Marchica Lagoon, a Ramsar site on the Mediterranean coast of Morocco, is experiencing the impacts of watershed pollution, which includes pollutants from the domestic, agricultural, industrial, and ...mining sectors. Restoration actions were undertaken around this lagoon during the last decade in order to protect its ecological value and to develop tourist activity. To conserve the biodiversity in the lagoon, it is important to assess the environmental state of this ecosystem. This study aims to evaluate the ecotoxicological state of sediments through the post restoration characterization of the trace elements Pb, Cu, Zn, Cr, Co, and Ba, as well as their correlation to the major elements, grain size, and total organic carbon, sampled during two campaigns (the wet and dry seasons of 2018) across a sampling network of thirteen stations. Multivariate analysis and ecotoxicological risk assessment of the trace elements using the sediment quality guidelines and five pollution indices (geoaccumulation index (Igeo), enrichment factor (EF), contamination factor (CF), pollution-load index (PLI), and mean effect range median quotient (m-ERM-Q)) revealed contamination of the lagoon by Pb, Zn, and Cu, and minimal pollution by Cr, Co, and Ba. The distribution of the biological-risk index reveals that four zones of the lagoon may present a high probability of toxicity, thus constituting potential risk areas for aquatic organisms: during the wet season, the area in the northwestern sandbar border, the southwest eutrophication zone, and the mouth of the stream valley conveying industrial discharges; and during dry season, the northwestern eutrophication zone. Despite the restoration actions achieved around the lagoon, the lead, zinc, and copper concentrations increased, and their variation was significant between group stations. The biodiversity conservation of Marchica Lagoon requires continuous monitoring and assessment, as well as the implementation of an integrated management plan with restoration actions, not only around the lagoon, but also at its watershed level.
The Mediterranean Sea has been characterized in recent years by marine litter pollution. Our study aims to quantify waste flows in two watersheds in the northern Mediterranean region of Morocco. For ...Laou wadi and Martil wadi, floating and bank-accumulated waste was monitored during the autumn 2022 and spring 2023 seasons respectively. The results revealed that for Laou wadi, 384 objects/100 m were collected on the banks with a density of 0.20 objects/m2, and "plastic/polystyrene" constituted the main component of the total debris collected representing 57.19% in number of pieces, followed by "glass/ceramic" with 28.44%. For Martil wadi, 4715 objects/100 m were collected, with a density of 6.74 objects/m2, and "plastic/polystyrene" also constituted the main component of the total debris collected with 94.38%. The debris recorded are mainly associated with waste discharge along the river banks. It is therefore recommended to improve solid waste management and activate environmental control in the two Mediterranean basins studied in order to protect the Mediterranean Sea.
The management of natural surface water resources requires an understanding and knowledge of water quality. The Lake Dayet Er-Roumi (classified as a Site of Biological and Ecological Interest (SIBE)) ...is the only permanent continental lake of low altitude in Morocco, this international attraction site is subject to various sources of anthropogenic pollution, in addition to the effects of climate change (thermal variability, lack of precipitation, etc.). The objective of this work is to quantify and assess the quality of the waters lake, and its tributaries through Spatio-temporal monitoring of several physicochemical parameters during two seasons (winter and summer) of the year 2019. All the physicochemical analysis (such as temperature, hydrogen potential, electrical conductivity, dissolved oxygen, nitrates, orthophosphates, and chlorides) were carried out at 7 study stations (5 stations at lake level and 2 stations representing the tributaries). Statistical calculation of the data set revealed high concentrations of chlorides in both seasons and orthophosphates during the summer season, with average nitrate concentrations during the winter season. The results obtained show that the pH of the water is basic with a very high electrical conductivity showing a load of water in different minerals. These results greatly exceed the standards of fish water quality and surface water quality. They show that the lake Dayet Er-Roumi is polluted. Strategies to limit the pollution of the lake must be implemented by decision-makers at all levels, in order to avoid several ecological problems (fish mortality for example).
The contamination of aquatic ecosystems with metals remains a serious environmental problem of growing concern. Sediments are often studied as reservoirs or wells for many chemical pollutants. They ...are micropollutant traps; they also indicate the watercourse's historical pollution, lagoons, and lakes…Lake Dayet Er-Roumi (SIBE) is the only permanent natural lake in the Khemisset region (Morocco); this wetland is affected by several forms of pollution that are mainly linked to human activities (agricultural, domestic, industrial, etc.). The objective of our study is to contribute, through qualitative and quantitative analysis, to the assessment of lake sediment pollution by Spatio-temporal monitoring of certain toxic heavy metals such as Mn, Zn, Cr, Cd. These sediments are collected on the level of the lake's surface; the concentration of heavy metals was measured by microwave plasma atomic emission spectroscope (MP-AES). Metal analyses carried out at three measuring points during the winter season reveal a high concentration of Zn, Cr, and Mn at all stations during the winter season, which far exceeds the recommended standards, with a low level of Cd. The contamination factor "FC" and the degree of contamination "DC" reveal polymetallic contaminations dominated by two elements, zinc, and Chromium, which are the most worrying. These results clearly show that lake Dayet Er-Roumi is polluted; strategies to limit the lake's pollution must be implemented to avoid several ecological problems (fish mortality, etc.).
This study consists to conduct an environmental SWOT analysis to assess Marchica lagoon and its watershed within the framework of Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM). Recognized as a Ramsar ...site since 2005, the lagoon is located on the eastern Mediterranean coast of Morocco and offers a variety of ecosystem services. In response to substantial anthropogenic stress, the Moroccan government initiated a restoration plan since 2010 aimed at safeguarding these ecosystem services. Our analysis reveals that, despite restoration efforts, the lagoon is still adversely impacted by its watershed, including the discharge of wastewater, sometimes untreated. A significant environmental limitation identified is the inadequate integration of the “watershed-lagoon” spatial dimension in the lagoon’s management. Consequently, we recommend for the implementation of restoration measures upstream, especially in regions that exert influence on the lagoon. These actions are crucial to ensuring compliance with the spatial integration principles of the ICZM Protocol under the Barcelona Convention, promoting a more holistic and effective approach to ecosystem management.
Covid-19 was first reported in Morocco on March 2, 2020. Since then, to prevent its propagation, the Moroccan government declared a state of health emergency. A set of rapid and strict ...countermeasures have taken, including locking down cities, limiting population's mobility and prohibiting almost all avoidable activities. In the present study, we attempted to evaluate the changes in levels of some air pollutants (mainly PM10, NO2 and SO2) in Salé city (North-Western Morocco) during the lockdown measures. In this context, a continuous measurement of PM10, SO2 and NO2 was carried before and during the Covid-19 lockdown period. As a consequence of the security measures and control actions undertaken, the emissions from vehicle exhaust and industrial production were significantly reduced, which contribute to the decrease in the concentrations of the studied pollutants. The obtained results showed that the difference between the concentrations recorded before and during the lockdown period were respectively 75%, 49% and 96% for PM10, SO2 and NO2. PM10 levels were much less reduced than NO2. The three-dimensional air mass backward trajectories, using the HYSPLIT model, demonstrated the benefits of PM10 local emission reductions related to the lockdown were overwhelmed by the contribution of long-range transported aerosols outside areas. In addition, noteworthy differences in the air mass back trajectories and the meteorology between these two periods were evidenced.
Daily average concentrations of SO2 and NO2 from March 11th to April 2nd in Salé city. Display omitted
•PM10, NO2 and SO2 concentrations were reduced by more than half during the covid-19 lockdown period.•Covid-19 countermeasures contribute to reduce all pollutant concentrations but with significant differences among them.•Long-range transported aerosols contributions overcame the PM10 local emission reductions benefits related to the lockdown.
Covid-19 was first reported in Morocco on March 2, 2020. Since then, to prevent its propagation, the Moroccan government declared a state of health emergency. A set of rapid and strict ...countermeasures have taken, including locking down cities, limiting population's mobility and prohibiting almost all avoidable activities. In the present study, we attempted to evaluate the changes in levels of some air pollutants (mainly PM
, NO
and SO
) in Salé city (North-Western Morocco) during the lockdown measures. In this context, a continuous measurement of PM
, SO
and NO
was carried before and during the Covid-19 lockdown period. As a consequence of the security measures and control actions undertaken, the emissions from vehicle exhaust and industrial production were significantly reduced, which contribute to the decrease in the concentrations of the studied pollutants. The obtained results showed that the difference between the concentrations recorded before and during the lockdown period were respectively 75%, 49% and 96% for PM
, SO
and NO
. PM
levels were much less reduced than NO
. The three-dimensional air mass backward trajectories, using the HYSPLIT model, demonstrated the benefits of PM
local emission reductions related to the lockdown were overwhelmed by the contribution of long-range transported aerosols outside areas. In addition, noteworthy differences in the air mass back trajectories and the meteorology between these two periods were evidenced.
Marine litter pollution is one of the world’s major environmental challenges. In the Mediterranean, marine litter on beaches is mainly generated by tourism and recreational activities. The present ...study is part of an "Adopt-a-Beach" pilot project, initiated as part of the Marine Litter MED (ML MED) project, coordinated by the United Nations Environment Programme UNEP/MAP. The main objective of this work was to assess and quantify marine litter on four beaches along Morocco’s Mediterranean coast (Merkala Tanger, Amsa Tetouan, Sabadia Al Hoceima, and Miami Nador) over a seasonal cycle during 2018–2019, in line with UNEP/MAP guidelines. On average, 1768 items/100 m were collected from the four beaches, with a density of 0.34 items/m2. "Plastic/polystyrene" was the main component of the total debris collected, accounting for 74.1% in number of items, followed by "paper/cardboard" at 6.4%. The dominant categories of top 10 items were "plastic/polystyrene pieces < 50 cm" (G76), "cigarette butts and filters" (G27), "plastic caps and lids" (G21/24), and "crisps packets/sweets wrappers" (G30/31) that all comprised 49.9% of the total items. Tourism and recreational wastes were the most represented sources at 52%.
Marchica lagoon, a Ramsar site on Morocco's Mediterranean coast, has emerged as a prominent tourist destination within the Mediterranean region. However, the summer tourism is often accompanied by a ...rise in waste accumulation, especially on the surrounding beaches. The focus of this study is a detailed analysis of marine litter found on the beaches near Marchica Lagoon, specifically Al Mohandis, Bocana, and Nador Artificial Beach. The data collection for this study was carried out over a three-day period prior to the summer season in June 2023. The methodology adhered to the established protocols of the "Guidance on Monitoring of Marine Litter in European Seas." A total of 731 items of marine debris were collected from these three beaches, with an overall weight of 20395 kg. The composition of the collected debris revealed that polymer materials were the most prevalent, accounting for 81% of the total debris, followed by paper/cardboard (6.3%), metal (6.2%), processed wood (2.9%), glass/ceramics (1.9%), and cloth/textile (1.78%). The analysis indicates that the majority of the marine debris is associated with the activities of beach visitors. It is recommended that public awareness initiatives be implemented and solid waste management practices improved.
The main objective of this initial study is to assess the extent of surface water contamination in Marchica Lagoon caused by organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) historically used in agriculture through ...a sampling network consisting of eight stations covering all areas of the lagoon during the 2022 summer season. Located on Morocco’s Mediterranean coast, the lagoon has undergone several restoration actions since 2010 to improve its environmental state. However, this ecosystem is under constant pressure from its watershed, which can convey water pollution from agricultural, industrial, mining, and domestic sources, making continuous monitoring essential. Eight organochlorine pesticides (Alpha HCH, Beta HCH, Gamma HCH, Aldrin, Dieldrin, DDD, DDE, and DDT) were detected by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) using the SIM (Selected Ion Monitoring) method. The results revealed OCPs contamination of the lagoon’s surface waters; the spatial variation of total OCPs concentrations (Σ8OCPs) ranged from 7.58 to 18.79 ng/l. The predominant element detected was β-HCH (lindane), recorded between the Bouarg channel and Selouane wadi, an area characterized by intensive agriculture.
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