Determination of the Physico-Chemical and Bacteriological Characteristics of the Groundwater of Angads (Oujda, Morocco) by Principal Component Analysis (PCA)

The development and management of vital resources such as groundwater are crucial for ensuring sustainable access to clean water. This study analyzed the mineralogy and hydrogeochemistry of the Angads aquifer, located in northeastern Morocco, in order to understand the processes responsible for its mineralization. Thus, a multivariate statistical analysis using principal component analysis (PCA) was performed on all groundwater samples collected from this aquifer. The results of the study showed that the mineralization of the water is influenced by the geological formations it passes through and the time spent in the aquifer. This is evidenced by the presence of ions such as HCO3−, Ca2+, Mg2+, SO42−, and Cond. To ensure the sustainable management of groundwater in the region, measures need to be taken to control the use of fertilizers, reduce the use of pesticides, and implement purification methods. This is important to protect the quality of groundwater and to ensure that it remains a reliable source of clean water for the local population.