Ecological and Agricultural monitoring of Sebou river waters at Kariat Bamohamed (Taounate-Morocco)
Abstract
Kariat Bamohamed is an agricultural region located to the west of the city of Taounate and north of the city of Fez. The surface waters in the region are mainly composed by the Sebou river and many natural springs. The study concerns the analysis of hydrochemical parameters (T°, pH, CE, MES, O2, BOD5, COD, Cl-, PO43-, NH4+ and NO3-) along the middle Sebou river region of Kariat Bamohamed in order to establish a diagnosis of the state of pollution of the surface waters of this part of the river. Water sampling was carried out at four study stations during flood period and during low water period.
In the light of the results obtained on the surface waters of the Sebou river, it is concluded to a degradation of water quality in both the winter and summer periods. In particular, an increase in the values of ammonium, COD and BOD5 in addition to an acidic pH due to margine discharges and leaching of fertilizers and other discharges of wastewaters from the cities of Fez and Kariat Bamohamed.
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Introduction
In Morocco, superficial flows are dependent on rainfall and exhibit high spatial variability [1-2]. In general, the water resources available to Morocco are limited and subject to extreme cyclical variations [3]. Similarly, the qualitative situation of the waters is far from satisfactory [4]. Indeed, population growth accompanied by rapid urbanization that causes many disturbances to natural environments [5]. Industrialization, the irrational use of fertilizers and pesticides and the lack of awareness of the population towards the protection of the environment, lead as much to an imbalance of the ecosystem and generate polluting elements that can affect the physico-chemical quality biological and aquatic receiving environments [6], but also alter the uses of water; water collection, swimming ... etc [7].
The sub-basin of Sebou river drains the Kariat Bamohamed region and is particularly affected by the problem of continuous development of the agricultural sector [8]. Indeed, discharges of wastewaters, pesticides and fertilizers drained by rainwater and irrigation, in addition to domestic discharges generated by the small town of Kariat Bamohamed and the city of Fez are dumped directly into the Sebou river [9].
The present research on the Bamohamed region is aimed at the prospection of the hydrochemistry of the waters of the Sebou river. The study will be based on a monitoring of the indicators of the physicochemical pollution of the water and the determination of the seasonal fluctuations of these parameters between the period of low water and the period of flood.
Conclusion
In the light of cumulative results after monitoring the physicochemical parameters of the surface waters of the Sebou river in the Kariat Bamohamed (Midle Sebou) region, it was concluded that the quality of the water deteriorated both during the winter and the summer period [16-19].
Indeed, during the winter period, an increase in the values of ammonium, COD, BOD5 and an acidic pH was noted. Discards of vegetable waters and leaching of fertilizers are held responsible in addition to the usual factors such as discharges of raw sewage from the cities of Fes and Kariat Bamohamed.
During the summer season, the low flow of the river, the increase of the water temperature and the activity of the microorganisms, explain the fact that the recorded values of the BOD5 and the COD are more important than that recorded in winter. In addition, high values of electrical conductivity indicate excessive mineralization that exceeds the drinking norms [20].
