The accumulation levels of elements (Al, As, Li, Mg, Mn, S, Si, Ti, and V) in the soft tissue of mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis), collected monthly in 2016, from Junuary to December, from sampling sites of the mussel farming facilities installed in the coastal areas of Al Hoceima, were investigated. The studied element levels were determined by using Inductively Coupled Plasma -Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES 720-ES). Descending order of the average element concentrations in soft tissue of M. galloprovincialis was S > Mg > Si> Al > Mn > Ti > As >V > Li. Element contents (Al, As, Mg, S and V) in tissue of mussels were significantly different (P < 0.05) between seasons, being highest in winter and lowest in summer. Strong correlations were observed between studied elements and chlorophyll a, indicating the importance of food for metal bioaccumulation in mussels in this period of the season. The observed strong correlations for metal levels in tissues of mussels can be explained by their common sources, which are associated with anthropogenic effects. The detected seasonal variations of investigated element concentrations in soft tissues of M. galloprovincialis could be attributed to physicochemical parameters such as temperature, salinity, dissolved oxygen, nutrients and food availability, as well as the biological status of the mussel. This study may provide basic information for detecting the current pollution status of investigated elements in Al Hoceima coasts from the Moroccan Mediterranean Sea using M. galloprovincialis as biological indicators.

No abstract

No abstract

No abstract

No abstract

The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of human anthropic activities on the physicochemical and biological properties as well as the quantity of the groundwater in the central Rif of Morocco. Series of analyses were carried out on the water resources of this area. The interpretation of analytical data and the distribution of groundwater into groups were treated using multivariate statistical methods including Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and the Ascending Hierarchical Classification (CHA). The results of the present study showed strong mineralization of the investigated area waters. This study also indicated the impact of anthropogenic activities and their influences on the quality of groundwater in the central Rif, with the presence of total coliforms, fecal Escherichia coli type, and fecal streptococci intestinal enterococcal type, suggesting that the contamination of this groundwater was induced by human pollution. In addition, the infiltration of groundwater by wastewater from septic tanks, the use of wastewater for irrigation purposes, the increased use of fertilizers and pesticides in agriculture, and irregular rainfall in the region constitute the main factors of anthropogenic contamination of groundwater in the study area.

No abstract

No abstract