Nitrates in the groundwater of the Triffa plain Eastern Morocco

Abstract

Plants do not assimilate all the nitrogen they are given, and the surplus ends up in groundwater in the form of nitrates, which remains dangerous for humans and the waters become increasingly polluted. Analytical results show that most of the wells are loaded with nitrates and therefore unfit for human consumption and may have a negative effect on the region's vegetable crops.In the zone studied, levels of 2.32–174.70 mg/l of NO3− are not exceptional and far exceed the standards set by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the European Economic Community (EEC) (50 mg/l).The intensification of agriculture in the plain, especially in the irrigated areas, the excessive application of fertilizers, repeated and heavy applications of manure, irrigation, rainfall and the rising water table in some regions have led to increasing pollution of water resources.