Pollution Vulnerability of the Ghiss Nekkor Alluvial Aquifer in Al-Hoceima (Morocco), Using GIS-Based DRASTIC Model

Abstract

Groundwater resources of the alluvial aquifer Ghiss Nekkor, which covers an area of 100 km2, are the main source of domestic and agricultural freshwater supply in the region of Al Hoceima in Morocco. Due to human activities (overexploitation, increase in agricultural activity), this alluvial aquifer has become very sensitive to chemical pollution. The principal objective of this current study is to develop and implement a calibration method to assess, map, and estimate the vulnerability of the Ghiss Nekkor alluvial aquifer to pollution risk. In this work, the GIS-based DRASTIC model was used to estimate the inherent vulnerability to contamination of the Ghiss Nekkor alluvial aquifer with seven standard hydrogeological parameters. Nitrate (NO3) and electrical conductivity (EC) data were used to validate the DRASTIC map. The results of the vulnerability map analysis show that the vulnerability to contaminants varies from non-existent in the southwestern part of the plain (7.3% of the total area), to very high (14.5%). The vulnerability is moderate in the central and northeastern areas (26.9%), while it is high in the other areas (17.5%). Furthermore, the most sensitive areas are mainly concentrated near the coastal strip and the central plain on both sides of the Nekkor River. In these areas, the NO3 and EC values are above the maximum allowable limit of the World Health Organization. The results suggest that the DRASTIC model can be an effective tool for decision-makers concerned about managing groundwater sustainability.

Groundwater vulnerability assessment using a GIS-based DRASTIC method in the Erbil Dumpsite area (Kani Qirzhala), Central Erbil Basin, North Iraq

“…methemoglobinemia, anemia, lung disease, cardiovascular disease, hypothyroidism, colon cancer), and impact ecosystems. Governments and policymakers often set thresholds on groundwater and associated agricultural products, such as chemical fertilizers (Khosravi et al 2021;El Yousfi et al 2023).…”

“…Notable groundwater vulnerability assessment methods include DRASTIC (Aller et al 1987), GOD (Foster, 1987), AVI (Van Stempvoort et al 1993), SINTACS (Civita 1994) and SI (Ribeiro, 2000). Amongst these, DRASTIC stands out as the most popular and widely used empirical rank/scorebased index method for vulnerability evaluation, developed by Aller et al (1987) for the U.S Environmental Protection Agency (Boufekane et al 2021;Rezig et al 2022;El Yousfi et al 2023). DRASTIC method relies on seven hydrogeological parameters, namely depth to water table (D), net recharge (R), aquifer media (A), soil media (S), topography (T), impact of the vadose zone (I) and hydraulic conductivity (C) (Metwally et al 2023).…”

Impact of Hydrographic Network Organization on the Morphology of the Kert Basin: Analysis of Consequences

“…The hydrographic network's organization is pivotal, shaping landscape morphology, influencing ecosystems, and impacting human activities [5,9]. It determines water flow pathways, affecting drainage, river flow dynamics, and the formation of watersheds, with implications for water availability, terrain morphology, and biodiversity [10][11][12]. This research addresses the current knowledge gap by investigating how the specific organization of the hydrographic network in the Kert basin influences its morphology, aiming to provide crucial insights for sustainable water resource management and ecosystem preservation [13][14][15].…”

Groundwater Vulnerability Mapping Using the Susceptibility Index (SI) Method and Tritium Isotopes: A Case Study of the Gharb Aquifer in Northwestern Morocco

“…Today, there has been a notable rise in the need for fresh water in Morocco's semi-arid areas [1,2]. This increased demand stems from multiple reasons, such as reduced rainfall, population growth, the expansion of industrial and agricultural pursuits, and deteriorating surface water quality [3,4,5,6]. The efficient use of groundwater resources is crucial, and measures need to be taken to prevent contamination.…”