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<p>Groundwater springs are a vital source of drinking water in rural Morocco, yet are highly vulnerable to microbial contamination that threatens public health. This study assessed the physicochemical and microbiological quality of 26 springs in the Tangier–Tetouan–Al Hoceima region, examining seasonal and spatial variations and identifying potential pollution sources. Samples were collected in the wet and dry seasons and analyzed following standard protocols (Rodier). About 60% of springs had pH below Moroccan standards, reflecting low alkalinity, while heavy metals remained within permissible limits. During the dry season, <i>Total coliforms</i> and <i>Intestinal Enterococcus</i> reached 7.5 × 10<sup>3</sup> and 1 × 10<sup>4</sup>&#xa0;CFU/100&#xa0;mL, respectively, whereas <i>E. coli</i> peaked at 3 × 10<sup>3</sup>&#xa0;CFU/100&#xa0;ml in the wet season. <i>Total Coliforms</i> were detected in 69% of springs in the wet season and 77% in the dry season. <i>E. coli</i> and <i>Enterococcus</i> occurred in 65% and 50% of springs, respectively, in both seasons. Microbiological contamination was most pronounced in central and northeastern areas mainly due to septic tanks, livestock runoff, and poor waste management. Seasonal trends indicated stronger microbial variability during dry periods, with a positive correlation between Pb and enterococci, suggesting microbial persistence under trace-metal exposure. The CCME Water Quality Index (WQI) classified most springs as good-to-excellent, though some were marginal or poor, mainly due to microbial loads. GIS-based mapping identified contamination hotspots, while Factor Analysis (FA) highlighted turbidity, mineralization, oxygen depletion, and fecal pollution as dominant drivers. Cluster analysis distinguished three spring typologies: highly mineralized, fecally contaminated, and trace-metal influenced. These findings provide evidence-based guidance for policymakers, health authorities, and water managers to implement disinfection and protective infrastructure, safeguarding drinking water in rural communities.</p>

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Spatiotemporal variation in physicochemical and microbial quality of spring waters in northwest morocco using statistical analysis

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年1月8日

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  • Wafae Lechhab,
  • Touria Lechhab,
  • Yousra Tligui,
  • El Mustapha Azzirgue,
  • Houria Dakak,
  • Farida Salmoun

摘要

Groundwater springs are a vital source of drinking water in rural Morocco, yet are highly vulnerable to microbial contamination that threatens public health. This study assessed the physicochemical and microbiological quality of 26 springs in the Tangier–Tetouan–Al Hoceima region, examining seasonal and spatial variations and identifying potential pollution sources. Samples were collected in the wet and dry seasons and analyzed following standard protocols (Rodier). About 60% of springs had pH below Moroccan standards, reflecting low alkalinity, while heavy metals remained within permissible limits. During the dry season, Total coliforms and Intestinal Enterococcus reached 7.5 × 103 and 1 × 104 CFU/100 mL, respectively, whereas E. coli peaked at 3 × 103 CFU/100 ml in the wet season. Total Coliforms were detected in 69% of springs in the wet season and 77% in the dry season. E. coli and Enterococcus occurred in 65% and 50% of springs, respectively, in both seasons. Microbiological contamination was most pronounced in central and northeastern areas mainly due to septic tanks, livestock runoff, and poor waste management. Seasonal trends indicated stronger microbial variability during dry periods, with a positive correlation between Pb and enterococci, suggesting microbial persistence under trace-metal exposure. The CCME Water Quality Index (WQI) classified most springs as good-to-excellent, though some were marginal or poor, mainly due to microbial loads. GIS-based mapping identified contamination hotspots, while Factor Analysis (FA) highlighted turbidity, mineralization, oxygen depletion, and fecal pollution as dominant drivers. Cluster analysis distinguished three spring typologies: highly mineralized, fecally contaminated, and trace-metal influenced. These findings provide evidence-based guidance for policymakers, health authorities, and water managers to implement disinfection and protective infrastructure, safeguarding drinking water in rural communities.