[This article belongs to Volume - 54, Issue - 06]
Gongcheng Kexue Yu Jishu/Advanced Engineering Science
Journal ID : AES-12-08-2022-278

Title : HYDROCHEMICAL AND ISOTOPIC CHARACTERIZATION OF GROUNDWATER IN THE CENTRAL PART OF THE HAOUZ CHAIN, NORTHERN RIF, MOROCCO
Hassan BARHI, Jamal Eddine STITOU EL MESSARI, Omar SKAKNI, Kamar CHETOUANI, Mohamed Reda OULAD MANSOUR, Lhoussaine BOUCHAOU,

Abstract : This work aims to establish the hydrochemistry and origin of groundwater in the area located between Tlata Taghramt and Bab Alaouiya of the Haouz chain, northern Rif of Morocco. In total, 10 water samples were sampled for chemical analysis and 8 samples for isotopic analysis. Hydrochemical data processing was carried out using Piper diagrams, minerals saturation indices, descriptive and multivariate statistics. Physical parameters such as Electrical Conductivity, PH and Temperatures were measured in the field. The EC varies between 513µS/cm and 757µS/cm, the hydrogen potential varies between 7.65 and 8.07, the temperatures vary between 15°C and 17.5°C. The hydrochemical analysis shows an abundance of major elements (Anions and Cations) respectively in decreasing order: (HCO3-> Cl- > SO42- > NO3-) and (Ca2+ > Mg2+ >Na+ > K+). Bicarbonates represent 72% of the total anions while calcium represents 12% of the total cations. The enrichment of water with major elements results from the interaction of water with reservoir rocks causing the dissolution of natural minerals. The major element concentrations presented on the Piper diagram show a chemical facies of the calcium and magnesium bicarbonate type. The stable isotopes were interpreted according to conventional IAEA procedures. They show considerably large variations, ranging from -5.33‰ to -4.27‰ in δ (18O) and from -28.24‰ to -20.17‰ in δ (2H), with an average value of -4.78‰ and -23.69‰, respectively. The deuterium excess parameter (d = δ2H -8δ18O) ranged from 12.99 to 16.59 ‰, with an average of 14.53‰. Isotopic analysis indicates that groundwaters are of meteoric origin and the rainfall infiltrates without noticeable evaporation. These results provide a better understanding of the karst aquifers that constitute a vital resource for the region.