Effects of human pressure on groundwater quality in Morocco

Groundwater pollution from anthropogenic sources is a serious concern affecting several coastal aquifers in the Mediterranean Basin. In this region adequate science-based management strategies to protect groundwater from contamination and overexploitation are of paramount importance. In particular special attention has to be paid to coastal aquifers in arid and semi-arid regions, often representing the main freshwater resource to sustain human needs, as in the case of the Bou-Areg Aquifer (Nador Region, Morocco). A complete assessment of human impacts on groundwater quality determined that the BouAreg aquifer is characterized by a high natural salinity, increased
by the effects of agricultural activities through irrigation return flows.

Identification of the effects of human pressure on groundwater quality by themedpartnership