Assessing hydrogeochemical characteristics, pollution sources, water quality, and health risks in Northwest Moroccan springs using statistical analysis

Water contamination driven by natural and human-induced activities, poses significant global challenges affecting ecosystems, human health, and water resources. This paper evaluates drinking water quality, health risks, geochemical evolution, and identifies pollution origins in 26 springs in North-West Morocco for 21 physico-chemical parameters during dry and wet seasons. Despite most samples meeting Moroccan and WHO guidelines (World Health Organization, Guidelines for drinking-water quality, World Health Organization, Geneva, 2004; World Health Organization, Guidelines for drinking-water quality, World Health Organization, Geneva, 2011; World Health Organization, Guidelines for drinking-water quality: fourth edition incorporating the first and second addenda, World Health Organization, Geneva, 2022; Minister of Health, “NM 03.7.001 Moroccan standard for the quality of water for human consumption (NM 03.7.001 Norme Maroccaine Eau Alimentation).” Scribd. https://fr.scribd.com/document/415319447/NM-03-7-001-Norme-Maroccaine-Eau-Alimentation , 2006), exceedances were observed for ammonium, nitrate, iron, and lead, particularly during the dry season. High iron concentrations result from the region's natural iron-rich geology, while increased lead levels indicate human activities and natural geologic sources. Nitrate contamination originates from septic tanks, animal manure, and improper waste disposal, with ammonium primarily originated from fertilizers and wastewater. Piper diagram revealed that most spring waters are dominated by mixed facies Ca–Mg–Cl and Ca–HCO 3 . Scatter plots highlighted the significant influence of silicate weathering, reverse ion exchange, and anthropogenic disturbance on water chemistry. The modified Drinking Water Quality Indices (DWQI) classified 68% of springs as excellent, 24% as good, and 8% as fair. The Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment Water Quality Index (CCMEWQI) classified 20% of samples as excellent, 76% as good, and 4% as fair. Nitrate poses higher health risks to children than adults, and lead contamination in “S8” may endanger children's health. Therefore, combining WQI with health risk assessments ensures safe drinking water. Our findings guide efforts to manage groundwater contamination, supporting the global goal of ensuring “safe water for all”.