Hydrogeochemical characterization and human health risks associated with groundwater nitrate concentrations in the Saiss basin, Morocco
Groundwater has been facing not only prolonged climate change-induced groundwater shortage but also severe deterioration of groundwater quality from natural and/or anthropogenic sources. This study aims to determine the hydrogeochemical processes controlling groundwater chemistry in the Saiss basin,...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
KeAi Communications Co., Ltd.
2025-01-01
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| Series: | HydroResearch |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2589757824000489 |
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| Summary: | Groundwater has been facing not only prolonged climate change-induced groundwater shortage but also severe deterioration of groundwater quality from natural and/or anthropogenic sources. This study aims to determine the hydrogeochemical processes controlling groundwater chemistry in the Saiss basin, Morocco, and to assess seasonal changes in groundwater quality using the entropy-weighted water quality index (EWQI). In addition, human health risks associated with groundwater nitrate (NO3−) contamination/pollution were investigated using the hazard quotient (HQ). Groundwater chemistry in the Saiss basin was mainly controlled by mineral dissolution/precipitation and direct cation exchange, with slight seasonal variations in the saturation indices (SIs). The EWQI suggested slight groundwater quality deterioration in the dry season due to increased NO3− concentrations. In fact, children were over two times exposed to non-carcinogenic issues associated with groundwater NO3− concentrations when compared with adults. The current study provides further insights into the hydrogeochemical characteristics of groundwater to ensure safe regional water supplies. |
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| ISSN: | 2589-7578 |