Anthropogenic impact on groundwater quality in the Oued Dfali watershed in the city of Taza, Morocco

¹ Geo-Resources and Environment Laboratory, University of Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdellah
² Higher Institute of Nursing Professions and Health Techniques of Fez -Annex Taza-, Taza 35000, Morocco
³ Laboratory of Space, History, Dynamics, and Sustainable Development, Multidisciplinary faculty of Taza, Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdellah Fez, Morocco.
⁴ Laboratory of Engineering, Electrochemistry and Modeling Environment (LEEME), Faculty of Sciences Fez, Morocco
⁵ Laboratory of Geodynamics and Natural Resources, Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University, Fez, Morocco
⁶ Laboratory for Spatial Recomposition and Sustainable Development, Chouaib Doukkali University Faculty of Arts and Humanities, El Jadida, Morocco
⁷ École Supérieure d’Education et de formation, Université Mohammed 1ᵉʳ, Oujda, Maroc

^* Corresponding author: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Abstract

This study was undertaken to determine the physicochemical quality of groundwater in the Oued Dfali catchment area, which is used by the local population for drinking and domestic purposes. Eleven sampling points, comprising wells and springs, were sampled during 2025. Around twenty physico-chemical parameters were analysed. The concentrations of these parameters vary from one sampling point to another and characterise these waters as being within a moderately acceptable range for certain parameters such as dissolved oxygen, conductivity, pH, hydrogen carbonate ions, chlorides and sulphates for the study period. However, for other parameters, the levels are unacceptable for human consumption, such as nitrates, aluminium, nickel and turbidity, which exceed the quality standards for drinking water. The main cause of this pollution is anthropogenic, stemming from hospital effluents (CHP Ibn Baja) and urban waste from the city of Taza, which poses a major risk to humans and the environment, particularly to water resources. The results obtained will be of great interest to health and hygiene services in taking preventive action to avoid serious health risks.