IMPACT STUDY OF AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS ON THE GROUNDWATER SUPPLYING THE RAMSAR 'MERJA ZERGA' ECOLOGICAL SITE

In order to provide a clear answer on the origin of the different pollutants found in the Merja Zerga, this work has been divided into two parts:  The identification of pesticides in the region by the inventory of agricultural pesticides used, their toxicological classification according to the WHO classification  The monitoring of groundwater quality in the region around the Merja Zerga, and the analysis of some trace elements (heavy metals and pesticides). This study allowed us to outline the interaction between agricultural practices and groundwater quality in the region where the ecotoxicological risks represented by the various uses are present. Indeed, the inventory allowed us to identify 45 substances used in the region with a dominance of insecticides. On the other hand, the evaluation of the quality of these waters by the monitoring of some physical and chemical tracers shows a good quality at the level of the study area around the Merja Zerga (Kenitra province) according to Moroccan standards. With regard to the analysis of trace elements (heavy metals and pesticides) in these groundwater shows a lack of contamination of these waters by these elements with the exception of lead but with negligible values and below the Moroccan standards and denotes the absence of a possible impact of agriculture on the quality of these waters. Which is related to road traffic and the intensive use of fuels in agricultural actions