropriate for predicting WQI, with an error of just 0.1%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rainfall irregularity in the Al-Hoceima area places the Ghis-Nekor coastal aquifer as a primary resource for water supply. However, it is of paramount priority to adopt management and optimization plans that can mitigate the effects of the irrational use of the resource and the deterioration of its quality in the region of our study. In order to study the alteration aspects of this aquifer, 26 wells were sampled and their suitability for irrigation was assessed. The sodium adsorption rate (SAR) values indicate that most groundwater samples fall into the risk classes of high salinity and low sodium (C3-S1) and high salinity and medium sodium (C3-S2). The results also show a medium to high alkalinity risk due to the high concentration of HCO3 -. The excess of salts is largely due to the intensive exploitation of groundwater and to the phenomenon of salt-water intrusion into the coastal karst aquifer. As a result, the quality of groundwater is not adapted to sustainable agricultural production and soil balance, which requires controlled monitoring to ensure its rational use with a view to the sustainable development of the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main purpose of this research was to study the fate and removal of heavy metals by a biological wastewater treatment plant. The levels of heavy metals were compared in wastewater and sludge before and after treatment. The content of heavy metals wastewater and sludge was determined by inductively coupled plasma spectrometry (ICP-OES). Some of the metals were found to be present in trace amounts, while others were dispersed over a wide range of concentrations and were sometimes below the limit of detection. They occurred in the following order: Fe > Zn > Cu > Mn > Ba > Pb > Cr > As > Co > Ni > Cd > Hg. The reduction in heavy metal concentrations was in direct proportionality to their starting levels in the influent wastewater. The heavy metal concentration was, in ascending order, proportional to the content of the influent: Ba < Co < Mn < Pb < Cu < Zn < As < Ni < Cr < Fe < Cd < Hg. These metals concentrated in the sludge and accumulated after treatment. Concentrations of heavy metals in treated sludge were found to meet standards for agricultural land application. Values for lifetime cancer risk due to exposure to heavy metals in sludge samples were also estimated and it ranged from 4.42E-07 to 5.89E-04 for adults and children. The number of people suspected of having cancer due to exposure to sludge is between 6 and 44 in 10 million. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]