Moroccan Standards Research Articles

Earnings Quality in the IFRS Era: Evidence from Morocco

Purpose: the aim of this study is to determine whether the introduction of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) by Moroccan companies listed on the Casablanca Stock Exchange will contribute to improving the quality of earnings. Methodology: This study spans six years (2015-2020) and a sample of 27 listed Moroccan groups. Furthermore, we divided earnings quality into two main dimensions: on the one hand, earnings management, measured by earnings smoothing and earnings management towards small positive amounts; on the other hand, earnings attribute quality, assessed by accruals quality, persistence and predictability of net income and operating cash flows. Findings: The results of the empirical tests can be divided into two categories: On the one hand, the results of tests of the effect of IFRS on earnings management practices as the first measure of earnings quality show that companies use earnings management in the post-IFRS period compared with the pre-IFRS period. Furthermore, the results of tests of the effect of IFRS on the quality of earnings attributes as a second measure of earnings quality show that the various measures used appear to be of better quality in the pre-IFRS period than in the post-IFRS period. This indicates that the adoption of IFRS in the Moroccan context is contributing to deterioration in the quality of information. Practical implications: The authors demonstrate that the serious and rigorous adoption of IFRS by preparers, as well as training and seminars on the interpretation and application of each standard, are important to accentuate the positive effect of IFRS on the reliability of results. In addition, the findings provide policy-makers and stakeholders in the Moroccan financial market with an insight into the quality of Moroccan standards compared with IFRS in terms of earnings quality. Originality/value: to the best of the authors' knowledge, studies on the effect of IFRS on earnings quality in the Moroccan context are rare, if not non-existent. We therefore focus on this financial center, which mirrors developing countries, in order to highlight the effects of the introduction of IFRS on this type of market.

Spatial assessment of groundwater quality for drinking In Souk El Arbaa, Morocco

ABSTRACT Morocco is facing challenges with its water resources due to population growth, industrial expansion, agriculture, urban development, tourism, climate change, overuse of underground water sources, and pollution from inadequate sanitation and chemical fertilizers. The Gharb aquifer is significant for supplying drinking water and irrigation in the country. Souk El Arbaa is a Moroccan city located in the northwestern part of the Kingdom of Morocco in the Kenitra Province. Its economic activities depend mainly on agriculture and livestock raising. This study aims to assess the groundwater status of a basin in a semi-arid climate in the Souk El Arbaa for drinking purposes by collecting 14 samples in 2022 from different locations and analyzing their physicochemical characteristics. The quality assessment was made by estimating electrical conductivity, pH, total dissolved solids, total hardness, calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium, bicarbonates, chloride, sulfate, nitrate, and ammonium. The results showed that most of the groundwater in the study area is very hard, and all groundwater in the study area, according to the Moroccan Standards for drinking purposes, exceeds the permissible limits for nitrate and ammonium.

Growing coastal tourism: Can biomonitoring provide insights into the health of coastal ecosystems?

Coastal tourism's surge raises concerns for Morocco's Agadir marine environment, notably with Taghazout Bay's impact. Our study assesses Taghazout's health, employing a comprehensive approach. Our study evaluates Taghazout's health, adopting a comprehensive approach covering physicochemical, microbiological aspects, macrobenthic fauna, metal pollution, and biomarkers in D. trunculus mollusks. Seawater quality aligns with Moroccan standards, indicating good bathing water. The intertidal zone hosts ten species, dominated by D. trunculus. Biomarker responses in D. trunculus suggest chemical stress. Land-use maps expose significant changes driven by the Taghazout Bay project, impacting approximately 37.99 % of the landscape. Construction activities notably encroached upon the Arganeraie and the coastal zone, creating a stark contrast from 2003. These findings form a crucial database for future studies, contributing significantly to environmental management and sustainable development, aiding informed decision-making and effective coastal ecosystem preservation strategies.

Effect of straw fibers addition on hygrothermal and mechanical properties of carbon-free adobe bricks: From material to building scale in a semi-arid climate

To achieve net-zero carbon emissions in a building's lifecycle, a comprehensive approach is required, addressing both embodied and operational carbon footprints. To support this goal, this study assesses the environmental, hygrothermal, and mechanical characteristics of different carbon-free adobe bricks bio-sourced with straw and evaluates their impacts on improving the energy performance of a one-story case study building located in a semi-arid climate. At the material scale, the mechanical performance, hydrothermal behavior, and durability of carbon-free straw-reinforced adobes, with weight percentages of 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4%, at different sizes: long straw (100–200 mm) and crushed straw (5–25 mm) were studied. The results show that incorporating straw into bricks increases porosity, enabling the production of lightweight bricks that comply with Moroccan standards for lightweight structures, possessing a density lower than the accepted limit of 1750 kg/m³. Furthermore, the thermomechanical properties of reinforced adobes were considerably improved compared to non-reinforced ones, with a gain in mechanical compressive and flexural strengths of 31.2% and 184%, respectively. However, it is important to note that in the case of adobe bricks reinforced with long straw (BLS), the findings revealed that, unlike other thermomechanical properties, long straw has a negative effect on compressive strength. Additionally, thermal conductivity decreased by 93.8% and 86.8% for a 4% inclusion of long and crushed straw, respectively. At the building scale, the indoor hygrothermal comfort was evaluated with respect the hot, semi-arid region in southern Morocco. The results show that the reinforced adobe material is able to reduce the indoor temperature of the case study building from 3 °C to 12 °C during the summer time, compared to the outdoor temperature, with a time lag of up to 5 h between the interior and exterior. Moreover, it successfully maintained diurnal indoor air temperature fluctuation within 2 °C. In addition, indoor relative humidity remained in the recommended 40%–65% by ASHRAE Standard 62.1–2022, over 78% during the monitoring period, even when the outside relative humidity fluctuated significantly (5–95%). Finally, a Morris-based sensitivity analysis was carried out on nine design parameters of the case-study building to assess the impact of varying the thermal properties of reinforced adobe bricks on cooling and heating energy performance, respectively. Thermal conductivity was found to have a significant impact on cooling energy demands and a lesser influence on heating demands. The study also indicates that straw-reinforced adobe bricks can improve cooling energy performance by up to 17.8% without compromising the overall embodied carbon of the building envelope.

Water Resource Impacts of Irrigation: The Case of the Main Irrigation Canal from the M’Pourie Plain to Rosso in Mauritania

An important factor in determining agricultural production is the availability of irrigation water in the main canal of the M’Pourie plain. This factor affects both the intensification of crops and the size of the irrigation areas. The main Senegal River canal in Rosso, Mauritania, runs across the Plaine of M’Pourie. This study aims to assess the physicochemical quality of the water used for irrigation and agriculture in the main irrigation canal on the M’Pourie plain. The measurements were made from 2021 to 2022, and the following physical and chemical parameters were monitored: pH, temperature, electrical conductivity, salt content, calcium, magnesium, sodium, and potassium; ammonium bicarbonate; chloride; nitrite; nitrate; nitrogen; sulfate; and sodium adsorption ratio (SAR). These measurements were analyzed using volumetric, spectroscopic, and spectrophotometric methods. After conducting statistical analysis and comparing the results with Moroccan quality standards for surface water utilized in irrigation, it has been discovered that the average pH value is 7.51, indicating a neutral state. However, the average nitrite and ammonium values exceed Moroccan standards at 5.16 mg.L-1 and 0.41 mg.L-1, respectively. The water’s low mineralization is attributed to its low electrical conductivity, with an average of 52.2 μS.cm-1. Based on the analysis of the Senegal River water used for irrigation in the M’Pourie plain, it has been determined that its sodium adsorption ratio and electrical conductivity classify it as belonging to class C1S1. This indicates that the water has low salinity and is excellent for irrigation, with a low risk of alkalinization.

Hospital wastewater treatment using electrocoagulation: Performance, kinetics, settlement analysis, and cost-effectiveness

The hospital units conduct a wide range of activities and generate a massive amount of effluent, which contains a large variety of contaminated pharmaceuticals, radioactive elements, and chemicals. The increased chemical oxygen demand (COD), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), turbidity, total hardness (TDS), nitrate, phosphates, and ammonium ions in wastewater have an unfavorable impact on all living forms of the ecosystem. Electrocoagulation (EC) is an adaptable technique for removing pollutants from wastewater, it has been used in this study to determine the optimal conditions utilizing several process variables, including pH, current density, time, and electrolyte dose. Up to 94%, 31%, 96%, 54%, 50%, and 22% respectively, less COD, BOD, turbidity, phosphate, nitrate, and ammonium ions were detected. Fecal indicator bacteria were significantly reduced. Subsequently, the treated water was evaluated for suitability of reuse in farming by comparing its parameters to those of the World Health Organization (WHO), the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), and Moroccan standards. After germination tests on radish beans, it was discovered that the EC-treated water was suitable for irrigation. The suitability of the implemented process was assessed by comparing it to advanced oxidation and biological approaches.

Impact assessment of the effects of the former uncontrolled landfill of Sidi Yahya Oujda (Morocco) on groundwater using physicochemical, geological and electrical triple approaches

This study is part of the geophysical mapping of the former site of the uncontrolled Sidi Yahya Oujda landfill. It also aims to show the contribution of the integrated interpretation of geological and geophysical data in the diagnosis of illegal dump sites. The application was made on the rehabilitated site of the former uncontrolled Oujda landfill located in Sidi-Yahya, which was closed in 2005. Geological and geophysical studies by electrical resistivity tomography (TRE) were carried out at the site level. Nine 475 m long TRE profiles with an investigation depth of up to 110 m were generated to image the subsoil. Analysis of the physicochemical and metallic composition of the leachate from this site and the groundwater taken from 3 nearby wells revealed significant pollution of the leachate with a COD of 12780 mg. O2/L and a BOD5 of 525.34 mg. O2/L. The groundwater had high electrical conductivity (average of 3.9 mS/cm), chloride content (710 mg/L average) and nitrate content (74.62 mg/L average). The metal concentrations in the leachate and groundwater far exceeded the Moroccan standards, with high average values for zinc (619.22 μg/L), copper (318.12 μg/L), nickel (233.76 μg/L), chromium (169.16 μg/L), L) and iron (12940 μg/L). Geologically, a context was highlighted with lateral lithological variations and the presence of faults. The waste/leachate layer has low resistivity values (<10 Ω m) and a thickness of up to 25 m. It rests on terrains of different geological natures. In the southern part of the site, there is a layer of red clay with a thickness of up to 50 m and low resistivities (<10 Ω m), which overlies a layer of limestone with high resistivity values (>100 Ω m). In the northern part, we encounter a discontinuous and thin layer of fractured dolomites with resistivities greater than 50 Ω m. This layer of dolomite rests on a layer of clays.

Assessment of surface water quality: Case study of Oued Fez catchment areas (Morocco)

Under sustainable development conditions, water quality and quantity play a crucial role in meeting basic human needs. To meet the growing demand for water, surface water quality management is an important aspect. Consequently, water quality must be monitored and assessed via the use of innovative techniques, such as water quality index (SEQ-Water).For that purpose, water quality of Oued Fez catchment areas was evaluated according to Moroccan water quality guidelines by using the weighted quality index (SEQ-Water), physicochemical parameters, trace elements and bacteriological characterization. Five Sites were chosen after a diagnosis based on different criteria such as activity and density of population. These sites were Amont oued Fez (S1), Oued Fez (S2), Oued Ljawahir (S3), Oued Tgat (S4) and Oued Ain Smen (S5). Physicochemical quality was determined by evaluating Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), total Kjeldhal nitrogen (NTK), suspended solids (SS), nitrates (NO3-), nitrites (NO2-), ammonium (NH4+), sulphates (SO42-), total phosphorus (TP) and trace elements (Cr, Cd, Cu, Ni, Co, Pb and Zn). Bacteriological analyses were carried out by testing enumeration of total coliforms (TC) and fecal coliforms (FC).Except Oued Ain Smen, physico-chemical parameters exceed by far the Moroccan standards of surface water quality. High concentrations of Se, Cd, Pb and As were detected. Fecal and total coliforms were also present at all sites, and varied from 1150 CF/100 mL to 100,000 CF/100 mL. All results were statistically validated with a p value < 0.05. Overall quality of the water sites assessed basing on the concept of the weight quality index, showed high pollution of the Oued Fez catchments. System based on the concept of the weighted quality index (SEQ-Water) is a suitable method to monitor point sources of pollution in surface water, and could provide a crude guideline for selecting the priorities of possible preventative measures in the proper management of the surface water resources.To summarize, it would be dangerous to use water from these rivers for domestic and agricultural purposes without some form of physical and chemical treatment. Sensitization of the authorities on the extent of water pollution of this Oued and the harmful consequences for man and the ecosystem should be urgent and mandatory.

Microbiological Profile and Hygienic Quality of Foodstuffs Marketed in Collective Catering in Central Morocco.

Food hygiene is important both for its impact on the health of citizens and also for the cost of the infections that it can generate. In Morocco, it has become a concern of authorities. This work, realized for the first time in the center of Morocco, is aimed at describing the microbiological quality of foodstuffs marketed in collective catering in central Morocco. This study was conducted retrospectively from January 2015 to December 2019 in Fez city, central Morocco. The samples collected by the competent authority during official control from restaurants and food outlets were analyzed. Non-conformity was chosen as an indicator of food quality according to the official Moroccan standards. The samples were presented according to several variables: year/month/season, category/subcategory, communes, and establishment. The statistical processing of the results was done by SPSS 25. The Chi2 statistical test was calculated to determine a relationship between non-conformity and the type of analyzed matrix (year, season, and food category). The test was considered statistically significant for a p value < 0.05. A total of 2223 food samples were investigated, with an annual average of 445 samples. Overall, the rate of non-compliance during 2015-2019 was 31%, reaching its maximum in 2017 (36.4%) and its minimum in 2018 (27.5%).This rate varies by food type. Juices/drinks and meat products are the most contaminated with 71.7% and 58.1%, respectively, followed by milk and derivatives with 43.2%, seasoning sauces with 28.6%, pastries and pastry creams with 21.4%, and 14.4% for ready meals. The main causes of food non-conformity were fecal contamination germs with 67% positive fecal coliforms and 15% of total coliforms followed by total germs (7%), Staphylococcus aureus (5%), yeasts and molds (3%), sulfite-reducing anaerobes (2%), and Salmonella (1%). Given the obtained results, improving the hygienic quality of foods is necessary to ensure better consumer safety.

Evaluation of the Effects of Riparian Population Activities on the Physicochemical Quality of Water in a Mediterranean River: The Inaouene River (Taza, North East Morocco)

Mediterranean Rivers are often increasingly subjected to stress as a result of riparian population activities. This present study assessed the impact of human activities on the water quality of the Inaouene River in Morocco. For this purpose, water samples were collected from seven sampling stations along the River and analysed. The water of the Inaouene River is characterised by slightly alkaline water pH (7.32-7.59), electrical conductivity (1206.44-3674.14 μS cm-1), very low level of dissolved oxygen (1.98-5.55 mg L-1), BOD5 (45.42-328.7 mg L-1), COD (112.71-468.46 mg L-1). The results classify the Inaouene River’s water in the “moderate to poor” quality range based on Moroccan standards. This water, which is characterised by moderate to severe organic contamination, is also distinguished by a significant allochthone charge from the different riparian urban centres. The multivariate analysis showed a decline in water quality and high amounts of organic matter, nitrogenous and phosphorus in urban centres downstream. Waters from stations located further away from domestic discharge points are less polluted and more oxygenated. Overall, these findings confirmed that the combined effect of anthropogenic activities and the seasonality characteristic of the Inaouene watershed is the main factor that determines water quality.

Aerobic treatment of fish canning wastewater using a pilot-scale external membrane bioreactor

Fish canning wastewater is characterized by high salinity and organic matter, which makes its treatment particularly difficult. To this purpose, the use of an aerobic membrane bioreactor (AeMBR) process could be a perfect option for the treatment of this wastewater. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of different operational conditions on the performance of the biological process and ceramic ultrafiltration (UF) membrane in AeMBR pilot plant for fish canning wastewater treatment. The AeMBR pilot was operated under ambient conditions (21.5 °C), 12 days of sludge retention time (SRT) and for a hydraulic retention time (HRT) of 24 h. The effect of operational parameters including organic loading rate (OLR) (3–5 kg COD/m3.day); total dissolved solids (TDS) (2.5–5 g/L), oxygenation rate (700 and 1300 NL/h) and transmembrane pressure (TMP) (0.05–1.5 bar) affected the quality of the effluent. The main performance results were the removal of approximately 97% of COD, 98% of BOD, 90% of nitrate and over 97% of total Kjeldahl nitrogen (TKN) and total phosphorus (TP). The treated effluent at the output of the AeMBR meets the quality standards according to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) directive and the Moroccan standards for the discharge and reuse of water for irrigation and watering.

Assessment of Physicochemical and Bacteriological Parameters in the Angads Aquifer (Northeast Morocco): Application of Principal Component Analysis and Piper and Schoeller–Berkaloff Diagrams

Groundwater is a vital resource and a development lever for many countries, including Morocco. To develop these resources, mineralogical and hydrogeochemical studies as well as a bacteriological study were carried out on the groundwater of the Angads aquifer, which is located in the northeast of Morocco to highlight the processes at the origin of mineralization, their quality for human consumption and irrigation, as well as the hydrogeochemical facies of these waters. To do this, a multivariate statistical analysis using principal component analysis, varimax rotation of factors, and hierarchical ascending classification were conducted for all the groundwater samples of the Angads aquifer in Oujda. The main results revealed that these waters present faecal contamination by faecal and total coliforms and faecal streptococci. And another one by nitrates due to the high values of NO3−, as well as the mineralization of these waters is controlled by the nature of the geological formations crossed and the residence time in the aquifer, which is confirmed by the presence of ions such as Cond, HCO3−, Ca2+, Mg2+, and SO42−. Concerning the quality of the groundwater, according to Moroccan standards and the World Health Organization, the results show that they are generally unsuitable for human consumption and irrigation. Two diagrams were used to study the facies: Piper and Schoeller–Berkaloff. The results show that these waters are highly mineralized, with the chloride and sulphate calcic and magnesian facies dominating with 89.47%. To protect this vital resource, sustainable management actions must be implemented, in particular, to reduce the use of pesticides, control the use of fertilizers, and clean up and purify the groundwater.

Systemic Quality Management Processes in Construction Projects

This research is part of the quality approach of a construction company. It aims to make the assessment of quality management for a real construction project, this assessment will be done through the analysis of the database of the company and the documentation established during the realization of the site. Obtaining quality in construction will always remain problematic, in the absence of monitoring of construction work, defects in the execution may appear and affect the durability, stability, and aesthetic appearance of the built work. The non-quality can affect the project from the design and study phase, through the course of the work to the commissioning of the project. Hence, the need for quality control in the successive phases of design and construction, an analysis of the issues, and a description of the quality system can formalize the requirements of sustainable adequacy of works to ensure that the project requirements are constantly met according to the ISO 9001 and Moroccan standards of construction. A formalized risk management tool for non-conformities previously encountered on site is implemented to put into practice the theoretical and methodological approach proposed in several case studies. The current study develops an operational quality management process for the company, to identify non-conformities, qualify, and quantify them. This tool could become a powerful communication tool for all actors and a real decision support tool within the companies. Indeed, complex construction projects present enriching experiences to better master the economy, technique, design, construction, and maintenance. The future of this type of innovative projects depends on better collaboration between the parties to share responsibilities and risks. Keywords: quality management, construction site, non-compliance, formalized process, ISO 9001. https://doi.org/10.55463/issn.1674-2974.50.2.28

Impact assessment of treated wastewater reuse for irrigation: growth potential and development of lettuce in Al Hoceima province, Morocco

The reuse of treated wastewater for agricultural practices is becoming increasingly important due to the growing demand for the transition to a circular economy. It has the major advantage of providing an alternative resource to the conventional water used for agricultural irrigation. The main objective of this work is to study, through tests on experimental installations, the effect of the type of irrigation water on the growth and development of lettuce. The types of irrigation water were prepared from purified wastewater, treated wastewater plus fertilizer, conventional water, and conventional water plus fertilizer. The physicochemical analyzes of wastewater from the Imzouren-Bni Bouayach WWTP resulted in different values of the parameters measured (pH, temperature, electrical conductivity, oxygen below, suspended matter, BOD5, COD, nitrate, nitrite and phosphorus) which fall within the limited range of direct discharges and comply with Moroccan standards for the quality of water intended for irrigation. The results of the characterization of the soil showed that it is a basic soil (pH= 8.5), unsalted (electrical conductivity = 2.43 ms/cm) and poor in organic and nutrient elements (Carbon 0.8%, organic matter 1.46%, nitrogen 0.06 mg/l, phosphorus 10.5 mg/l, potassium 56.4 mg/l.) The main results of the plant analysis show that the production level of this study crop irrigated with conventional water is similar to that of this study crop irrigated with treated wastewater. In other words, irrigation with treated wastewater allows lettuce to guarantee irrigated production at least at the level of conventional water. Another motivated addition of nitrogen, phosphate and potash mineral supplement in the treated wastewater improves the production potential of lettuce.

Assessment of the impact of the water quality on ichthyological biodiversity in Morocco: Case of Oum Er Rabia River

The objective of this work package is to identify and characterize the physicochemical and organic pollution parameters of the water along the Taghat - Khénifra section of Oum Er Rabia River during dry and rainy seasons (2018–2019) and their impact on ichthyological diversity. According to fish water standards parameters (Oxygen dissolved (8.17 mg/L), potential hydrogen (8.3), electrical conductivity (2647.5 µS/cm), Total Hardness (6.08 meq/L) and Sulphates (64.92 mg/L)). The different stations studied show that the parameters are in conformity with the needs of salmonids and cyprinids. For temperature, which is important for fish biology, the recorded values exceed the Moroccan standards for some freshwater species, and consequently the absence of salmonids in the study area (ST1 to ST4). The chloride concentrations are very high; these increases due to the water demineralization station and the lithology of the region may affect the growth of fish that must provide a lot of energy for osmoregulation. The main parameters of the organic pollution index (biological oxygen demand, chemical oxygen demand, ammonia, and nitrite) are in agreement with the needs of cyprinids only at stations ST1 and ST4. For ST2, which receives wastewater discharges without treatment and ST3, the water quality is poor for cyprinid especially for (varicorhinus maroccanus) endemic species classified according to the International Union of Conservation of Nature as a species listed in the red list. The results obtained corroborate with the fish river typology from the Oum Er Rabia River where the habitat of salmonids (Oncorhynchus mykiss and Salmo trutta macrostigma, Duméril, 1858) is limited only to the upstream part of the river. At all station (ST1, ST2, ST3 and ST4), density and biology of cyprinids are affected by the degradation of water quality following the discharge of wastewater, which will affect the socio-economic activities related to artisanal fishing and varicorhinus marocanus endemic species of Oum Er Rabia River.

Evaluation of the metallic and bacteriological quality of well water in Khenifra province (Morocco).

Water contaminated by microorganisms and chemical molecules is a cause of disease for humans and the environment. For this reason, we have assessed the microbiological quality and metallic trace elements of groundwater used by the rural population of the Khenifra province, Morocco. Two groundwater sampling campaigns were carried out during the period February/August 2021, studying physico-chemical parameters such as temperature, electrical conductivity, dissolved oxygen, and ph. Then, the metallic trace elements were analyzed: lead (Pb), copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), manganese (Mn), iron (Fe), and zinc (Zn). In addition, the samples taken for the bacteriological study were filtered and introduced in a growth medium for the research and enumeration of total aerobic mesophilic germs vary from 1 to 30.103CFUs/ml, total coliforms (1 to 3x102 CFUs/100ml), Escherichia Coli(1 to 3x102 CFUs/100ml)and intestinal enterococci(1 to 290 CFUs/100ml). The analysis was carried out according to the recommendations of Moroccan standards. It is interesting to note that the groundwater in the Khenifra region is contaminated with pollutants and can cause a health risk for the inhabitants.

Physico-chemical, chemical and biological characterization of wastewater treatment plant of Oujda (Eastern Morocco) and possibility of reuse in irrigation

The wastewater treatment plants (WWTP), in particular those using aerated lagoons, can be subject to failures that limit the reliability of treatment performance over the operating period. This is observed at the wastewater treatment plant of the city of Oujda, object of our study, the objective of which is to verify the purification performance from the diagnosis of the WWTP. To do this, we diagnosed the functioning of the different treatment stages during one year of operation (2020) by determining the physico-chemical, chemical, parasitological and bacteriological (biological) characteristics of the treated wastewater, throughout their treatment process, in comparison with the standards for reuse in irrigation and the Moroccan standards for direct liquid discharge into the natural environment.Data analysis showed that the efficiency of the combined system reached 79 %, 85 % and 84 % of suspended solids (SS), chemical demand in oxygen (COD) and biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5) respectively. With pollutant loads at the WWTP inlet of 13 306.45 Kg/d of suspended solids, 32 407.39 kg/d of COD and 20 752.29 kg/d of BOD5 and polluting loads at the WWTP outlet of 3 379.80 kg/d of suspended solids, 4 949.08 kg/d of COD and 3 261.93 Kg/d of BOD5.The bacteriological analysis shows faecal pollution of human origin, which is of the average order of 3.2 E + 07 at WWTP entry and 4.4 E + 03 at WWTP exit, with an abatement yield of 99.99 %.The analysis of the purified effluent at the WWTP outlet revealed that the discharge standards for the flows at the outlet of the station in terms of physico-chemical and parasitological parameters, in particular the BOD5, COD, SS, salmonella and cholera vibrios are well respected. While, the system shows signs of imbalance that is expressed in the non-compliance of fecal coliforms (FC).

ASSESSMENT OF URBAN WASTEWATER POLLUTIONDISCHARGED BY THE MOROCCAN CITY OF KENITRA AT THESEBOU RIVER ESTUARY

The dangerous chemical contamination of the Sebou River Estuary by the untreated urban wastewater from the city of Kenitra has been the subject of an extensive and comprehensive characterization through the study of the physico-chemical qualities of effluent samples from eight different municipal wastewater collectors (A, B, C, D, E, F, G and H) using standard methods. The evaluated physico-chemical parameters include: flow rate, pH, temperature (T °), chemical oxygen demand (COD), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5), suspended matter (SM) and electrical conductivity (EC). The characterization of the examined parameters displayed a moderately neutral pH level in the domestic wastewater collectors (B to H), nonetheless, collector (A) showcased an exceptionally alkaline pH that arrays from 8.1 to 9.6, which in turn impacts the electrical conductivity and temperature, to the point of occasionally reaching up to 30.3 °C in the collectorin question. Pertaining to the collected (COD) and (BOD5) results, their values significantly exceeded the Moroccan standards, especially in collectors A, G and F, exhibiting thus low biodegradability with a COD / BOD5 ratio exceeding 3. The characterization of municipal wastewater and the measurement of its flow made the estimation of the pollution quantity discharged at the level of the Sebou river estuary achievable, these data will subsequently be used in favor of modeling and monitoring the fate of pollution in the receiving environment.

Bioaccumulation of trace elements in agricultural crops and soils irrigated by the surface waters of Sebou and Beht rivers

Purpose: This study assessed the bioaccumulation of metallic elements in agricultural crops which is irrigated by the surface waters of Beht and Sebou rivers. Method: The study focused on two plants. Seven metal elements (Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn) were analyzed by spectrometry emission coupled plasma (ICP). Results: The obtained results showed that the levels of Cd in irrigating water exceed the thresholds set by Moroccan standards. The concentrations of Cd and Cr in soil (0-15, 15-30 cm) are higher than those set by the AFNOR and the contents of Cd, Cr, Cu and Ni in the supports of the plants exceed normal levels which are established by Kabata-Pendias and Mukherjee. Indeed, the high absorption of certain trace elements by the tissues of the plants studied can be associated with the chemical forms of the metal in the soil matrix, the physicochemical characteristics of the soil and the nature of the plant species.Conclusion: The bioaccumulation of identified metallic elements in plants is caused using surface waters of Sebou and Beht rivers as a source of irrigation.

Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices (KAP) Regarding Meat Safety and Sanitation among Carcass Handlers Operating and Assessment of Bacteriological Quality of Meat Contact Surfaces at the Marrakech Slaughterhouse, Morocco.

According to the Moroccan Court of Auditors, the meats are prepared in slaughterhouses that do not meet the basic conditions required by Moroccan standards. This survey is being conducted to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of handlers regarding the salubrity and hygiene of meat and to evaluate the bacteriological load of work surfaces in a slaughterhouse located in the Marrakech region. A total of 100 people working at the slaughterhouse participated in the study. The average values concerning the attitude and practice of the carcass handlers were, respectively, very satisfactory (65.7%) and acceptable (53.44%), while the average value of knowledge was generally low (39%). Bacterial load was assessed by the serial dilution method using the standard procedure. Seventy samples were taken from the hands of manipulators, knives, clothes, hooks, door handles, floor, and walls over an area of between 20 and 100 cm2. The total number of aerobic mesophiles (TAVCs), Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Salmonella spp was determined for each sample. Escherichia coli was the predominant isolate (42%), while Salmonella spp and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were the least bacterial isolates with 16% and 14%, respectively. Walls and knives were the most contaminated by E. coli at 90%. This survey reveals the importance of developing formal training for all slaughterhouse handlers regarding meat hygiene and safety during carcass processing to develop their knowledge and practices. Bacteriological results indicate a need to improve the available slaughter facilities and develop an appropriate slaughter process strategy to minimize the risk of carcass contamination.