Engineering Headway Vol. 32

Abstract: Morocco, bordered by the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, is recognized as a country of high biodiversity, particularly rich in marine flora such as macroalgae. These organisms are widely distributed along the coasts and play a fundamental role in maintaining the ecological balance of coastal marine ecosystems. This study aims to assess the spatial and temporal variability of macroalgal diversity along the Doukkala coast (Atlantic Morocco), a region known for its ecological and economic importance. From January to December 2019, monthly surveys were conducted in the intertidal zone across selected sites. The investigation focused on species composition, functional groups, and percentage cover in relation to seasonal fluctuations in key physicochemical parameters, including temperature, salinity, pH, nitrate (NO₃⁻), orthophosphate (PO₄³⁻), and dissolved oxygen. Ecological index analysis and principal component analysis (PCA) were also performed to assess the relationships between macroalgal diversity and environmental factors. A total of 206 macroalgal species were identified, including 151 Rhodophyta, 29 Phaeophyta, and 26 Chlorophyta. Seasonal trends indicated a notable increase in species richness during the spring. The diversity and distribution of macroalgae along the Doukkala coast were strongly influenced by both physical factors (temperature, salinity) and chemical parameters (nitrate, orthophosphate, and dissolved oxygen). this study highlights the dynamic response of macroalgal communities to environmental variability, offering essential insights into the ecological status and resilience of marine ecosystems along the Atlantic coast of Doukkala.

Abstract: Understanding coastal morphological changes is crucial for managing dynamic shorelines subject to natural and anthropogenic pressures. This study focuses on the porpho-sedimentary evolution of El Jadida Bay (Morocco) over a three-year period (2021-2024), using high resolution topographic data collected during four field survey. In order to evaluate short-term coastal react.ions to wave action, tide changes, and storm events, Digital Terrain Models (DTMs) were created from GPS-RTK observations. The spatial analysis revealed notable shifts in beach morphology. With alternating zones of erosion and accretion? While the upper beach sectors displayed a clear trend of sediment accumulation, areas closer to the intertidal zone exhibited localized erosion. Post-storm surveys, particularly after the March 2024 event, highlighted the significant impact of extreme meteorological conditions on sediment redistribution within the bay. The study demonstrates the effectiveness of topographic monitoring and geostatistical modeling in identifying patterns of morphological change. Offering valuable insights into the natural dynamics shaping this valuable coastal zone.

Abstract: In Morocco, the use of medicinal plants is a common practice among local populations for treating various ailments. This study aimed to document and inventory medicinal plants traditionally used in the Caidat of Beni Ammart, locate in the Al Hoceima region.Ethnobotanical surveys were conducted between September to December 2023 through structured questionnaires administered to knowledgeable local healers. The study focused on five medicinal plants: Daphne gnidium L., Origanum elongatum, Cistus salvifolius, Cistus laurifolius and Thymus willdenowii. Boiss. The results revealed that these plants belong to three botanical families, among which Lamiaceae was the most represented from an ethnobotanical perspective. The most commonly used plant parts were leaves, fruits, and seeds. The primary methods of preparation included decoction, maceration, and infusion. These medicinal plants are traditionally employed to treat a variety health conditions, primarily respiratory, digestive, and dermatological diseases.

Abstract: In order to manage urbanization in a responsible way, it is even more critical to perform either a prior geotechnical study or a geological study before the projects are started. However, performing these investigations usually brings about some extra expenditure which can raise the cost of the project by ten times the original budget. This case study is on the city of Casablanca, Morocco and aims at carrying out geotechnical and geological survey of soil and rocks using GIS and geostatical approaches. Its primary aim is to develop a systematic geotechnical database and relevant geotechnical maps which can be readily used by practitioners across civil and geotechnical engineering sectors without undertaking new geotechnical exploration. For this purpose, geological and geotechnical maps as well as data gathered from 100 region surveys were collected and processed. It has been demonstrated that the substratum of the located area in Casablanca, contains the deposits of silt, calcarenites, marls, graywackes, and siltstones. The oldest deposits date to the Middle Cambrian while the youngest to the Holocene. Two important maps one of material bearing capacity and other of substratum for accurate depiction on geotechnical data was prepared by integrating geostatistical concepts into GIS. The soil bearing capacity at the study site was found to range between 2 bars to 4 bars with moderate bearing grade structure in the area.

Abstract: Source fondamentale d'eau potable et d'irrigation agricole, les eaux souterraines sont indispensables, notamment dans les régions où les eaux de surface restent rares. L'aquifère du Saïss, situé dans le bassin du Sebou au nord du Maroc, joue un rôle crucial dans le maintien des communautés locales et des activités économiques. Cependant, les pressions anthropiques croissantes et les conditions environnementales changeantes menacent sa qualité et sa disponibilité. Cette étude examine l'impact des activités humaines, des conditions géochimiques et des fluctuations saisonnières sur la composition des eaux souterraines. Des analyses physico-chimiques approfondies ont été menées sur des échantillons d'eau prélevés sur plusieurs saisons afin d'évaluer les concentrations d'éléments indicateurs de qualité tels que les nitrates, les sulfates, les chlorures et les ammoniums. Des approches statistiques descriptives ont été utilisées pour l'analyse des données, complétées par une analyse en composantes principales (ACP) afin de déterminer les relations entre les caractéristiques et de différencier les effets des causes géologiques et anthropiques. Les résultats indiquent une baisse significative de la qualité des eaux souterraines, principalement due aux pratiques agricoles intensives, à l'infiltration d'engrais et de pesticides, et aux effluents d'origine domestique et industrielle. En saison sèche, la pollution est plus marquée, caractérisée par des concentrations élevées de chlorures (850 mg/L), de sulfates (440 mg/L) et de sodium (320 mg/L). À l'inverse, pendant la saison des pluies, l'infiltration due aux précipitations intensifie la contamination, notamment en raison des niveaux élevés de nitrate et d'ammonium. Les résultats soulignent la vulnérabilité de l'aquifère du Saïss aux pressions anthropiques et aux fluctuations climatiques, soulignant la nécessité immédiate de stratégies de gestion durable pour réduire les risques de contamination et garantir la préservation à long terme de cette ressource en eau essentielle pour les besoins, tant pour l'eau potable que pour l'agriculture.

Abstract: Groundwater is a vital resource for the economy of the Taza region. A 12-month prospective study was carried out from March 2023 to April 2024, with the aim of assessing the hygienic quality (physico-chemical and bacteriological), using a geographic information system or GIS, of well and spring water used as drinking water and for domestic activities by the population of certain communes in the Taza region. A total of 11 water samples were taken at 11 points likely to pose a health risk to their users. These points were identified by data sheets indicating their topographical coordinates. The results revealed various types of contamination, mainly expressed by two types of pollution: significant microbial pollution in 100% of the waters, originating from percolating runoff and domestic and industrial wastewater; low to significant chemical pollution in all the waters studied. The results obtained show that the various parameters: dissolved oxygen, nitrate and nitrite concentrations are too high in relation to national standards in several of the samples analyzed.

Abstract: In a complex medium, particularly soil, understanding water movement is essential for optimizing water management in agricultural and natural ecosystems. This study presents a theoretical and numerical analysis of the influence of temperature variations and root activity on water retention and redistribution in soils with variable saturation. A finite element model was developed to simulate water flow, integrating temperature-dependent hydraulic properties and dynamic root water uptake. Simulations revealed that a 10°C increase in soil temperature can reduce water content by up to 15% in the top 20 cm of soil due to increased evapotranspiration and reduced matric potential. Root water uptake responds dynamically to thermal conditions, with uptake rates increasing by around 20% under moderate warming, particularly in the upper soil layers. These results demonstrate the strong coupling between thermal gradients, root function, and soil moisture distribution. They improve our ability to predict soil-plant-atmosphere interactions under changing climatic conditions and provide valuable information for optimizing irrigation strategies and ensuring sustainable use of water.

Abstract: This study investigates the calco-carbonic balance of drinking water in Taza, Morocco, a critical parameter for ensuring water quality and preserving distribution infrastructure. Using Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Multiple Linear Regression (MLR) with Statistica 12, we examine the interactions between the physicochemical parameters and the Langelier Saturation Index (LSI). The study highlights the difficulty of factors influencing this balance, which is crucial for preventing scaling. Scaling can lead to reduced water flow, decreased energy efficiency, increased maintenance costs, premature equipment wear, and deterioration of water quality. The results identify the parameters impacting this balance, including temperature, total hardness, dissolved oxygen, and pH. PCA enabled us to extract valuable insights from physicochemical analyses, revealing significant correlations between these parameters and suggesting optimization strategies.The predictive model for the Langelier Saturation Index, with a determination coefficient (R² = 0.925) and a standard error (σerr = 0.07), provides a valuable tool for expecting and correcting imbalances, therefore ensuring better management of drinking water quality in Taza.

Abstract: The chemical characterization of the Ghis-Nekor aquifer has attracted significant attention from researchers in Morocco. It is a crucial indicator of the environmental situation and the socio-economic development of this Moroccan region. Indeed, it helps decision makers to conduct a conscious and sustainable management. The primary objective of this study is to investigate the origin of salinity using isopoly elements such as Stronstium and Bromide and to evaluate the physicochemical quality of groundwater in the Ghis-Nekor aquifer region and to determine the sources of pollution in order to establish maps of the qualities of the Ghis-Nekor water table. For this reason, of Ghis-Nekor aquifer 19 samples were examined during the month of July 2023, in terms of isotopic elements such as bromine (Br) and strontium (Sr) et tantalum (Ta) (03 samples), and in terms of physico-chemical parameters such as pH, temperature, electrical conductivity (EC), Chlorides, Nitrates, Ammonium, Nitrite, Sulfates, Sodium, Potassium, Bicarbonates, Calcium, orthophosphates and Magnesium . The spatial distribution of the results was visualized through thematic maps generated using a Geographic Information System (GIS), offering crucial insights for decision-making processes related to water resource management in the region.The water temperature varies between 15.1 and 49°C. The pH is close to neutral, varying between 6.65 and 7.86. The waters are classified into three distinct chemical facies: chlorinated and sulfated calcic-magnesium facies, bicarbonated calcic-magnesium facies, and chlorinated sodium-potassium facies.The degradation of water quality in the aquifer of the basin of Ghis-Nkour could have geological and anthropogenic origins. The analysis of bromide and strontium contents allows to discriminate the origin of salinity anomalies. Molar ratios such as Cl/Br, Br/Cl, and Sr/Ca are employed to distinguish areas influenced by geological factors, such as the leaching of salt formations and facies, from those impacted by anthropogenic activities.