Contribution of hydrochemical and geoelectrical approaches to investigate salinization process and seawater intrusion in the coastal aquifers of Chaouia, Morocco.

This study aims to identify groundwater salinization origin and to determine seawater intrusion extension toward the inland in Chaouia, Morocco. To reach these objectives, firstly, 46 groundwater samples were analyzed for major chemical elements during January 2012 and, secondly, 10 electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) profiles were performed perpendicularly to the coastal fringe. Statistical analysis provided the distinction between three Clusters reflecting different hydrochemical processes.

Investigation of groundwater behavior in response to oceanic tide and hydrodynamic assessment of coastal aquifers.

This study was based, firstly, on observations and analysis of water table level variations in the Plio-Quaternary and Hauterivian aquifers, Oualidia (Morocco), and secondly, on comparing this behavior to oceanic tidal variations. Recordings were made in the well located at 1318 m from the coast, where the two aquifers are in direct contact. This investigation was subdivided into two periods of 4 months each.

Environmental risk assessment of the Moroccan Atlantic continental shelf: the role of the industrial and urban area.

The present research presents the first large-scale analysis of heavy metal assessment in the Moroccan Atlantic shelf. This work provides scientific basis for future studies on environmental research and fills the gap in knowledge on the worldwide continental platforms. Metal distributions identified three different zones, mainly influenced by industrial and urban sewer (northern areas), agriculture runoffs (central zone), and estuarine discharges (southern areas), respectively.