Abstract
Considering the effects of climatic conditions on groundwater resources salinization and quality, a comparative study was conducted on the coastal aquifers of Sines (Portugal) and Essaouira (Morocco). Under the climatic and environmental conditions these two basins present different vulnerabilities to anthropogenic activities. Both aquifers correspond to sedimentary basins with similar structures and lithologies. From the available physical, chemical and piezometric data, two series of results of each area were selected corresponding to two different years that were analysed by Principal Component Analysis (PCA). Sines basin is characterised by a temperate climate. In the Sines aquifer the waterrock interaction process is the major mechanism responsible for the groundwater evolution, conferring a calcium-bicarbonate facies. Applying the PCA, punctual anthropogenic contamination was identified and linked to agricultural activities. The water resources of the Essaouira basin are characteristic of a semi-arid climate, and are severely impacted by the climate (quantity and quality). PCA allowed the evaluation of the contribution of the Tidzi diapir in the water recharge that confers to the groundwater a sodium-chloride facies. Although this statistical method did not shown a nitrate contamination input in the Essaouira multi-aquifer, this polluent presents locally high values. Also the very high evaporation and scarce precipitation activate the processes of salinization and contamination.
Highlights
The problems related with the increase of salinization and pollution in groundwater systems is generally associated to the effects of seawater and on the other hand by the anthropogenic activities such as domestic wastes, agriculture and industry
Considering the effects of climatic conditions on groundwater resources salinization and quality, a comparative study was conducted on the coastal aquifers of Sines and Essaouira basins located on the Atlantic coastline, southern (Portugal), and southern (Morocco), respectively (Fig. 1)
Sines sedimentary basin is characterised by a temperate climate with a mean annual rainfall of about 650 mm/year and with a potencial evapotranspiration of about 750 mm/year (Lavaredas and Silva, 1999a)
Summary
The problems related with the increase of salinization and pollution in groundwater systems is generally associated to the effects of seawater (seawater intrusion by overexploitation of the system and by sea-salt-spray) and on the other hand by the anthropogenic activities such as domestic wastes, agriculture and industry. Considering the effects of climatic conditions on groundwater resources salinization and quality, a comparative study was conducted on the coastal aquifers of Sines and Essaouira basins located on the Atlantic coastline, southern (Portugal), and southern (Morocco), respectively (Fig. 1). Both aquifers have similar structure and lithologies. Opposite conditions are found at Essaouira basin located in a Moroccan semi-arid area with maximum annual rainfall of 300 mm/year and with a high potential evapotranspiration around 920 mm/year (Fakir, 2001). One main aquifer was identified, supplying water for drinking and for agricultural activities
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