Seasonal assessment of groundwater quality in the Al Hoceima region, northern Morocco: Physicochemical parameters and fecal contamination indicators

Abstract

This study focuses on assessing the seasonal variation in groundwater quality within the Al‐Hoceima region, specifically examining physicochemical parameters and bacteriological indicators of water fecal contamination. The sampling campaign took place during the wet and dry seasons of 2019 and 2021. In situ measurements were conducted on 37 groundwater samples to determine the physicochemical parameters, while bacteriological analyses were performed using Escherichia coli (E. coli) as a fecal contamination indicator. The findings demonstrate significant variations in physicochemical parameters across seasons and reveal fecal contamination of the groundwater, predominantly indicated by increased levels of E. coli during wet periods. Possible contributing factors include water surface runoff and percolation processes. Additionally, the result showed a high concentration of E. coli expected 240 CFU/100 mL. Pollution was higher in the dry season than in the wet season. These results underscore the poor quality of the water in the Al Hoceima region, necessitating treatment before consumption.