Abstract.
A natural tracer approach is applied to study the processes of salinization of the coastal carbonate aquifers in the Sahel of Oualidia (Morocco). Analyses of chloride, sulfate, bromide, strontium and nitrate confirm the existence of seawater intrusion, and reveal an evaporitic contamination and an anthropogenic pollution affecting both surficial and deep aquifers. The evaporitic contamination is explained by the washing away of the gypsum marl of the basement of the limestone of Dridrate, and also by the rise of evaporitic waters from deep gypsum formations. Anthropogenic pollution is induced by excessive use of fertilizers in agriculture. Enrichment by chloride originating from the surface could also be invoked, on the other hand, to explain chloride content in the surficial aquifer. The possible existence of connections between the layers of the aquifer system can be demonstrated by this study.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Additional information
Electronic Publication
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Fakir, .Y., El Mernissi, .M., Kreuser, .T. et al. Natural tracer approach to characterize groundwater in the coastal Sahel of Oualidia (Morocco). Env Geol 43, 197–202 (2002). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00254-002-0644-6
Received:
Accepted:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00254-002-0644-6