Evaluation of water quality of Oum Er Rbia River (Morocco) using water quality index (WQI) method

Abstract

The objective of the present study is to investigate the spatiotemporal variation analysis of water quality and identification of water pollution sources in Oum Er Rbia river. To evaluate the water quality of river, physico-chemical analysis of water samples taken from eight stations in dry and in wet seasons along the Oum Er Rbia river were studied. These stations were monitored for 20 parameters; water temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, electrical conductivity, total Hardness, turbidity, tomplete alkalimetric title, organic matter (oxidizability), chlorides, sulphates, nitrates, nitrites, ammonium, iron, copper, lead, cadmium, nickel, chromium, and zinc. Results of water samples were compared with Moroccan norms for drinking water and permitted values recommended by World Health Organization. Results indicated that the water quality parameters are over Moroccan norms for drinking water in some stations. Seasonal variation was observed in the physicochemical composition of water in the wet compared to the dry period . The water quality index (WQI) method was used to evaluate water quality classification for drinking purpose. This study indicates that the water of Oum Er Rbia River is potentially dangerous to health of the users and signaled the necessity to treat industrial and municipal wastewater and to encourage sustainable agricultural practices to avoid adverse health effects.