The physicochemical characteristics and the pollution level of Dayet Er-Roumi Lake in Morocco

Abstract

The management of natural surface water resources requires an understanding and knowledge of water quality. The Lake Dayet Er-Roumi (classified as a Site of Biological and Ecological Interest (SIBE)) is the only permanent continental lake of low altitude in Morocco, this international attraction site is subject to various sources of anthropogenic pollution, in addition to the effects of climate change (thermal variability, lack of precipitation, etc.). The objective of this work is to quantify and assess the quality of the waters lake, and its tributaries through Spatio-temporal monitoring of several physicochemical parameters during two seasons (winter and summer) of the year 2019. All the physicochemical analysis (such as temperature, hydrogen potential, electrical conductivity, dissolved oxygen, nitrates, orthophosphates, and chlorides) were carried out at 7 study stations (5 stations at lake level and 2 stations representing the tributaries). Statistical calculation of the data set revealed high concentrations of chlorides in both seasons and orthophosphates during the summer season, with average nitrate concentrations during the winter season. The results obtained show that the pH of the water is basic with a very high electrical conductivity showing a load of water in different minerals. These results greatly exceed the standards of fish water quality and surface water quality. They show that the lake Dayet Er-Roumi is polluted. Strategies to limit the pollution of the lake must be implemented by decision-makers at all levels, in order to avoid several ecological problems (fish mortality for example).