Multivariate Statistical Analysis and Microbiological Assessment of Groundwater Quality in the Ghis-Nekor Aquifer (Morocco)

This study focuses on evaluating the physicochemical and microbiological quality of groundwater from the Plio -Quaternary aquifer in the Ghis-Nekor plain (Rif, Morocco). Sixteen samples were analyzed for physicochemical parameters and eight for microbiological analyses, collected in July 2023. The physicochemical results show mineralization dominated by Na+ and Cl− ions and electrical conductivity, which are strongly correlated with each other, indicating major geochemical control. Principal component analysis reveals that the first two factors explain 61.17% of the total variance, highlighting two main gradients: a mineralization gradient and an anthropogenic influence gradient. From a microbiological perspective, the groundwater exhibits spatial variability. Analyses show the presence of indicator bacteria of fecal contamination, including total coliforms, fecal coliforms, and intestinal enterococci, indicating the aquifer's vulnerability to anthropogenic infiltration. All samples failed to comply with current regulations, indicating a health risk to the population in the study area. These results underscore the need for regular microbiological monitoring and integrated water resource management to mitigate health risks.