Determination of the Jouamaa groundwater quality using Physico-chemical water analysis and Geographic Information System

Abstract

The present study seeks to determine the water quality of wells located in the Jouamaa Hakama commune (Northern Morocco). In this order, nine water samples were collected from wells used by local residents during two sampling campaigns in December 2016 and June 2017. The samples collection was followed by the laboratory analysis for measuring the water Physico-chemical characteristics including pH, temperature (T°), Conductivity (Cond), Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD5), Dissolved Oxygen (DO), Suspended Matter (SM), Turbidity, Nitrite, Nitrate, Ammonium and Phosphate. Also, spatial data analysis has been done using Geographic Information System (GIS) by ArcGis software to show a statics map with significant water quality information for the studied wells. The spatial analysis showed higher concentrations exceed the Moroccan groundwater quality values in P6 and P8 for the EC in 2016 and 2017. Similarly, for the turbidity, higher values recorded in P8, while the DO concentration was significant in P6, P8 and P9, other sampling points indicate values close and inferior to water quality standards. P3, P4, and P8 showed higher Ammonium, Nitrite and phosphate values during the summer period of 2017. The analysis results shed light on contamination factors: domestic activities and agricultural activities in urban zones (Hakama and Jouamaa). However, the use of these waters could pose a risk to the health of human and animals. Similarly, The GIS is a practical, innovative and effective tool for the Jouamaa groundwater quality diagnostic and could help decision-makers establish solutions.