Multiple stable isotopes and geochemical approaches to elucidate groundwater salinity and contamination in the critical coastal zone: A case from the Bou-areg and Gareb aquifers (North-Eastern Morocco).

Mediterranean areas are characterized by complex hydrogeological systems, where water resources are faced with several issues such as salinity and pollution. Fifty-one water samples were gathered from the Bou-areg coastal and the Gareb aquifers to evaluate the source of water salinity and to reveal the processes of the different sources of pollution using a variety of chemical and isotopic indicators (δH-H2O, δO-H2O, δS-SO4, and δO-SO4). The results of the hydrochemical analysis of water samples show that the order of dominated elements is Cl > HCO > SO4 > NO and Na > Ca > Mg > K and evidenced extremely high salinity levels (EC up to 22000 μS/cm).

A GIS-based approach for geospatial modeling of groundwater vulnerability and pollution risk mapping in Bou-Areg and Gareb aquifers, northeastern Morocco.

Groundwater resources are the main supply of freshwater for human activities. Nevertheless, during the last 50 years, groundwater has become very susceptible to chemical pollution due to human activities. The groundwater vulnerability assessment constitutes a worldwide recognized tool for water management and protection.