Impact of Pollution on Surface Water Quality: Case of the Fez and Sebou Rivers (Morocco)

Wetlands are vital ecosystems that play a crucial role in supporting human activities. Over the past decades, however, they have undergone a marked deterioration in their physico-chemical quality. This study assessed the water quality of two Moroccan rivers, the Fez and Sebou wadis, through three sampling campaigns conducted between January and May 2009. Fifteen physico-chemical parameters were measured, including three in situ (temperature, pH, electrical conductivity) and twelve in the laboratory (TA, TAC, oxidability, dissolved O₂, total and calcium hardness, Cl⁻, SO₄²⁻, PO₄³⁻, TSS, BOD₅, COD). Heavy metal concentrations (Al, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Ni, Pb, Zn) were determined using ICP-AES, along with microscopic observations of aquatic flora. The results show that the reference site (S0), located upstream of the confluence of the Sebou and Fez wadis, is characterized by good water quality. In contrast, site S1 (Sebou downstream of the confluence) is subject to physico-chemical pollution resulting from the mixing with Fez wadi waters. The Fez wadi (S2) exhibits severe pollution, making it comparable to an open sewer.