GEOCHEMISTRY, QUALITY APPRAISAL OF GROUNDWATER AND HYDROGEOCHEMICAL PROCESS IN MIDDLE OUERRHA, TAOUNATE, RIF – MOROCCO

A hydrogeochemical study was conducted in the Middle Ouerrha, Taounate, Morocco, to identify the mechanisms responsible for the chemical compositions of the shallow groundwater and to document water quality. Different physicochemical parameters are determined, and correlation were used to reveal the hydrogeochemical characteristics of the shallow groundwater, and the potential water-rock interactions. Groundwater samples were collected from a natural source and two wells. Unfortunately, the groundwater of Taounate district have know the problem of salinity, which threatens their quality. In the Hammam source were characterized by high levels of salinity. The temperature, pH, electrical conductivity, salinity, Ca, Mg, Cl, SO4, K, NO3, Na and HCO3 were determined. The predominant mechanism controlling groundwater chemistry proved to be the dissolution of carbonates, salt red marls and gypsum. The purpose of this study was to identify salinity water sources and quantitatively analyze their composition usingcomprehensive hydrogeochemical determinations. This approach facilitates important decision making for water salinity disaster control, and quickly and accurately solves the fuzzy and uncertain characteristics of water quality. In addition, the method also can be used at various scales for water resources development, regional water resource evaluations, and environmental assessment.