Surface Water Quality in Taza, Morocco: A Physicochemical and Bacteriological Assessment with the SEQ-Water System

Abstract

The city of Taza, situated in Morocco, boasts a significant ecological heritage. However, a concerning practice of discharging untreated wastewater into the nearby Oueds has raised apprehensions about potential threats to public well-being. This research endeavors to discern the locations most adversely affected by pollution and subsequently assess their environmental condition. By conducting an extensive year-long analysis encompassing physicochemical and bacteriological aspects, we gathered a comprehensive dataset for appraising the surface water quality, utilizing the SEQ-WATER system as the evaluation framework. Four distinct sites emerged as particularly impacted: upstream of Oueds Jaouna and Taza, downstream of Oued Larbâa and adjacent to the "Julien" public dump, and at the confluence of Oueds Rhouireg and Dfali. Employing the GIS-SEQ integration, we meticulously gauged the physicochemical and bacteriological attributes of these sites. Our assessment unveiled readings that surpassed the established Moroccan benchmarks for surface water quality. Notably, the water exhibited pronounced turbidity and elevated levels of suspended particles, including nitrites and sulfates. Additionally, a notable organic load and microbial contamination involving fecal coliforms (E. coli) and intestinal enterococci were observed. These findings underscore the critical necessity for the implementation of efficient wastewater treatment measures within Taza, which would substantially safeguard both the populace and the surrounding ecosystem. It is imperative to conduct further in-depth investigations to validate these outcomes and devise comprehensive strategies aimed at mitigating the potential hazards linked with the compromised state of surface water.