S. Bouri

Impact of anthropogenic activities on the groundwater resources of the unconfined aquifer of Triffa plain (Eastern Morocco)

Located at the northeastern part of Morocco, the plain of Triffa is characterized by a semi-arid climate where water resources are rather fragile and influenced by a highly irregular rainfall distribution, both in time (annual and inter-annual distribution) and in space. The mean annual rainfall does not exceed 240xa0mm. In the Triffa plain, the impact of anthropogenic activities on the groundwater resources is reflected both by (a) the decrease in the piezometric level due to the over exploitation and droughts and (b) the deterioration of the chemical quality of water. Currently, this situation is felt mainly by the farmers. The unconfined aquifer is under stress due to the increase of the pollution rate, especially by nitrates that are above the WHO standards, and salinity. Organochlorine pesticides are ubiquitous and persistent organic pollutants used widely in agriculture. Due to their extensive use in agriculture, organic environment contaminants such as hexachlorocyclohexane, DDT, and DDD along organochlorine pesticides are distributed globally by transport through water. Pesticides such as aldrin, lindane, and heptachlor have also been detected and were considered as indicators showing the need to inform and to train farmers on the pesticides and fertilizers use in order to reduce the threat of groundwater contamination.

Comparison of three applied methods of groundwater vulnerability mapping: application to the coastal aquifer of Chebba–Mellouleche (Tunisia)

AbstractThe Chebba–Mellouleche Aquifer situated in the eastern coast of Tunisia is known for population growth and industrial development. These industrial and agricultural developments have led to water resources’ degradation. So, cartography of the vulnerability seems to be an efficient tool for water resources management. In order to evaluate the vulnerability of the aquifer to pollution, three methods were used: DRASTIC, GALDIT and AVI based on the geographical information system (GIS) tools. These methods use different parameters which explain the different results in the vulnerability degrees in the Chebba–Mellouleche Aquifer. The vulnerability maps show that the coastal part of the study area is the most vulnerable zone. This explains the high similarity between the vulnerability map using the real weights, calculated by sensitivity analysis, and the nitrate distribution one. This reveals the high importance of sensitivity analysis in the validation of the vulnerability methods and in the choice of...