Comparative Study of the Physico-chemical Characteristics of Water in the Astacus astacus Habitat (Sidi Mimoun Lake and Ras Elma Astaculture Station) in the Middle Atlas Morocco

In Morocco, periods of drought and the combined impact of climate change and human activities have had varying degrees of impact on the habitats of freshwater species. The study compares the physico-chemical parameters of water in two artificial sites, Sidi Mimoune Lake and Ras Elma crayfish farm station (Astaculture station) to determine the most favorable environment for raising crayfish (Astacus astacus). The study determined key physico-chemical parameters including temperature, T; potential Hydrogen, pH; dissolved oxygen, DO and Electrical conductivity, EC which were (T°: 13.2°C and 13.22°C; pH: 8.1 and 7.99; DO: 9.13 mg/l and 9.18 mg/l and EC: 675.47µs and 671.9µs) at Sidi Mimoune lake and Ras Elma Astaculture Station, respectively. Regarding organic nutrients (ammonium, NH+4; nitrites, NO2-; nitrates, NO3- and orthophosphates, H3PO42-), the average concentrations were (NH+4: 0.14 mg/l and 0.15; mg/l; NO2-: 0.1 mg/l and 0.24 mg/l; NO3-: 1.87 mg/l and 1.2 mg/l; H3PO42-: 0.62 mg/l and 0.65 mg/l). Concerning water hardness, the average values were (total hardness: 39.29 °F and 39.98°F; calcium hardness: 9.49°F and 8.46°F; magnesium hardness: 4.15°F and 4.39°F). The determination of the physico-chemical parameters in the two sites and the assessment of the environmental conditions favorable to crayfish farming are vital for the conservation of Astacus. astacus and also for maintaining biodiversity and the ecological balance of freshwater ecosystems in Morocco.