Skip to main content

Advertisement

SpringerLink
Log in

Evaluation of the physicochemical and bacteriological quality of water wells in Khenifra province (Morocco)

  • Original Article
  • Published:
Modeling Earth Systems and Environment Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Groundwater exists beneath the Earth's surface in soil, sand, and rocks. It is a crucial resource for communities and ecosystems, particularly in areas where surface water is limited. In addition, it supports various activities, including drinking and irrigation. The present research aims to evaluate the quality of groundwater used for drinking and irrigation in the Khenifra province (Morocco) using the Water Quality Index (WQI), statistical analysis, and a combination of physicochemical and microbiological methods. From May 2021 to April 2022, we have collected fourteen samples from different wells in the Khenifra province and analyzed their physicochemical and bacteriological parameters. According to the findings, the majority of wells satisfy Moroccan potability requirements. They are categorized as the sole predominant facies that contain calcium sulfates and magnesium chlorides. However, statistical analysis revealed a significant and positive relationship between the proliferation of total coliforms, fecal coliforms, and temperature changes. Therefore, evaluating water quality often involves assessing both physicochemical and bacteriological parameters, which are interdependent. In addition, high concentrations of total coliforms (T.C) (6 to 6.1 × 102 CFUs/100 ml), fecal coliforms (F.C) (7 to 6 × 102 CFUs/100 ml), and fecal streptococci (F.S) (1 to 3.77 × 102 CFUs/100 ml) were found in some well samples, indicating microbial contamination. A high concentration of bacteria in the wells may pose a risk to the general public's health and the environment. A high concentration of microorganisms in the wells can be a potential danger to the environment and public health. On the other hand, all wells have a Water Quality Index that ranges between 57 and 71, indicating good water quality. However, in order to lessen the risk to public consumption, it is imperative to decrease the microbiological contamination of the wells.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Fig. 4
Fig. 5
Fig. 6
Fig. 7
Fig. 8

Similar content being viewed by others

Data availability

All the data are included in the present study.

References

  • Abba E, Idrissi I, Bennani Y (2021) Assessment of water quality of oum er rabia river by microbiological quality index and water quality index. Pollution 7(3):561–571. https://doi.org/10.22059/poll.2021.319490.1025

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Abila R, Muthangya M, Mutuku E, Mutati K, Munguti M (2012) Physico-chemical and bacteriological quality assessment of shallow wells in Kitui town, Kenya. J Environ Sci Water Res 1:27–33

    Google Scholar 

  • Adimalla N, Vasa SK, Li P (2018) Evaluation of groundwater quality, Peddavagu in Central Telangana (PCT), South India: an insight of controlling factors of fluoride enrichment. Model Earth Syst Environ. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40808-018-0443-z

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Baghel VS, Gopal K, Diwedi S, Tripathi RD (2005) Bacterial indicators of faecal contamination of the Gangatic river system right at its source. Ecol Indic 5:49–56

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bahrami M, Zarei AR (2023) Assessment and modeling of groundwater quality for drinking, irrigation, and industrial purposes using water quality indices and GIS technique in fasarud aquifer (Iran). Model Earth Syst Environ 9:3907–3921. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40808-023-01725-2

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Barakat A, Hilali A, El Baghdadi M, Touhami F (2019) Assessment of shallow groundwater quality and its suitability for drinking purpose near the Béni-Mellal wastewater treatment lagoon (Morocco). Hum Ecol Risk Assess Int J 26(6):1476–1495. https://doi.org/10.1080/10807039.2019.1584029

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Barakat A, Meddah R, Afdali M, Touhami F (2018) Physicochemical and microbial assessment of spring water quality for drinking supply in Piedmont of Beni-Mellal Atlas (Morocco). Phys Chem Earth Parts a/b/c 104:39–46

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Benamar A, Mahjoubi FZ, Kzaibe F (2019) Evaluation of water quality of Oum Er Rbia River (Morocco) using water quality index (WQI) method. J Appl Surf Interfaces 5:1–3. https://doi.org/10.48442/IMIST.PRSM/jasi-v5i1-3.15437

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bisimwa AM, Kisuya B, Kazadi ZM, Muhaya BB (2022) Monitoring Faecal contamination and effects of physicochemical variables on Faecal indicator bacteria abundance in Bukavu surface waters, tributaries of Lake Kivu in Democratic Republic of Congo. Hyg Environ Health Adv 3:100012. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heha.2022.100012

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Boateng TK, Opoku F, Acquaah SO, Akoto O (2016) Groundwater quality assessment using statistical approach and water quality index in Ejisu- Juaben municipality, Ghana. Environ Earth Sci 75:489

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Borrego AF, Romero P (1982) Study of the microbiological pollution of a Malaga littoral area II. Relationship between fecal coliforms and fecal streptococci. VIe journée étud Pollutions, Cannes, p 561–569

  • Brown RM, McCleiland NJ, Deininger RA, O'Connor MF (1972) A water quality index—crossing the psychological barrier. In: Proceedings of the International Şehnaz Conference on Water Pollution Research, Jerusalem, 18–24 June 1972, p 787–797

  • Chan CL, Zalifah MK, Norrakiah AS (2007) Microbiological and physiological quality of drinking water. Malays J Anal Sci 11(2):414–420

    Google Scholar 

  • Chemseddine F, Abderrahmane B, Abdelkader R, Elias S (2009) Caractérisation hydrogéochimique des eaux souterraines du complexe aquifère Morsott-Laouinet (Région Nord de Tébessa, Sud-Est algérien). Revue Int Sci Technol 05:217–231

    Google Scholar 

  • Coffey R, Paul MJ, Stamp J, Hamilton A, Johnson T (2019) A review of water quality responses to air temperature and precipitation changes 2: nutrients, algal blooms, sediment, pathogens. J Am Water Resour Assoc 55:844–868. https://doi.org/10.1111/1752-1688.12711

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Crane SR, Moore JA (1984) Bacterial pollution of groundwater: a review. Water Air Soil Pollut 22:67–83

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • De Middeleer G, Leys N, Sas B, De Saeger S (2019) Fungi and mycotoxins in space—a review. Astrobiology 19(7):915–926

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Egbueri JC (2018) Assessment of the quality of groundwaters proximal to dumpsites in Awka and Nnewi metro-polises: a comparative approach. Int J Energ Water Res 2(1):33–48. https://doi.org/10.1007/s42108-018-0004-1

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Egbueri JC (2019) Water quality appraisal of selected farm provinces using integrated hydrogeochemical, multivariate statistical, and microbiological technique. Model Earth Syst Environ 5:997–1013. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40808-019-00585-z

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • El Hammioui Y, Anarghou H, Belghiti ML, Hachi T, Elhamdouni D, Laiboud C, Essabiri H, Boumalkha O, Khaffou M, Abba E (2022) Evaluation of the metallic and bacteriological quality of water well in Khenifra province (Morocco). IOP Conf Ser: Earth Environ Sci. https://doi.org/10.1088/17551315/1090/1/012031

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • El Hamzaoui E, El Baghdadi M, Oumenskou H, Aadraoui M, Hilali A (2020) Spatial repartition and contamination assessment of heavy metal in agricultural soils of Beni-Moussa, Tadla plain (Morocco). Model Earth Syst Environ 6:1387–1406. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40808-020-00756-3

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • El Ouali Lalami A, Zanibou A, Bekhti K, Zerrouq F, Merzouki M (2014) Contrôle de la qualité microbiologique des eaux usées domestiques et industrielles de la ville de Fès au Maroc. J Mater Environ Sci 5:2325–2332

    Google Scholar 

  • Elhamdouni D, Arioua A, Elhmaidi A, Aba B, Mansour D, Karaoui I, Ait Ouhamchich K (2017) Geomatics tools and AHP method use for a suitable communal landfill site. Case study of Khenifra region – Morocco. J Mater Environ Sci 8:3612–3624

    Google Scholar 

  • Elhamdouni D, Arioua A, Karaoui I (2022) Monitoring urban expansion using SVM classification approach in Khenifra city (Morocco). Model Earth Syst Environ 8:293–298. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40808-021-01092-w

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Félicien Louzayadio Mvouezolo R, Ayessou N, Nkounkou Loumpangou C, Tchoumou M (2021) Vulnerability to microbiological pollution of tap water and groundwater consumed in the southern zone of the City of Brazzaville (Republic of the Congo). Int J Environ Monit Anal 9(5):152–161. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijema.20210905.16

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gwimbi P, George M, Ramphalile M (2019) Bacterial contamination of drinking water sources in rural villages of Mohale Basin, Lesotho: exposures through neighbourhood sanitation and hygiene practices. Environ Health Prev Med 24:33. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12199-019-0790-z

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hilali A, El Baghdadi M, Halim Y (2022) Environmental monitoring of heavy metals distribution in the agricultural soil profile and soil column irrigated with sewage from the Day River, Beni-Mellal City (Morocco). Model Earth Syst Environ 9:1859–1872. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40808-022-01592-3

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hosseininia M, Hassanzadeh R (2023) Groundwater quality assessment for domestic and agricultural purposes using GIS, hydrochemical facies and water quality indices: case study of Rafsanjan plain, Kerman province, Iran. Appl Water Sci 13:84. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13201-023-01891-9

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Jamaa H, Hamdouni T, El Achheb A, Namr KI (2023) Assessment of groundwater vulnerability to contamination using the DRASTIC model and GIS functions in Doukkala Plain, Morocco. Model Earth Syst Environ. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40808-023-01789-0

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Jhariya DC, Kumar T, Dewangan R, Dharm PAL, Dewangan PK (2017) Assessment of groundwater quality index for drinking purpose in the Durg district, Chhattisgarh using Geographical Information System (GIS) and Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) techniques. J Geol Soc India 89:453. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12594-017-0628-5

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Kanohin F, Otchoumou E, Yapo OB, Dibi B (2017) Physicochemical and bacteriological characterization of Bingerville groundwater. Int J Biol Chem Sci 11(5):2495–2509

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Kawo NS, Karuppannan S (2018) Groundwater quality assessment using water quality index and GIS technique in Modjo River Basin, central Ethiopia. J Afr Earth Sci 147:300–311. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jafrearsci.2018.06.034

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Krishna Kumar S, Hari Babu S, Eswar Rao P, Selvakumar S, Thivya C, Muralidharan S, Jeyabal G (2017) Evaluation of water quality and hydrogeochemistry of surface and groundwater, Tiruvallur District, Tamil Nadu, India. Appl Water Sci 7:2533–2544

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Kumar S, Tripathi VR, Garg SK (2012) Physicochemical and microbiological assessment of recreational and drinking waters. Environ Monit Assess 184(5):2691–2698

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Li H, Gu J, Hanif A, Dhanasekar A, Carlson K (2019) Quantitative decision making for a groundwater monitoring and subsurface contamination early warning network. Sci Total Environ 683:498–507. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.05.121

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Mansouri Z, Leghrieb Y, Kouadri S, Nadhir AA, Najm HM, Mashaan NS, Eldirderi MMA, Khedher KM (2022) Hydro geochemistry and groundwater quality assessment of Ouargla Basin South of Algeria. Water 14:2441. https://doi.org/10.3390/w14152441

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Mgbenu CN, Egbueri JC (2019) The hydrogeochemical signatures, quality indices and health risk assessment of water resources in Umunya district, southeast Nigeria. Appl Water Sci 9:22. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13201-019-0900-5

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Mostafa MG, Uddin SMH, Haque ABMH (2017) Assessment of hydro-geochemistry and groundwater quality of Rajshahi City in Bangladesh. Appl Water Sci 7:4663–4671

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Musyoki AM, Suleiman MA, Mbithi JN, Maingi JM (2013) Water-borne bacterial pathogens in surface waters of Nairobi River and health implication to communities downstream Athi River. Int J Life Sci Pharma Res 3:1

    Google Scholar 

  • Norme Marocaine 03.7.001 (2006) Qualité des eaux d’alimentation humaine élaborée par le comité technique de normalisation des eaux d’alimentation humaine éditée et diffusée par le service de normalisation industrielle Marocaine (SNIMA), 14p

  • Olofinlade WS, Daramola SO, Olabode OF (2018) Hydrochemical and statistical modeling of groundwater quality in two contrasting geological terrains of Southwestern Nigeria. Model Earth Syst Environ. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40808-018-0486-1

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Pandey PK, Kass PH, Soupir ML, Biswas S, Singh VP (2014) Contamination of water resources by pathogenic bacteria. AMB Expr 4:51. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13568-014-0051-x

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rabeiy RE (2017) Assessment and modeling of groundwater quality using WQI and GIS in Upper Egypt area. Environ Sci Pollut Res 25:30808–30817. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-017-8617-1

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Ramachandran A, Sivakumar K, Shanmugasundharam A, Sangunathan U, Krishnamurthy RR (2020) Evaluation of potable groundwater zones identification based on WQI and GIS techniques in Adyar River basin, Chennai, Tamilnadu, India. Acta Ecol Sin 41:4. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chnaes.2020.02.006

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • RamyaPriya R, Elango L (2018) Evaluation of geogenic and anthropogenic impacts on spatio-temporal variation in quality of surface water and groundwater along Cauvery River, India. Environ Earth Sci. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12665-017-7176-6

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Reljić M, Romić M, Romić D, Gilja G, Mornar V, Ondrasek G, Zovko M (2023) Advanced continuous monitoring system—tools for water resource management and decision support system in salt affected delta. Agriculture 13(2):369. https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture13020369

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • RGPH (2014) Note sur les premiers résultats du Recensement Général de la Population et de l’Habitat. Rapport, province Khénifra – Maroc

  • Rivera-Jaimes JA, Postigo C, Melgoza-Alemán RM, Aceña J (2018) Study of pharmaceuticals in surface and wastewater from Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico: occurrence and environmental risk assessment. Sci Total Environ 613–614:1263–1274. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2017.09.134

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Rodier J, Legube B, Merlet N (2009) L’analyse de l’eau 9e edition. Entierement mise à jour. Dunod, Paris, 1579p

  • Ronnel CN, Christine JMA, Maria YRD, Pauline BB, Eduardo BC, Doreen RM, Delia BS (2022) Health risks due to metal concentrations in soil and vegetables from the six municipalities of the Island Province in the Philippines. Int J Environ Res Public Health. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19031587

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sahu P, Sikdar PK (2008) Hydrochemical framework of the aquifer in and around East Kolkata wetlands, West Bengal, India. Environ Geol 55:823–835

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Şener Ş, Erhan Ş, Ayşen D (2017) Evaluation of water quality using water quality index (WQI) method and GIS in Aksu River (SW-Turkey). Sci Total Environ 584–585:131–214. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2017.01.102

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Shammi M, Rahman R, Rahman MM, Moniruzzaman M, Bodrud-Doza M, Karmakar B, Uddin MK (2016) Assessment of salinity hazard in existing water resources for irrigation and potentiality of conjunctive uses: a case report from Gopalganj District, Bangladesh. Sustain Water Resour Manag 2:369–378

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Shukry M, Elsaidy NR, Elleboudy NS, Alkhedaide A, Abouelenien FA, Abdelrahman MH, Soliman MM (2022) Enhancement effects of water magnetization and / or disinfection by sodium hypochlorite on secondary slaughterhouse wastewater effluent quality and disinfection by-products. Processes 10:1589. https://doi.org/10.3390/pr10081589

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Sila ON (2019) Physico-chemical and bacteriological quality of water sources in rural settings, a case study of Kenya, Africa. Sci Afr 2:e00018. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sciaf.2018.e00018

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Souza KM (2022) Groundwater monitoring analysis and management recommendations in California: Cuyama and Santa Cruz Mid-County. Master's Projects and Capstones. 1337. https://repository.usfca.edu/capstone/1337

  • Sylus KJ, Ramesh H (2018) Geo-statistical analysis of groundwater quality in an unconfined aquifer of Nethravathi and Gurpur river confluence, India. Model Earth Syst Environ. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40808-018-0488-z

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Tampo L, Mande SL, Adekanmbi AO, Boguido G, Kossitse Venyo Akpataku KV, Ayah M, Ibrahim Tchakala I, Masamaèya DT, Gnazou M (2022) Treated wastewater suitability for reuse in comparison to groundwater and surface water in a peri-urban area: implications for water quality management. Sci Total Environ 815:152780. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.152780

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Taşan S (2023) Estimation of groundwater quality using an integration of water quality index, artificial intelligence methods and GIS: case study, Central Mediterranean Region of Turkey. Appl Water Sci 13:15. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13201-022-01810-4

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Upfold NS, Luke GA, Knox C (2021) Occurrence of human enteric viruses in water sources and shellfish: a focus on Africa. Food Environ Virol 13(1):1–31

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Water Health Organization (2011) Guidelines for drinking-water quality, 4th edn. World Health Organization, Recommendations, Geneva

Download references

Acknowledgements

The physico-chemical analyses for this study were conducted at the laboratory of the Faculty of Sciences in Meknes. The bacteriological analyses, on the other hand, were carried out at the laboratory of public health in the provincial delegation of the Ministry of Public Health and Social Protection in Khenifra. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all individuals responsible for managing the various institutions involved in this project.

Funding

The authors declare that they have no funding sources.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Biological Engineering Laboratory, Faculty of Sciences and Technics, Sultan Moulay Slimane University, B.P: 523, Mghila, Beni Mellal, Morocco

    Youssef El Hammioui, Hammou Anarghou & El Hassan Abba

  2. Natural Resources Management and Recovery Team, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Moulay Ismail University, Zitoune, B.P 11201, Meknes, Morocco

    Moulay Lafdil Belghiti & Abdelhak Saidi

  3. Water Resources Management and Valorization and Remote Sensing Team, Faculty of Sciences and Technics, University Sultan Moulay Slimane, B.P 523, Mghila, Beni Mellal, Morocco

    Driss Elhamdouni

  4. Geomatics, Geo-Resources and Environment Laboratory, Department of Earth Sciences, Faculty of Sciences and Technology, University Sultan Moulay Slimane, B.P 523, Mghila, Beni Mellal, Morocco

    Abdessamad Hilali

  5. Department of Plant Protection and the Environment, National School of Agriculture, Route Haj Kaddour, Meknes, Morocco

    Abdellatif Boutagayout

  6. The Higher School of Technology, Sultan Moulay Slimane University, B.P. 170, 54000, Khenifra, Morocco

    El Hassan Abba

Authors
  1. Youssef El Hammioui
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Hammou Anarghou
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Moulay Lafdil Belghiti
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Driss Elhamdouni
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. Abdelhak Saidi
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  6. Abdessamad Hilali
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  7. Abdellatif Boutagayout
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  8. El Hassan Abba
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Youssef El Hammioui.

Ethics declarations

Conflict of interest

On behalf of all authors, the corresponding author states that there is no conflict of interest.

Additional information

Publisher's Note

Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

Rights and permissions

Springer Nature or its licensor (e.g. a society or other partner) holds exclusive rights to this article under a publishing agreement with the author(s) or other rightsholder(s); author self-archiving of the accepted manuscript version of this article is solely governed by the terms of such publishing agreement and applicable law.

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

El Hammioui, Y., Anarghou, H., Belghiti, M.L. et al. Evaluation of the physicochemical and bacteriological quality of water wells in Khenifra province (Morocco). Model. Earth Syst. Environ. 10, 2239–2255 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40808-023-01902-3

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40808-023-01902-3

Keywords

Search

Navigation